Pakistan Engages in Diplomatic Efforts to Resolve Middle East and Gulf Crises: FO

Islamabad: Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi has announced that Pakistan is actively engaging with its brotherly states in an earnest effort to resolve the ongoing crises in the Middle East and the Gulf regions.

According to Radio Pakistan, during his weekly news briefing in Islamabad, Andrabi emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating negotiations between conflicting parties through the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). He asserted that Pakistan is dedicated to ensuring peace and stability in the region by using both direct and indirect channels to counteract potential spoilers, thereby maintaining a constructive dialogue aimed at resolving outstanding issues.

Addressing concerns about a recent attack on a commercial vessel in the Red Sea, Andrabi reiterated Pakistan’s support for the freedom of navigation and the maritime security of international waterways, in alignment with international law. He highlighted Pakistan’s role as a signatory to the maritime coalition initiated by Saudi Arabia and declared Pakistan’s readiness to assist Saudi Arabia and other coalition partners in implementing the coalition’s communique. This initiative aims to safeguard the global supply chain and maritime traffic.

Regarding the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, Andrabi clarified that the agreement is defensive in nature, designed to unite efforts in confronting threats and security challenges faced by member states. He noted that this agreement aligns with the aspirations of the Pakistani people.

When questioned about comments from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs concerning Azad Kashmir, Andrabi dismissed them as baseless. He accused India of exaggerating and politicizing developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to mislead the international community. Andrabi urged India to respect its founding fathers’ commitments and facilitate a UN-administered plebiscite in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, allowing the people to determine their future.