Islamabad: Pakistan while strongly condemning recent attacks on Iran and Gulf countries has said such steps pose risk to regional peace.
Pakistan considers diplomatic way as effective way for defusing tension and resolution of issues, this was said by Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi during a weekly press briefing here Thursday.
He said Pakistan will continue to play its role for peace in the region.
Trust on Pakistan in connection with possible talks between US and Iran is an honor for Pakistan. Foreign Minister (FM) is continuing his efforts for de-escalation in Middle East. Talks and diplomacy are only way to ease tension.
The challenges facing Muslim world particularly restrictions on access to Masjid Al-Aqsa are matter of grave concern.
He said 20 Pakistani flagged ships have been allowed to pass through Strait of Hornuz.
Pak-Afghan talks are continuing in Arumchi city Referring to recent engagements, the spokesperson said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held important talks during his visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Both sides discussed regional and global developments and jointly proposed a five-point peace plan.
The plan includes calls for an immediate ceasefire, preventing further escalation, ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian aid, respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolving disputes through dialogue. It also stresses the protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law, along with reaffirming the principles of the United Nations Charter.
He clarified that discussions around a four-country consultative process should not be prematurely seen as an alliance, noting that the focus remained on enhancing mutual cooperation among participating states.
'These consultations are being held in the context of promoting shared interests and increasing coordination,' Andrabi said, adding that Pakistan was not exerting pressure on any party but supporting dialogue and diplomacy.
He also underscored that Iran, as a sovereign country, determines its own policies, and Pakistan's diplomatic efforts should not be interpreted as coercive.
Pakistan's diplomatic efforts, he added, were being seen as a significant step towards achieving a ceasefire, reducing tensions and ensuring sustainable peace.
Pakistan appreciates the support of all countries backing peace efforts, Andrabi said, adding that various global leaders, including those from Malaysia and European countries, have supported Islamabad's diplomatic outreach.
He said the President of the European Council has also expressed support, while countries seeking peace worldwide are recognizing Pakistan's efforts.
He said there are no final information about arrival of US vice president or any delegation in Pakistan. The negotiating delegation will be determined by the respective sides themselves.
He said Pakistani delegation is there in Aramchi at present. Persistent contact with China is there.
He reaffirmed the resolve that Pakistan has never backtracked from talks. It is in close contact with US, European partners and Gulf countries. Some among them are having diplomatic relation with Israel.
Confirming Pak-Afghan talks the spokesperson said Pakistani delegation held an important meeting with Afghan delegation in Aramchi city of China.
He held this meeting is in continuation of Pakistan permanent and principled stance under which Pakistan wants to promote dialogue and cooperation in the region.
It is the top priority of Pakistan that Afghan territory is not used against it in any way. Persistent contact is being maintained with Afghan authorities for this purpose.
He indicated the five points agreed between Pakistan and China are not only being appreciated at regional level but also at global level.
Answering yet another question about recent statement of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs regarding Shia community in Pakistan, the Spokesperson emphatically rejected India's remarks as cynical and diversionary.
He also expressed his concerns about bracketing Shia brothers and sisters in Pakistan as in a majority-minority paradigm saying that this is a lack of knowledge of the faith of Islam.
Tahir Andrabi said Shia brothers and sisters are part of the mainstream Muslims. There is no distinction for us between Shias and Sunnis in terms of majority-minority paradigm as these are just schools of thought within a broader Muslim faith.
The Foreign Office Spokesperson said bracketing Shias majority-minority paradigm is extremely dangerous. He said by doing so, Indians are trying to stoke sectarianism and discord within our society as they stoke terrorism in Pakistan.
Tahir Andrabi said Indians should be mindful that within the Muslim community in India, there are Shia and Sunni denominations. He said such kind of rhetoric is not good for themselves because the Muslim community which Indians have been persecuting for long, particularly under this present regime, they would be stoking the sectarianism, which would hurt their own country as well.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said in his statement on social media allowing 20 Pakistani flagged ships to pass through strait of Hormuz is appreciable move which should be welcome. This move will further strengthen confidence and cooperation between two countries.
He underlined Pakistan is making serious efforts for stability and peaceful co-existence in the region and is in contact with the neighboring countries to find solution to the problems through dialogue.