Islamabad: Pakistan has expressed concern over the evolving regional situation particularly with respect to Iran, and underscored that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable way forward.
According to Statement of FO Spokesperson , during the past two weeks, DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi twice during this period. He expressed concern over the evolving regional situation, and underscored that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable way forward. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact. They discussed regional developments and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. They agreed to continue close engagement and coordination.
He said, 'The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid a State visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 5-6 February 2026, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan His Excellency Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. This is the second visit of Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan which reflects the positive upward trajectory in Pak-Uzbek bilateral relations and the brotherly ties between our two brotherly countries, rooted in common history, faith and common aspirations for peace and prosperity in Central and South Asia.'
He said, 'During his stay, the Uzbek President met the President, hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister, and address the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, also called on the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The two nations signed a Joint Declaration on the Outcomes of the State Visit.'
He added, 'Our leaderships held comprehensive discussions covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations in follow up of the Prime Minister's visit to Uzbekistan in February 2025 and the inaugural meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), aimed at providing top-level oversight of bilateral cooperation. Both sides reiterated their commitment to implementing previously signed agreements and roadmaps.'
'Economic cooperation was a key focus. The leaders reaffirmed their goal of increasing bilateral trade to USD 2 billion by 2029, expanding the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), finalizing a Bilateral Investment Treaty, and enhancing collaboration in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, agriculture, minerals, and engineering. They agreed to establish joint industrial zones and hold the first Interregional Forum in Uzbekistan in 2026,' he added.
He said, 'Connectivity and regional integration were highlighted, particularly the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project, including agreement on the Termiz-Kharlachi route and joint financing of the feasibility study. Pakistan reaffirmed access to its seaports and transport infrastructure for Uzbek trade.'
'Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, undertook his first State Visit to Pakistan on 03-04 February 2026. The State Visit of the President of Kazakhstan opens a new chapter of cooperation in bilateral relations between the two countries. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation, comprising senior Cabinet Ministers and other high-ranking officials.During the visit, President Tokayev met with the President of Pakistan, held talks with the Prime Minister, and addressed the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Business Forum.'
He said, 'A Joint Declaration on Establishing Strategic Partnership between the two countries was issued. It was decided to institutionalize high-level engagements, including regular reciprocal visits and a biennial Strategic Dialogue at the level of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, while enhancing parliamentary exchanges and consular cooperation.'
He said, 'In the security and defence domain, the two sides agreed to strengthen collaboration in counterterrorism, combating organized crime, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and other emerging threats, and to continue joint military exercises and professional exchanges. Several agreements were signed, including treaties on extradition, combating crimes, and cooperation in UN peacekeeping missions as well as in areas of transit trade, customs cooperation, financial regulation, and agricultural collaboration. Economically, the leaders set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to USD 1 billion and committed to expanding cooperation in agriculture, energy, textiles, finance, technology, and other key sectors.'
'The two countries also underscored the importance of transport and regional connectivity, supporting multimodal corridors linking Central and South Asia, including Trans-Afghan railway initiatives, and agreed to explore the resumption of direct flights. They agreed that a peaceful settlement of Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.The visit concluded with mutual invitations for future high-level exchanges, signaling a new chapter in Kazakhstan-Pakistan relations.'
He said, 'Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received the Representative of the President of Azerbaijan on Special Assignments, Khalaf Khalafov. During the meeting, Azeri side briefed DPM/FM on ongoing and forthcoming initiatives under Azerbaijan's Chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).'
He added, 'The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, received Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce of the Kingdom of Cambodia, both sides reaffirmed their mutual desire to collaborate closely in strengthening the bilateral partnership, particularly in the domains of economy, trade and investment, under the purview of the Pakistan-Cambodia Joint Trade Committee (JTC).'
'DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke on the telephone with Azerbaijan's Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov. They discussed strengthening economic cooperation, trade and investment ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, and agreed to maintain close contact,' he added.
He added, 'Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov. They reviewed bilateral relations, discussed ways to further enhance cooperation across multiple areas, and appreciated the continued momentum of high-level engagement between the two countries.'
He said, 'Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Botchway. DPM/FM highlighted Pakistan's role as a founding member of the Commonwealth and reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, good governance, development, and multilateral cooperation. Both leaders discussed avenues to further strengthen collaboration across priority areas of mutual interest, particularly through enhanced intra-Commonwealth cooperation.'
He said, 'Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received a phone call from Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov. FM Bayramov conveyed condolences for the victims of the Islamabad terrorist attack Both leaders also discussed current regional and international developments of mutual interest, and reaffirmed the enduring partnership between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.'
'Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan twice during this period. Both leaders also exchanged views on bilateral relations, matters of mutual interest, and key regional and international developments and agreed to remain in close coordination,' he added.
He said, 'In exercise of the powers under the Export Control on Goods, Technologies, Material and Equipment related to Nuclear and Biological Weapons and their Delivery Systems Act, 2004 (SECA-2004), the Government of Pakistan notified the updated National Control Lists of items requiring an export license from the Strategic Export Control Division (SECDIV), Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The updated lists are available on the website: www.secdiv.gov.pk.'
He said, 'First issued in 2005, the Control Lists were subsequently revised in 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2022. The latest update ensures continued harmonisation with the control lists maintained by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and the Australia Group (AG). This notification underscores Pakistan's resolve to further strengthen its export control regime and reaffirms its role as a responsible technology-holder state, firmly committed to the objectives of non-proliferation and the fulfilment of its international obligations.'
'The 6th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Canada was held in Islamabad. On behalf of Pakistan, Ambassador Nabeel Munir, Special Secretary (United Nations) joined by Director General (Americas) Aamir Khan participated in the Consultations while the Canadian side was represented by Ambassador Weldon Epp, Assistant Deputy Minister (Indo-Pacific) from Global Affairs Canada and the High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan in Islamabad, Pakistan,' he added.
He said, 'Recognizing the significant untapped potential in the relationship, both sides expressed their readiness to improve the implementation of existing agreements and identify new avenues for cooperation, particularly strengthening trade and economic cooperation including greater support to business communities, facilitation of the trade delegations and enhanced institutional linkages.'
He added,'The two sides also exchanged views on the evolving global and regional environment and discussed key multilateral issues of mutual interest. Both sides agreed to maintain regular consultations and expressed confidence that sustained engagement would lead to new progress in the bilateral partnership. This week, two Joint statements were issued Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Trkiye, United Arab Emirates condemning Israel's repeated violations of ceasefire in Gaza and on illegal Israeli actions in the Occupied West Bank.'
'On Gaza ceasefire violations, the Foreign Ministers termed Israeli actions as risk escalating tensions and undermining efforts aimed at consolidating calm and restoring stability, at a time when regional and international parties are working collectively to advance the second phase of Gaza Peace Plan and to implement the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803,'he added.
He said, 'In the second statement, they condemned illegal Israeli decisions and measures aimed at imposing unlawful Israeli sovereignty, entrenching settlement activity, and enforcing a new legal and administrative reality in the occupied West Bank, thereby accelerating attempts at its illegal annexation and the displacement of the Palestinian people. They reaffirmed that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory. Israeli actions represent an assault on the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to realize their independent and sovereign state on the 4 June 1967 lines, with occupied Jerusalem as its capital. Such actions also undermine the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the region.'
'Pakistan hosted the Informal Retreat of D-8 Commissioners on 5-6 February 2026 in Lahore. The session was organized primarily to discuss the strengthening of the D-8 Secretariat and to approve its financial and administrative matters ahead of the commencement of the 51st Session of the D-8 Commission and the 12th D-8 Summit, scheduled to be held in April this year in Jakarta. D-8 Commissioners from all member states, including Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Trkiye and Pakistan, attended the meeting. The Secretary-General of D-8, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, also participated in the Retreat.
Director-General of UNESCO, Dr. Khaled El-Enany arrived in Islamabad on an official visit to Pakistan. He called on the Prime Minister of Pakistan and held meetings with senior government officials to discuss strategic cooperation between Pakistan and UNESCO in all areas of its mandate. This is the first bilateral visit of Dr. El-Enany to any country since his election as the new Director General of UNESCO in November 2025.The Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, Rosan Roeslani, paid an official visit to Pakistan from 9 to 10 February 2026 at the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan. During the visit, he called on the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister,' he added.
He said, 'The visit of Rosan Roeslani underscores the shared resolve of Pakistan and Indonesia to elevate bilateral economic engagement and translate leadership-level initiatives into tangible outcomes.'