Pakistan denies sharing Iran intelligence with US, calls report baseless

Pakistan denied on Thursday that it shared Iran-related intelligence with the United States, dismissing the allegation as "baseless".

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi made the denial at a weekly press briefing, responding to media reports that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had passed sensitive intelligence on Iran to US officials during recent diplomatic contacts.

Did Pakistan share Iran intelligence with the United States?

Pakistan's Foreign Office flatly rejected any suggestion of intelligence sharing with Washington on Iran.

Spokesperson Andrabi confirmed that Dar's May 29 meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio focused solely on the broader Middle East situation, covering regional stability, peace efforts and the diplomatic resolution of disputes.

What did Ishaq Dar discuss with Marco Rubio?

The May 29 conversation between Dar and Rubio did not involve intelligence sharing, Andrabi said. Discussions were confined to prevailing conditions in the Middle East and the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic channels.

Rubio, according to Andrabi, acknowledged Pakistan's constructive engagement in the region, including its de-escalation efforts between Iran and the United States.

What is Pakistan's position on Abraham Accords and Palestinian statehood?

Andrabi reaffirmed that Islamabad's stance on the Abraham Accords remains "consistent and unchanged." Pakistan's position is grounded in support for a viable and geographically contiguous Palestinian state.

He said Pakistan continues to pursue diplomatic engagement aimed at promoting peace and stability across the Middle East, while avoiding alignment with competing powers in the region.

What is Pakistan's role in US-Iran talks?

Andrabi said Pakistan's dialogue process with relevant parties continues and that Islamabad remains prepared to facilitate engagement if requested. He cited remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting an agreement could come "very soon, even over the weekend," adding that Pakistan is ready to host such talks if needed.

"When there is hostility, the window for negotiations is reduced. Our channels of communication with all relevant parties remain open," he said.

Andrabi also welcomed reports of a ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Lebanon. He said Pakistan would not be discouraged by temporary setbacks to peace efforts and condemned attacks targeting Kuwait, Bahrain, and other regional countries.

What did Pakistan say about the Russia-Afghanistan pact?

Asked about reports of a military-technical cooperation agreement between Russia and Afghanistan, Andrabi declined to comment. He said details were still being ascertained and that offering any assessment at this stage would be premature.

Why is Pakistan objecting to India's Chenab River project?

Pakistan strongly criticised India's reported plans to divert water from the Chenab River through a proposed Chenab-Beas Link Tunnel project.

Andrabi said India had invited bids to transfer around 1.9 million acre-feet of water annually from the Chenab to the Beas River, without providing prior notification or holding consultations with Pakistan. He called the plan "a grave violation of the Indus Waters Treaty, the Vienna Convention, and established principles of international water law."

Pakistan also raised concerns over reported sediment flushing operations at the Salal Dam.

Andrabi warned that using water resources as a political tool could undermine regional stability and threaten Pakistan's water and economic security. He urged the international community to discourage what he described as India's "water aggression" and called on New Delhi to comply with its treaty obligations.

What is the latest on the Pakistani crew held by Somali pirates?

The Foreign Office confirmed that negotiations are under way to secure the release of 10 Pakistani crew members held hostage by Somali pirates.

The crew are aboard a vessel carrying hazardous cargo, and officials cautioned that the presence of explosive materials on board makes any rescue operation highly risky.

On terrorism, Andrabi said investigations into a recent Quetta bombing are continuing. He reiterated Pakistan's position that external actors are supporting militant violence in Balochistan, citing Australia's designation of the Balochistan Liberation Army as a terrorist organization as evidence of growing international recognition of the threat.