Pakistan pushing to revive Islamabad MoU as diplomacy continues to ease regional tensions: FO
ISLAMABAD: (News Pulse) Pakistan is actively working to bring the relevant parties back to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of its ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East and encourage dialogue, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Thursday.
Speaking at the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad remains committed to facilitating diplomatic engagement aimed at restoring stability in the region.
“We are making every possible effort to bring the concerned parties back to the Islamabad MoU so that outstanding issues can be resolved in accordance with the agreement and the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Statement,” Andrabi said.
He noted that negotiations among the parties are continuing to normalize the security situation, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, while supporting broader efforts to de-escalate regional tensions.
The spokesperson expressed concern that despite a relative lull in recent days, the regional security environment remains fragile.
“Although recent calm has raised hopes for a lasting ceasefire, the overall security situation continues to be precarious. Pakistan believes this period of calm should evolve into a durable ceasefire and eventually pave the way for meaningful dialogue,” he said.
Reaffirming Islamabad’s long-standing position, Andrabi stressed that diplomacy remains the only sustainable solution to the ongoing crisis.
“Pakistan welcomes all initiatives aimed at maintaining the cessation of hostilities and resuming dialogue between Iran and the United States. We will continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace and regional stability,” he added.
The spokesperson urged all sides to exercise maximum restraint and fully honour their commitment to resume technical-level discussions for implementing the Islamabad MoU in line with the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Statement issued on June 21, 2026.
Pakistan intensifies regional diplomatic outreach
Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements, Andrabi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently held a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace, stability and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of lawful maritime trade through the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.
He said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, with both sides reviewing the latest regional developments and emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and continued engagement to preserve peace.
Dar also held discussions with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, where the worsening humanitarian situation in Palestine was discussed. Both leaders condemned Israeli actions and reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace and regional security.
Pakistan, Kuwait agree to expand cooperation
On bilateral relations, Andrabi said Pakistan and Kuwait reaffirmed their long-standing partnership and agreed to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, energy, information technology, agriculture, education and healthcare through enhanced high-level engagement and the establishment of joint working groups.
He also welcomed Kuwait’s ratification of the Pakistan-Kuwait Defence Cooperation Agreement, describing it as an important milestone in strengthening institutional defence collaboration between the two countries.
Dar reiterates Pakistan’s commitments at SCO meeting
The spokesperson said Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar represented Pakistan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Kyrgyzstan, where he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the SCO Charter, regional connectivity, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Dar also conveyed Pakistan’s readiness to assume the SCO Chairmanship for the 2026-27 term.
Pakistan-US engagement continues
On relations with the United States, Andrabi said Ishaq Dar met a US congressional delegation and a 33-member American business delegation on July 28.
During the meetings, Dar highlighted the positive momentum in Pakistan-US relations and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through parliamentary cooperation, expanded economic engagement and stronger people-to-people contacts.
Pakistan reiterates support for Palestine
The Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan joined seven other Arab-Islamic countries in issuing a joint statement on July 24 condemning Israeli actions and restrictions in Jerusalem, particularly concerning the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The statement urged the international community to uphold international law, protect Palestinian rights and preserve the historical and religious status of Jerusalem’s holy sites.
Andrabi added that Dar also spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty, with both leaders expressing deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Palestine and calling for an immediate end to hostilities, unhindered humanitarian assistance and full respect for international law.
Pakistan and Egypt also held the 10th round of their annual bilateral consultations virtually last week, reviewing cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture, science and people-to-people exchanges while reaffirming their commitment to closer regional coordination.
Foreign Ministry launches diplomacy journal
The spokesperson further announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with COMSTECH, launched the first 2026 edition of the Journal of Science, Communication and Diplomacy, marking the publication’s second year.
According to Andrabi, the journal serves as a platform for diplomats, scientists, academics and policy experts to discuss the growing intersection of science, technology and international relations. The latest edition includes 11 research articles, including seven authored by Foreign Office officials and one by Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch.