ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is playing the role of a “bridge builder” in efforts to ease tensions during the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday.
Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Andrabi said Islamabaf has maintained open communication channels with several regional countries, including Iran and Saudi Arabia, as part of its diplomatic engagement to promote de-escalation.
The conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, which also resulted in the killing of Iran’s former supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has since carried out retaliatory attacks targeting US assets and bases in several Gulf states.
Andrabi said Pakistan had been engaged in high-level diplomatic contacts with relevant countries, noting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had spoken with several international counterparts in recent days.
“There is a level of exchange of communication. We are playing the role of a bridge builder,” Andrabi said, adding that Pakistan’s stance on sovereignty, international law, the United Nations Charter and dialogue-based solutions was respected across the region.
He confirmed that Islamabad remains engaged with the United States at multiple levels, including through diplomatic channels between Pakistan’s embassy in Washington and the United States Department of State, as well as contacts with the US embassy in Islamabad.
The spokesperson also said Prime Minister Sharif spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday, offering condolences over the death of Ayatollah Khamenei and congratulating Iran on the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader.
During the conversation, the prime minister expressed hope that Iran would achieve peace, stability and prosperity in the future, Andrabi added.
Commenting on recent statements by President Pezeshkian outlining conditions for ending the conflict, the FO spokesperson said Pakistan had taken note of the remarks, describing them as part of ongoing diplomatic discussions.
He also confirmed that Islamabad had been in contact with Iranian authorities regarding the passage of Pakistani vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, where disruptions to shipping have contributed to a growing fuel supply crisis.
Afghanistan discussed with China
Andrabi also addressed reports regarding a delegation visiting Afghanistan, clarifying that the visit was not part of any official initiative by the Pakistani government.
He said Pakistan remained engaged with China on regional issues, including Afghanistan, noting that Foreign Minister Dar recently held a telephone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
According to Andrabi, Afghanistan continues to feature prominently in Pakistan’s bilateral and trilateral dialogue frameworks with China.
He also confirmed that Yue Xiaoyong was visiting Pakistan and expressed hope that discussions with Chinese officials would focus on shared concerns, particularly the issue of terrorism originating from Afghanistan.