Islamabad: Pakistan has reiterated its call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any actions that could further undermine peace and stability amidst renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran.
This was stated by Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi while addressing the weekly press briefing on Thursday. FO Spokesperson said that on 8 July, following the renewed hostilities involving Iran and the United States, Pakistan expressed its deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the region. A renewed conflict serves no one's interest.
He said that as hostilities have continued over the past week, Pakistan reiterates its call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any actions that could further undermine regional peace and stability.
Tahir Andrabi said that Pakistan firmly believes that there is no alternative to sustained engagement, dialogue, and diplomacy in pursuit of the shared objective of lasting peace and stability in the region. Ultimately, all conflicts and disputes are resolved through dialogue and at the negotiating table.
He said that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) remains an enduring framework for promoting peace, mutual respect, and shared prosperity. While the implementation of the MoU is facing challenges, Pakistan will continue to encourage all sides to end the violence and resume technical-level talks in accordance with the MoU and the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Statement of 22 June 2026. We hope that all parties will remain committed to the path of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving outstanding issues.
Tahir Andrabi said that many countries, particularly those in the Global South, are being adversely affected by the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan recognizes the urgent need to address the impact of the current situation on global energy supplies, international trade, and food security.
Tahir Andrabi said that we express the hope for an early normalization of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and underscore the importance of ensuring the continued safety, security, and freedom of maritime navigation.
He said that amid the prevailing tensions and hostilities, Pakistan has remained actively engaged with key interlocutors across the region in support of efforts aimed at de-escalation, dialogue, and a peaceful resolution of the situation.
FO spokesperson said that on 10 July, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a warm and cordial telephone conversation with the Amir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Prime Minister expressed his deep concern over the recent escalation in tensions in the region. While conveying Pakistan's solidarity and support with the people of Qatar following the recent attacks, the Prime Minister urged all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from any actions that could undermine peace in the region. The two leaders agreed on the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement and dialogue, and adherence to the commitments made by all parties under the peace memorandum. His Highness the Amir thanked Pakistan's leadership for playing a leading role in promoting peace in the region and assured him of Qatar's continued support in this regard.
Tahir Andrabi said that on the same day, 10 July, the Prime Minister held a telephone conversation with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian. During their warm and cordial conversation, the Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the recent escalation in tensions in the region and underscored the urgent need to restore regional peace and stability. He called on Iran and all other parties to exercise restraint and refrain from any action that could jeopardize the hard-earned peace gains achieved over the past few months. President Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran's commitment to peace and appreciated Pakistan's constructive support and sincere efforts for regional stability. The two leaders also reviewed the implementation of the decisions taken during President Pezeshkian's visit to Islamabad last month and agreed to expedite follow-up actions to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across diverse fields. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue consultation s on matters of mutual interest and regional peace.
He said that on 12 July 2026, DPM/FM held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi. They discussed the regional situation, emphasized de-escalation and diplomacy, and agreed to remain in close contact. On 13 July 2026, DPM/FM held a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. They discussed recent regional developments, stressed restraint and dialogue, and agreed to remain in close contact.
He said that moving to other developments: On 13 July 2026, the Prime Minister, along with former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, visited Doha to offer condolences to the Amir of Qatar, H.E. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the demise of Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Tahir Andrabi said that President Asif Ali Zardari visited the Kyrgyz Republic from 6 to 9 July 2026, marking the first trip by a Pakistani President to the Central Asian country in 21 years.
He said that Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar left for Shanghai this morning to attend the signing ceremony for the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). He will sign the Agreement on behalf of Pakistan as a Founding Member. We issued a curtain-raiser for the visit last evening and will keep you updated on his engagements in Shanghai today and tomorrow.
He said that on 9 July 2026, the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia, Gordan Grlic Radman, paid an official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of DPM/FM. The two sides held delegation-level talks covering bilateral relations, trade and investment, higher education, tourism, cultural exchanges, defence cooperation, and collaboration in multilateral forums. They reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic engagement, strengthening political dialogue, and enhancing people-to-people contacts.
Tahir Andrabi said that the delegates from the 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) gathered in Islamabad for the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, hosted by Pakistan's Ministry of Human Rights on 12-13 July. Around 190 delegates participated in the conference, which focused on the theme, 'Socio-Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in the OIC Countries: Challenges and Way Forward.'
Tahir Andrabi said that Pakistan and Portugal held their annual bilateral political consultations on Wednesday in Islamabad. Ambassador Ayesha Ali, Additional Secretary (Europe), and Ambassador Helena Malcata, Director-General for Foreign Policy, led the two delegations, respectively. We issued a press release on the meeting, which you covered.
Tahir Andrabi said that on 30 June 2026, Pakistan submitted its seventh national report on the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 to the Chair of the UN 1540 Committee. The report has since been issued as an official document of the UN Security Council and is available on the website of the Committee. The report lists legal and administrative measures taken by Pakistan to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons and their means of delivery, and to establish effective national legislation, physical protection, border controls, and export controls to that end. This is Pakistan's seventh National Report to the UN 1540 Committee since its inception in 2004.
Responding to a question, the Foreign Office Spokesperson unequivocally condemned and rejected the latest charge sheet filed by the Indian National Investigation Agency against senior leadership of All Parties Hurriyat conference in connection with an incident dating back three decades. He said this action is yet another manifestation of India's continuing policy of using sham legal processes to target the Kashmiri political leadership and discredit a legitimate indigenous struggle for their inalienable right to self-determination as enshrined in the UN Security Council resolutions.
Tahir Andrabi stressed that no amount of politically orchestrated prosecution, retrospective investigations or attempts to delegitimise the Kashmiri leadership can alter the internationally recognised disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir or extinguish the Kashmiri people's inalienable right to self-determination or even obscure the urgent need for a peaceful and just resolution of the dispute in accordance with aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The FO Spokesperson also categorically rejected India's baseless and politically motivated attempts to link Pakistan with Pahalgam attack. He said such allegations are consistent with the recurring pattern of attempts to malign Pakistan and divert attention from the fact. He said Pakistan repeatedly called for an independent, transparent and credible investigation into the incident but India has yet to present any credible or verifiable evidence to substantiate its allegations.
Tahir Andrabi emphasized that instead of making unfounded accusations against others, India should undertake a sincere reflection on its own record including its policies and actions in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and its continued sponsorship of terrorist activities that Pakistan has consistently raised with the international community.
The FO Spokesperson said lasting peace and stability in the region can only be achieved through adherence to international law, respect for the UN Charter and commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolutions of dispute and not by levelling allegations for domestic consumption.