Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Wednesday that Pakistan remained “hopeful” despite recent escalations between the US and Iran and would continue to strive for dialogue and diplomacy. Pakistan has been spearheading efforts for an end to the ongoing war that began with US-Israeli attacks on Iran in February. Besides signing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding as the mediator in June, Islamabad had also brokered a ceasefire between the US and Iran in April. The April ceasefire put an end to the most intense fighting, but sporadic attacks, mainly around the Strait of Hormuz, have dimmed the prospects of a final peace agreement. Recalling Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, the FO spokesperson said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the SCO summit to discuss the evolving regional situation. The prime minister had reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace through restraint, dialogue and diplomacy, while stressing that the Islamabad MoU offered the most viable pathway to lasting peace and stability in the region, he said. He said Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had also interacted with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, while the two had earlier discussed the Middle East and Gulf situation in Istanbul on the sidelines of the Makkah summit. Andrabi also recalled that Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir had visited Tehran last week as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts. The visit focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, promoting regional de-escalation and exploring a negotiated settlement. These were among the main issues discussed during the visit, he added. More to follow
Pakistan 'hopeful' despite US-Iran escalation, will continue to continue to strive for dialogue: FO
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Wednesday that Pakistan remained “hopeful” despite recent escalations between the US and Iran and would continue to strive for dialogue and diplomacy. Pakistan has been spearheading efforts for an end to the ongoing war that began with US-Israeli attacks on Iran in February. Besides signing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding as the mediator in June, Islamabad had also brokered a ceasefire between the US and Iran in April. The April ceasefire put an end to the most intense fighting, but sporadic attacks, mainly around the Strait of Hormuz, have dimmed the prospects of a final peace agreement. Recalling Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, the FO spokesperson said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the SCO summit to discuss the evolving regional situation. The prime minister had reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace through restraint, dialogue and diplomacy, while stressing that the Islamabad MoU offered the most viable pathway to lasting peace and stability in the region, he said. He said Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had also interacted with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, while the two had earlier discussed the Middle East and Gulf situation in Istanbul on the sidelines of the Makkah summit. Andrabi also recalled that Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir had visited Tehran last week as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts. The visit focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, promoting regional de-escalation and exploring a negotiated settlement. These were among the main issues discussed during the visit, he added. More to follow