Pakistan has said that issues related to Iranian oil tankers are a matter between Iran and the governments involved, stating that Islamabad does not hold a specific position on the issue.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi made the remarks during the weekly media briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, responding to questions about tanker-related developments involving Iran.
Andrabi said Pakistan could not directly comment on matters involving Iran and India, describing the issue as one for the concerned governments to address.
He said Pakistan’s leadership remains in continuous diplomatic contact with countries in the region, including Iran, amid the evolving regional situation.
According to the spokesperson, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has spoken three times with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The discussions focused on regional developments, Andrabi said.
He added that Pakistan remains in close contact with several Gulf countries. The prime minister has also spoken by phone with leaders of Oman and the United Arab Emirates, the spokesperson said.
'Playing the role of a bridge'
Andrabi said Pakistan is working to maintain diplomatic engagement across the region.
“Pakistan is playing the role of a bridge in the region by facilitating contacts between different capitals,” he said.
The spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan believes disputes should be resolved through dialogue, respect for sovereignty and adherence to international law.
Asked about possible communications related to the Strait of Hormuz, Andrabi said he could not confirm any final details. However, he noted that defense and military officials from Pakistan and Iran remain in contact.
Addressing questions about Afghanistan, Andrabi said there has been no major change in Pakistan’s policy toward the country.
He said a recent visit by a delegation to Afghanistan was in a private capacity and that discussions on Afghanistan are continuing.
The spokesperson also said a delegation led by the Special Representative of China on Afghanistan is expected to visit Pakistan soon.
Responding to remarks by the Afghan Taliban’s defense minister, Andrabi said Pakistan was attacked on Feb. 6 and continues to face security threats.
He added that Pakistan has not received any written assurances that such attacks will stop, despite what he described as United Nations-backed evidence suggesting possible collusion between Afghanistan’s ruling authorities and militant groups, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and BLA.
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