Islamabad MoU Remains Enduring Framework for Peace Amid US-Iran Tensions

Islamabad: Pakistan has reiterated its call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any actions that could further undermine peace and stability amidst renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran. At his weekly news briefing in Islamabad today, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding remains an enduring framework for promoting peace, mutual respect, and shared prosperity. He emphasized that despite challenges in the implementation of the MoU, Pakistan continues to encourage all sides to end violence and resume technical-level talks in accordance with the MoU and the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Statement of 22nd June. Andrabi expressed hope that all parties would remain committed to dialogue and diplomacy in resolving their outstanding issues.

According to Radio Pakistan, the spokesperson highlighted that many countries, particularly those in the global south, are adversely affected by the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. He recognized the urgent need to address the impact of the current situation on global energy supplies and other economic commodities, including trade and food security. Andrabi expressed hope for an early normalization of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and underscored the importance of ensuring the continued safety, security, and freedom of maritime navigation.

Amid prevailing tensions and hostilities, Pakistan has remained actively engaged with key interlocutors across the region in support of efforts aimed at de-escalation, dialogue, and peaceful resolution of the situation. Responding to a question, the foreign office spokesperson unequivocally condemned and rejected the latest charge sheet filed by the Indian National Investigation Agency against the senior leadership of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference in connection with an incident dating back three decades. Andrabi stated that this action is yet another manifestation of India’s continuing policy of using sham legal processes to target the Kashmiri political leadership and discredit a legitimate indigenous struggle for their inalienable right to self-determination, as enshrined in the UN Security Council resolutions.

Tahir Andrabi stressed that no amount of politically orchestrated prosecution, retrospective investigations, or attempts to delegitimize the Kashmiri leadership can alter the internationally recognized disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir or extinguish the Kashmiri people’s inalienable right to self-determination. He emphasized the urgent need for a peaceful and just resolution of the dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The spokesperson also categorically rejected India’s baseless and politically motivated attempts to link Pakistan with the Pahalgam attack. He noted that such allegations are consistent with the recurring pattern of attempts to malign Pakistan and divert attention from the facts. Andrabi stated that Pakistan has repeatedly called for an independent, transparent, and credible investigation into the incident, but India has yet to present any credible or verifiable evidence to substantiate its allegations.

Tahir Andrabi emphasized that instead of making unfounded accusations against others, India should undertake sincere reflection on its own record, including its policies and actions in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and its continued sponsorship of terrorist activities that Pakistan has consistently raised with the international community. The spokesperson concluded that lasting peace and stability in the region can only be achieved through adherence to international law, respect for the UN Charter, and commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolutions of disputes, rather than by leveling allegations for domestic consumption.