Pakistan helped avoid wider conflict through US-Iran mediation, security sources say

Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate diplomacy between the United States and Iran were aimed at promoting regional stability rather than securing any narrow national interest, security sources said on Tuesday, asserting that Islamabad helped prevent a potentially devastating conflict through engagement with all key stakeholders.

Iran and the United States have agreed to a Pakistan-brokered peace deal after a conflict that lasted more than three and a half months, with Iran and the United States confirming the developments on Sunday evening.

“Pakistan is not interested in time diplomacy. The mediation efforts undertaken by the country’s political and military leadership were not aimed at achieving a limited objective,” the sources said.

Read: Pakistani mediation results in elusive agreement

According to the sources, Pakistan played an important role in helping avoid a war that could have been imposed on the region and had serious consequences for regional peace and security.

“Through consultations and cooperation with all key parties, Pakistan helped prevent a major conflict with potentially serious repercussions,” they said.

The sources credit Chief of Defense Force and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for playing an important role in the diplomatic process.

“Through his sincerity, professional competence, wisdom and the grace of God, Field Marshal Asim Munir played a key role in saving the region from a major confrontation,” they said, adding that it was a “success achieved without waging a war and a reflection of the highest level of strategic thinking.”

They stressed that sensitive diplomatic efforts required confidentiality and caution.

“Pakistan, as a responsible mediator, cannot afford to speculate. Therefore, no comments will be made on the content of the negotiations, their details or the way forward,” the sources said.

They, however, acknowledged that attempts to undermine peace efforts may continue, but maintained that Pakistan would remain committed to working with its partners for regional stability.

“Efforts to sabotage peace may continue, but Pakistan will continue to work with its partners in all sincerity to establish peace,” they added.

The sources also praised Muslim countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, for showing restraint and leadership during the crisis.

Read also: Pakistan receives global praise for brokering US-Iran deal

“Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries demonstrated leadership, patience and strategic restraint. Their efforts helped prevent a conflict that could have engulfed the entire region and further divided the Muslim world,” they said.

The sources said military diplomacy and ties with friendly countries must be seen in the broader context of national interests and strategic engagement.

“Relations with friendly countries cannot be viewed in a narrow perspective. They are part of a broader diplomatic strategy and national interests,” they said.

They maintained that Pakistan’s diplomacy was independent and not borrowed from any other country. “Pakistan’s diplomacy is its own. It is not borrowed from anyone,” they said.

External relations

Commenting on Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s remarks regarding the Chabahar port, the sources said each country pursues its own interests.

“Each state has its own interests. We have no reason to worry about who meets who,” they said.

The sources described Pakistan’s ties with China as exceptionally strong.

“In the past, it was said that relations with China were sweeter than honey, higher than the Himalayas and stronger than iron. Today, we say that Pakistan’s relations with China have become stronger than platinum,” they said, while adding that Pakistan also maintained cordial relations with other countries.

“We have our own relations with the United States. We also have sincere relations with Russia, Saudi Arabia and Iran,” they said.

Imran’s alleged meeting with former army chief

Responding to a question regarding reports of a meeting between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan and a former army chief, the sources reiterated that the army had no political role.

“We have repeatedly stated that the Pakistan Army has nothing to do with politics. Politicians should talk to each other,” they said.

“When some people lose their relevance, such reports start surfacing,” the sources added.

Ties with Afghanistan

Addressing security challenges, the sources described terrorism as an ongoing reality and said Pakistan had repeatedly engaged with the Afghan government on this issue.

“We have had a lot of dialogue with the Afghan government, but each time the problem comes back to terrorism,” they said.

The sources said Pakistan had adopted a tougher approach towards Afghanistan due to lingering security concerns.

“In Afghanistan, we talk about dialogue on one side and terrorism on the other. That’s why we have adopted a tough approach,” they said.

Sources claim that more than 32,000 operations were carried out until June 15.

“More than 32,000 operations were carried out. A total of 1,861 terrorists were killed, including 991 in Pakistan and 862 in Afghanistan,” they said.

According to the figures shared by the sources, 74% of the 2,170 operations were carried out in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and 34% in Balochistan.

“On average, 10.3 terrorists were killed every day, while 640 Pakistanis embraced martyrdom,” they said.

The sources also claimed that precision strikes were used in Afghanistan to prevent civilian casualties.

“We used expensive munitions in Afghanistan to ensure that ordinary people were not harmed,” they said.

They further claimed that more than two dozen terrorist organizations were operating in Afghanistan.

Kashmir issue and BLA

Regarding the Kashmir conflict, the sources said that the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir were continuing their own movement.

“We have fought five wars with India over Kashmir. The people of occupied Kashmir are leading their own movement. Can anyone buy them?” they asked.

The sources said Kashmiris remained unhappy with Indian rule.

“They cannot take away the love of Pakistan from the hearts of Kashmiris,” they said.

On the water disputes with India, the sources said Pakistan had several options and would act as per the government’s directives.

“We have all options available regarding the water issue and can act as directed by the government. India should not test our resolve,” they said.

The sources warned against any attempt to hamper Pakistan’s water rights, saying such a move would invite a response.

“Let India try to block Pakistan’s water supply; we will show them the consequences,” they added.

The sources said Pakistan would continue to uphold the decisions taken by the National Security Committee (NSC) in 2025 and remain committed to the Indus Water Treaty.

“We will defend the 2025 NSC decisions and ensure that the Indus Waters Treaty remains intact,” they said.

The sources rejected allegations that the UAE was involved in any conspiracy against Pakistan.

“The UAE is not part of any conspiracy against Pakistan, including in Balochistan,” they said.

They claimed that the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) was supported by India.

“The BLA is sponsored by India, which is why it has been described as Fitna al-Hindustan“, they said.

The sources also accused terrorist groups and hostile elements of exploiting social media and rights-based discourses.

“They demonstrate in the name of rights but seek to create unrest. They burn property and then blame the security forces,” they said.

According to sources, security conditions in Balochistan have improved considerably.

“More than 24,700 operations have been carried out in Balochistan. The situation has improved considerably and people are benefiting from the mineral resources,” they said.

They also argued that governments in Balochistan were formed through constitutional and parliamentary processes.

“Governments in Balochistan are formed by the assembly. The army has no role in this process,” they said.

Commenting on the May 9 cases, the sources said court proceedings would continue regardless of delays.

“Even if individuals flee, the law will take its course. Once they are arrested, the process of punishment will begin,” they said.

“The May 9 case belongs to Pakistan, not the army. Wait and see, the matter will come to an end,” the sources added.