Islamabad: Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi has reiterated that Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory and rejected recent statements by India, saying they are aimed at diverting attention from the situation in occupied Kashmir.In a weekly press briefing, FO Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said that the issue of Kashmir is clearly defined under United Nations Security Council resolutions, which guarantee the right to self-determination for the Kashmiri people. He added that Indian statements on the issue hold no legal or political justification.Tahir Andrabi highlighted the contrast between the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.He said Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an illegally annexed, internationally recognized disputed territory whose people have suffered systemic abuses under draconian laws and have been denied their rights, including the right to self-determination. He further stated that con trarily, in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the government is addressing issues arising within the democratic and constitutional framework.Responding to a question about a statement by India's Water Resources Minister, the Spokesperson warned that any attempt to block water to Pakistan would be a deeply irresponsible act contrary to international obligations and the Indus Waters Treaty.He said Pakistan will take all necessary measures to safeguard its economy, vital national interests, and the lives of its 250 million people. He called upon India to take responsibility, honour its international commitments, and refrain from statements and actions that could further escalate tensions in the region.Commenting on the report of an independent international institute, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Tahir Andrabi said the findings are not surprising and corroborate Pakistan's concerns over India's vertical proliferation and strategic capabilities, including canisterization, sea-based systems, and l onger-range intercontinental ballistic missiles.The FO Spokesperson said Pakistan is not interested in an arms race or matching warheads, arms and ammunition by number. However, it remains mindful of the evolving security environment. He said Pakistan will continue to take measures essential for preserving strategic stability and deterring any possible Indian aggression.He said that Pakistani nationals have been in the captivity of Somali pirates for almost over 50 days now aboard cargo ship MT Honour 25. Sadly, we have not been able to secure their release and repatriation, despite proactive engagement with the Somali authorities and the Shipowner, both of whom are negotiating with the pirates and relevant tribes. Two days ago, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Somalia's Foreign Minister, Abdisalam Ali to discuss ongoing efforts to secure the release of the Pakistani hostages. Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister conveyed Pakistan's grave concern over the sit uation and underscored the importance of ensuring the hostages' well-being, their early release, and safe repatriation. Our DPM/FM urged steps to improving living conditions and provision of necessary amenities to the hostages. Let me add that the while DPM's message was focused on well-being of Pakistani nationals, he spoke for all hostages that included nationals from Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. FM Abdisalam Ali assured him of his government's continued and sincere efforts to secure the hostages' release at the earliest opportunity. Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination until the matter is resolved. The two counterparts also expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral relations between Pakistan and Somalia. The Somali FM also commended Pakistan's constructive mediation and diplomatic efforts in the broader regional context.Tahir Andrabi said that the Government took number of resolute steps to free the Pakistani hostages on MT Honour 25. I mentioned DPM's telep honic conversation with the Somalian Foreign Minister. This week Somali Ambassador was invited by the Foreign Secretary to discuss further possible steps in this regard. Pakistan Embassy team from Djibouti visited Mogadishu and met with number of important members of the Somali government to seek release of Pakistani prisoners. Moreover, early next week a relevant ministries and stakeholder will be held here to further streamline the ongoing efforts and better coordinate the initiatives for the release of Pakistani hostages.Tahir andrabi said that moving to the Middle East and the standoff in the Gulf Region, Pakistan remains deeply concerned at the situation in the region marked by recent escalation. We appeal to the parties to adhere to the understanding reached on the ceasefire and end hostilities to widen the space for dialogue and diplomacy.He said that Pakistan reaffirms support for the resolution of all outstanding issues. We are of the view that diplomacy and dialogue should be the guiding princip les for achieving negotiated settlement of all contentious issues in accordance with the rights and responsibilities of the parties concerned.Tahir Andrabi said that Pakistan's mediatory and facilitative efforts have endeavored to end hostilities, save lives and give diplomacy a chance. In this regard, the Minister of Interior was in Tehran this week where he held important meetings with Iran's leadership.FO Spokesperson said that Pakistan, along with partners, initiated diplomatic efforts to stop the war and to bring the parties to the table. We have been undertaking constructive diplomatic engagement in supporting de-escalation, ceasefire, and the broader pursuit of stability in the region. Our efforts, and spirit of engagement is guided by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif, articulated in his statement this week and I quote 'Let us continue to remain on the path of peace and diplomacy which have bright prospects of success instead of violence and destruction'.