Negotiations between the parties continue to normalize the situation, says FO
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi speaking at FO’s weekly press briefing. SCREENSHOT
Pakistan is working to bring relevant parties back to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of ongoing efforts to reduce regional tensions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO) said on Thursday.
Addressing a weekly press briefing, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said, “We are doing everything possible to bring the parties back to the Islamabad MoU so that all irritants can be removed in the light of the Islamabad MoU and the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Statement of June 22.”
He said negotiations between the parties were continuing to normalize the situation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, and to support de-escalation.
“Negotiations between the parties continue to normalize the situation, especially that in the Strait of Hormuz, and to de-escalate the situation,” he said.
Reiterating Pakistan’s position, Andrabi said: “We note with concern that the security situation remains precarious, despite the relative calm of recent days, which has rekindled hope that this positive development, this calm, would consolidate into a lasting and fully respected ceasefire and open the way for dialogue.”
He added: “Amidst the current tensions and hostilities, Pakistan reiterates that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path. We welcome all efforts aimed at maintaining the cessation of hostilities and resumption of dialogue between Iran and the United States. Pakistan is committed and will continue to play its role in this regard.”
Calling for restraint, the spokesperson said, “We encourage the parties to exercise maximum restraint and fully adhere to their commitment to resume negotiations at the technical level for the implementation of the Islamabad MoU, in line with the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Statement of June 21, 2026.”
Referring to Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements, Andrabi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, during which the two leaders agreed to continue working closely to maintain regional peace, stability and uninterrupted flow of legal maritime trade across the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.
He said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar subsequently held a telephonic conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, during which they discussed the latest regional developments, reaffirmed the close and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and highlighted the importance of continued diplomacy and constructive engagement for regional peace and stability.
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Andrabi said Dar also had a telephone conversation with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, during which the two leaders discussed the worsening situation in Palestine, condemned Israeli actions and reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and security.
On bilateral relations with Kuwait, the spokesperson said, “Pakistan and Kuwait reaffirmed their long-standing and strong bilateral partnership and agreed to deepen their cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, energy, information technology, agriculture, education, health and other priority sectors through sustained high-level engagements and the establishment of joint working groups.”
Read: The United States and Iran claim a fragile truce
He added, “The DPM welcomed Kuwait’s ratification of the Pakistan-Kuwait Defense Cooperation Agreement, describing it as an important step towards strengthening defense institutional ties and collaboration between the two countries.”
The spokesperson said Dar also participated in the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers in the Kyrgyz Republic, where he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the SCO Charter, regional connectivity, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, while expressing Pakistan’s readiness to assume the chairmanship of the SCO for 2026-2027.
On Pakistan-US relations, Andrabi said Dar met a 33-member US Congressional delegation and a 33-member US business delegation on July 28, during which he highlighted the positive dynamics in bilateral relations and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening relations through increased parliamentary engagement, economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
Regarding Palestine, Andrabi said: “On July 24, 2026, the foreign ministers of eight Arab-Islamic countries, including Pakistan, issued a joint statement strongly condemning Israel’s actions and restrictions in Jerusalem, particularly regarding the Al-Aqsa Mosque. They called on the international community to respect international law, protect the rights of Palestinians and preserve the religious and historical status of the holy city.
It said Dar also had a telephone conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, during which both sides expressed serious concern about the situation in Palestine, called for an immediate end to hostilities, unhindered humanitarian assistance and respect for international law, and discussed coordinated diplomatic efforts in favor of the Palestinian people.
The spokesperson said Pakistan and Egypt also held the 10th round of their annual bilateral consultations virtually last week, during which both sides reviewed cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, education, culture, science and people-to-people contacts, while reaffirming their commitment to stronger regional coordination and cooperation on multilateral issues.
Learn more: Dar urges Iran, US to build on Islamabad MoU
Highlighting another initiative, Andrabi said: “On July 24, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with COMSTECH, launched the first issue of the Journal of Science, Communication, and Diplomacy for 2026, marking the second year of its publication.
He said the journal provides a platform for diplomats, scientists, academics and policy practitioners to engage in discourse at the intersection of science, technology and international relations, adding that the 2026 inaugural issue includes 11 articles, including seven authored by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and one by Foreign Minister Amna Baloch.
