Pakistan is continuing its diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the Middle East and remains actively engaged with various countries to help reduce tensions in the region, a senior official said on Thursday.

Addressing a weekly press briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the past two weeks have been particularly significant in terms of Pakistan’s diplomatic activities, during which Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held multiple meetings and contacts with international leaders.

He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently visited China, where he held important meetings with the Chinese president and premier.

The prime minister also attended a Pakistan-China business-to-business (B2B) conference in Hangzhou, where discussions focused on expanding economic and trade cooperation.

According to the spokesperson, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar travelled from Beijing to New York, where he participated in a UN Security Council meeting and held meetings with several foreign ministers.

He added that Ishaq Dar also met the UN Secretary-General in New York, and later held a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, DC.

Tahir Andrabi said that in the Pakistan-US foreign ministers’ meeting, detailed discussions were held on bilateral relations, counterterrorism, regional security, and other important issues.

He noted that Marco Rubio appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and diplomatic engagement during tensions between Iran and the United States.

The spokesperson reaffirmed that Pakistan remains committed to peace and stability in the region and continues its efforts to promote peace and security in the Middle East.

He further said that Prime Minister Shehbaz received a telephone call from the Iranian president, during which regional developments were discussed.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also held contacts with the leadership of Bahrain, Kuwait, and Malaysia, focusing on collective efforts to promote regional stability.

Tahir Andrabi also described the recent visit of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Vice President Kaja Kallas as highly significant.

During the visit, the eighth round of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue was held, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the EU High Representative.

He said the EU leadership also met Pakistan’s political leadership during the visit, with discussions covering bilateral relations, trade, regional security, and global issues.

Responding to a question, the spokesperson said Pakistan condemns Israel’s violations of international law and human rights and continues to support the Palestinian right to self-determination.

On the water dispute with India, he said any attempt to control or block Pakistan’s water would not be acceptable.

He accused India of using water as a weapon, saying such actions violate the spirit of the Indus Waters Treaty and could harm regional peace and stability.

He added that Pakistan has shown restraint despite Indian actions, but maintains its lawful and legitimate rights over the western rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty.

He emphasised that any violation of the treaty could destabilise the region and called on all parties to respect international agreements.

On the Kashmir dispute, the spokesperson said Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised issue, and Pakistan continues to raise it at global forums.

He said Pakistan remains engaged with the international community on resolving the issue and continues to highlight human rights violations in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan will continue its diplomatic efforts for peace, stability, respect for international law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.