Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to Diplomacy, Rejects Foreign Media Claims
Islamabad Emphasizes Dialogue and Regional Stability
Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday that Pakistan remains firmly committed to constructive engagement, dialogue, and diplomatic solutions for regional peace, while rejecting what he called misleading international media reports and addressing recent security concerns. Speaking at the weekly press briefing, he said Pakistan continues to believe that constructive partnership and sincere dialogue are essential for advancing peace and shared prosperity, and reiterated respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. He categorically rejected a CBS News report published by CBS News
, calling it misleading, speculative, and disconnected from factual context, which alleged that Pakistan had allowed Iranian military aircraft to use its airfields. Andrabi clarified that the aircraft in question arrived during a ceasefire period and were linked to diplomatic engagement connected with Islamabad Talks, used for transporting diplomatic and administrative personnel, and had no connection to any military contingency. He also referred to comments by US Senator Lindsey Graham, stating that Pakistan had already issued clarification after the CBS report and fully explained its position.
The statement comes in response to allegations that Pakistan, while acting as a diplomatic bridge between Iran and the United States, had secretly facilitated Iranian military aircraft operations, claims based on unnamed US officials. Andrabi reiterated that Pakistan’s foreign policy is grounded in diplomacy, dialogue, and equal respect for sovereignty. He also highlighted recent diplomatic activity by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who held telephone conversations with leaders of Qatar and Azerbaijan, discussing evolving regional conditions and efforts to promote peace through dialogue, while also extending best wishes regarding the upcoming World Urban Forum. The spokesperson added that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has remained actively engaged in regional diplomacy, including meetings and calls with counterparts from Singapore, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Austria, and China. He noted that UN envoy Jan Arnaud met the deputy prime minister and conveyed appreciation from the UN secretary-general for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting regional peace and stability.
Andrabi said discussions with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan focused on maritime security, including the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides agreeing on continued coordination, while talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed support for diplomacy, a durable ceasefire, and safe maritime passage. He rejected claims that China had urged Pakistan to “do more” in mediation efforts, saying such reports misrepresented the conversation and that China had expressed full support for Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic role. On security matters, the spokesperson strongly condemned the attack on the Fateh Khel police post in Bannu, which resulted in the martyrdom of 15 police personnel, stating that preliminary investigations suggested involvement of militants operating from Afghan territory. He said the Afghan chargé d’affaires had been summoned and a strong demarche delivered, while Pakistan urged Afghan authorities to take immediate and verifiable action against groups including Islamic State Khorasan Province. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorist networks threatening national security. Finally, he said Pakistan is observing recent calls for dialogue emerging from India as a positive development but is awaiting a constructive response, adding that there is no confirmation of any backchannel or track-two engagement at this stage, while noting that Pakistani forces remain vigilant along the Line of Control and in areas such as Kishtwar amid ongoing security and human rights concerns.
