Describes CBS report as ‘misleading, speculative and disconnected from factual context’
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi speaking at FO’s weekly press briefing. SCREENSHOT
ISLAMABAD:
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday that Pakistan remained committed to constructive engagement, dialogue and diplomatic solutions for regional peace, while rejecting “misleading international media reports” and addressing recent security concerns.
Speaking at a weekly press briefing, he said Pakistan continues to believe that “constructive partnership and sincere dialogue are essential to advance peace and shared prosperity for all.”
The spokesperson said Pakistan “categorically rejects the CBS News report…describing it as misleading, speculative and disconnected from factual context.
🔴LIVE: Weekly press briefing by the spokesperson 14-05-2026 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 14, 2026
Andrabi said the plane in question arrived “during the ceasefire period…to support diplomatic engagement related to the Islamabad talks”, including travel of diplomatic and administrative staff. He added that the plane “had no connection with any military contingency.”
He also referred to remarks by US Senator Lindsey Graham, saying Pakistan’s response was issued after the CBS report and fully clarified its position despite temporal differences.
The statement comes after a CBS News A report released Monday alleges that Pakistan, despite positioning itself as a diplomatic intermediary between Iran and the United States, “has quietly allowed Iranian military aircraft to park at its airfields, potentially protecting them from U.S. airstrikes.” The claims were made citing US officials who may have retained knowledge of the matter, the news agency said.
Andrabi said Pakistan remains committed to the “principles of diplomacy, dialogue and sovereign equality of respect for the sovereignty and territorial independence of all states”.
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Describing recent diplomatic activity, the spokesperson said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held telephone conversations with the leaders of Qatar and Azerbaijan over the past week.
Andrabi said the discussions focused on “the evolving regional situation and Pakistan’s ongoing peace efforts to advance peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.” The Prime Minister also extended his best wishes to Azerbaijani leaders for the upcoming World Urban Forum.
The spokesperson said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar remained actively engaged in regional diplomacy.
Andrabi noted that the UN secretary-general’s envoy for the Middle East conflict, Jan Arnaud, met the DPM this week and “conveyed the secretary-general’s deep gratitude for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace and stability.”
He added that Pakistan had “underlined its continued engagements with all relevant parties to advance dialogue and de-escalation”, while expressing gratitude for the UN support.
The spokesperson further said that Dar had several telephone conversations with foreign ministers in the region, including Singapore, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Austria and China.
He said the discussions included Pakistan’s efforts on “Iran-US engagement for peace and stability” and coordination on maritime security, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Following a call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, the two sides agreed on “the importance of safeguarding maritime security, including in the Strait of Hormuz”, and maintaining close coordination.
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After a conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both sides reaffirmed their support for diplomacy and stressed “the importance of a lasting ceasefire and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”
Responding to media reports about China’s call, the spokesperson rejected claims that Beijing had urged Pakistan to “do more” in its mediation efforts. He said: “I wish to go on record as saying that such reports somewhat distort the appeal, both in letter and spirit. »
He added that the conversation took place in “traditional warmth and cordiality” and that China expressed “full support for Pakistan’s constructive mediation role.”
The briefing also discussed the recent terrorist attack on a police station in Bannu. The spokesperson said the Afghan charge d’affaires in Islamabad had been summoned and a strong approach had been launched.
Pakistan has condemned the attack on the Fateh Khel police station, which resulted in the martyrdom of 15 police officers and several injuries.
He said preliminary investigations indicated the attack was “orchestrated by terrorists emanating from Afghan soil.” Pakistan has urged Afghan authorities to take “immediate, concrete and verifiable measures” against terrorist groups, including ISKP and others operating in the region.
The spokesperson concluded that Pakistan remains firmly committed to national security and will continue its efforts to “decisively eliminate all facilitators and facilitators of terrorist networks who threaten the peace and stability of the country.”
On regional diplomacy, he said Pakistan is observing the calls for dialogue emerging in India and views them as a positive development, pending a constructive response from New Delhi. He added that there is no confirmation of any engagement on runway two or the back channel at this stage.
On security developments along the LoC and incidents in Kishtwar, he said the situation involved both human rights and security dimensions, adding that Pakistani forces remained vigilant along the LoC.
