Web Desk: Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy, regional engagement and international law, while rejecting speculation about new strategic alignments and criticizing India’s approach to the Indus Waters Treaty, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said during a weekly media briefing.
The spokesperson outlined Pakistan’s recent diplomatic engagements, regional security concerns and counterterrorism efforts, while emphasizing that Islamabad continues to pursue dialogue and peaceful cooperation with its international partners.
Andrabi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently held high-level engagements with the leadership of Iran and Türkiye as Pakistan continued consultations with regional partners on developments affecting the wider region.
He said Islamabad also remained in close contact with Qatar and other friendly countries regarding regional developments, adding that Pakistan supports diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions and promoting stability.
The spokesperson said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has maintained regular communication with counterparts from Saudi Arabia, China, Bahrain, Iran and several European countries as part of Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach.
Responding to media reports suggesting Pakistan could become part of a new strategic arrangement, Andrabi dismissed the claims as baseless.
He said Pakistan’s foreign policy remains independent and guided by its national interests, adding that any suggestion of the country joining exclusive geopolitical blocs was unfounded.
He reiterated that Islamabad continues to pursue balanced relations with all friendly nations through established diplomatic channels.
Addressing the Indus Waters Treaty, Andrabi criticized what he described as India’s approach toward the decades-old water-sharing agreement.
He said treating a shared international river system as a strategic asset that could be controlled, withheld or diverted at will runs contrary to both international law and the spirit of the treaty.
“Water is not a tool of coercion or political pressure,” Andrabi said, adding that Pakistan remains committed to safeguarding its rights under the Indus Waters Treaty through legal and diplomatic means.
The spokesperson said Pakistan’s security forces continue conducting intelligence-based operations against militant groups under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam.
He said security agencies recently neutralised several militants, including a senior commander linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, as authorities intensified efforts to eliminate terrorist networks.
Andrabi reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism, saying the country has made significant sacrifices in its fight against militancy and will continue operations to ensure national security.
The Foreign Office said Islamabad recently lodged a formal diplomatic protest with Afghanistan over cross-border security concerns.
Andrabi said Pakistan conveyed its concerns to Afghan authorities following what it described as the involvement of Afghan nationals in activities that threatened Pakistan’s security.
He urged Afghanistan’s interim authorities to prevent the use of their territory by militant groups targeting Pakistan and to fulfill their international commitments on counterterrorism.
The spokesperson also highlighted Pakistan’s continued efforts to combat Islamophobia at international forums.
He said the United Nations’ action plan against Islamophobia reflected initiatives long championed by Pakistan, adding that Islamabad would continue working with international partners to promote religious tolerance and protect freedom of belief.
Andrabi noted that Pakistan has assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month, describing it as an opportunity to contribute to international peace and security.
He said Pakistan would work with fellow council members to advance dialogue, multilateral cooperation and peaceful resolution of international disputes during its presidency.
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