Addressing his weekly press briefing in Islamabad, Tahir Andrabi reiterated Pakistan’s active engagement with both Iran and the US and emphasised that diplomatic channels between the two countries remain open.

He highlighted that Pakistan’s efforts to resolve the conflict were ongoing, adding that the country supported a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

Andrabi confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been in direct communication with the leadership of Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other key regional players to push for de-escalation in the Middle East.

In this regard, he said, Prime Minister Shehbaz held important discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and leaders of Turkey, Qatar, and the European Union.

Prime Minister Sharif’s talks with these leaders focused on the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to ensure lasting peace in the region, the spokesperson added.

He pointed out that President Erdogan of Turkey fully supported Pakistan’s peace initiatives.

Tahir Andrabi added that Pakistan would continue to play a key role in facilitating dialogue and ensuring stability, especially in critical maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz.

Cross-border attacks

The spokesperson condemned the recent cross-border shelling from Afghanistan into South Waziristan, which injured multiple civilians and caused significant property damage.

Andrabi pointed out that such incidents were not isolated and had occurred in the past as well.

Pakistan has consistently raised these concerns and called for accountability for actions that put civilians at risk.

He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and emphasised that such cross-border attacks are a serious threat to regional stability.

Pakistani nationals taken hostage

Regarding an alarming development, Andrabi confirmed that 11 Pakistani nationals were being held hostage by pirates off the coast of Somalia.

He said Pakistan was actively engaged with Somali authorities to secure their release.

Pakistanis stranded in Cambodia

On the issue of Pakistani nationals stranded in Cambodia, Andrabi maintained that the Foreign Office was in regular contact with Cambodian authorities.

A group of 84 Pakistanis, including 76 men and 8 women, is currently stuck in the country, many of whom were employed under fraudulent schemes or overstayed their tourist visas.

Pakistan’s mission in Cambodia is working to ensure their safety, providing food and other essential support as they await assistance, he added.

Regional sovereignty and stability

The spokesperson also expressed strong support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasising that Pakistan considers Somaliland a part of Somalia.

In line with this stance, Pakistan is committed to supporting Somalia’s efforts in countering piracy and ensuring regional stability, he added.

Situation in occupied Kashmir

Referring to the prevailing situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir, Andrabi condemned the recent attacks on educational institutions, highlighting that such actions are part of a broader strategy to spread extremism and propaganda.

Pakistan continues to call for the immediate release of Kashmiri leaders, such as Shabbir Ahmed Shah and Yasin Malik, who have been unjustly imprisoned under fabricated charges, he added.