Pakistan says US plan to deport Afghans via Pakistan is under consideration

Pakistan said on Thursday that a US proposal to deport Afghan nationals from the United States via Pakistan is under consideration. Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan told his weekly briefing that consultations with relevant stakeholders continue to find a mutually agreeable way forward.

What is the US proposal to deport Afghans via Pakistan?

The proposal involves deporting Afghan nationals from the United States by routing them through Pakistan. Pakistan says it is examining all relevant aspects and is in contact with allies and partners. The spokesperson said an effort will be made to find a way forward agreeable to all parties.

What is Pakistan's policy on Indian religious pilgrims?

Khan said Pakistan continues to abide by the 1974 bilateral protocol with India on facilitating visits to religious shrines. Pakistan issued 9,248 visas to Indian religious pilgrims in 2025. More than 4,000 visas had already been issued during the first six months of 2026.

He said Pakistan has also established the Kartarpur Corridor and remains ready to facilitate pilgrims of different faiths. Pakistan is home to sacred sites belonging to both Hindus and Sikhs. India suspended the movement of pilgrims after May 2025, he said, while Pakistan remains committed to welcoming Sikh pilgrims and followers of other religions.

What did the Foreign Office say about the LNG vessel and ECO meeting?

The Foreign Office acknowledged that Pakistan had received reports that an LNG vessel was hit by a projectile. "Pakistani authorities are coordinating with relevant parties to investigate the incident," the spokesperson said.

On the ECO Interior Ministers' Meeting, he said the gathering was postponed because of the geopolitical situation in the region and an imminent threat arising from the overall security environment. New dates are being worked out.

How did Pakistan respond on US politics and the SCO invitation?

Khan said Pakistan considers the choice of the US electorate an entirely internal matter. "We have maintained good relations regardless of the government and the US continues to be an important partner," he said. Pakistan would continue its relations with Washington irrespective of which government is in power.

The spokesperson also confirmed that Pakistan has received an invitation from India to participate in the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting. Pakistan's leadership will decide on participation at an appropriate time.

What else did Pakistan say about regional diplomacy?

Referring to recent regional engagements, the spokesperson said the R4 meeting had taken place and discussed the situation in the region. He clarified that Pakistan's recent meeting with Sri Lanka was related to the Gandhara civilization.

Pakistan condemned the terrorist attack on a church in Jordan on October 24, as well as Houthi attacks targeting Mecca and Medina. The Secretary General of the Mecca Defense Alliance met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on October 28.