Islamabad: Foreign Office Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi has said that Pakistan remains actively engaged both with the US and Iran for the cause of peace and stability in the region and beyond.
At his weekly news briefing in Islamabad, FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi underscored that the clock on diplomacy has not stopped but functional. Tahir Andrabi said anything that passes through the conduit of diplomatic channels in Pakistan is honestly communicated to the other side.
He said Pakistan remains hopeful of a negotiated settlement of this issue, emphasizing that we encourage direct negotiations between the two sides. He said we hope for stable relations between Iran and the US.
FO Spokesperson said that Pakistan remains committed to regional stability and international peace, reflecting our preference for principled, dialogue-oriented diplomacy in addressing complex geopolitical challenges and managing complex disputes. He said that in this context, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif, with the active involvement of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan has maintained open channels of communication with the concerned parties.
The Foreign Office Spokesperson strongly condemned the unprovoked firing and shelling by Afghan forces in the border areas of South Waziristan adjacent to Bannu district, including Angoor Adda. He said efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety of local populations and prevent further incidents.
He said that in the border areas of South Waziristan adjacent to Bannu district, including Angoor Adda: Afghan forces carried out unprovoked firing and shelling on April 26 and 29, 2026, targeting civilian populations. He said that as a result of these incidents, several people were injured and multiple houses were damaged during the attacks. Among the injured were women and children aged 3, 8 and 10.
He said that the local tribal elders and residents have expressed serious concern over these incidents, condemning the cross-border firing and shelling from Afghanistan and demanding that it be stopped immediately. It is worth noting that similar incidents of cross-border firing and shelling have been reported in this area before, in which civilians were injured.
Tahir Andrabi strongly condemning these attacks from Afghanistan, we expressed sympathy and solidarity with the affected families. All possible measures are being taken for their assistance. Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety of local populations and prevent further incidents.
Responding to a question, Tahir Andrabi expressed concerns over the continued detention and imprisonment of Kashmiri leader Muhammad Yasin Malik as well as the rearrest and continued extension of three-decade old case against distinguished Kashmiri leader Shabbir Ahmed Shah.
He called upon the international community to take notice of the situation and play its role in basically pressing upon India for immediate release of Shabbir Shah Sahib, Yasin Malik Sahib and all other political prisoners who have been incarcerated for their voices on human rights and political freedoms.
He also strongly condemned the Indian illegal action in connection with the reported ban and sealing of Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom. He said targeting of this very credible institution in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir is part of a broader policy and pattern by the occupying authorities aimed at undermining the socio-cultural and religious identity of the Kashmiri people. He said these developments point to a persistent rise in Islamophobia in IIOJK and across India, reflecting a broad pattern of a far-right Hindutva driven agenda.
While updating regarding Pakistanis detained in Kampala, FO Spokesperson said that 27 Pakistanis are set to fly today out of Uganda, to Pakistan. Around 30 others are also willing to arrange their air tickets soon. Rest will also leave, as they are on visit visas. He said that the immigration authorities have penalised each financial penalty. However, our Embassy team is discussing the matter with Ugandan authorities to get it waived off, he said.