Negotiations ongoing to normalize Hormuz situation, de-escalate tensions: FO spokesperson

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday said negotiations between the parties were ongoing to normalize the situation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, and to de-escalate tensions, while reiterating that dialogue and diplomacy remained the only viable path forward.

Addressing the weekly press briefing, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said, "Let me begin with the developments in the Gulf region and the state of affairs between Iran and the US. We note with concern the security situation [which] remains precarious, despite the relative calm of the past few days, which had rekindled hopes that this positive development, this calm, would consolidate into a durable and fully respected ceasefire and pave the way for dialogue."

"Amid the prevailing tensions and hostilities, Pakistan reiterates that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward," he said.

"We welcome all efforts aimed at sustaining cessation of hostilities and resumption of dialogue between Iran and the United States. Pakistan is engaged and will continue to play its role in this regard," Andrabi added.

Negotiations ongoing

"The negotiations between the parties are ongoing to normalize the situation, particularly the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as to de-escalate," he said.

The spokesperson said Pakistan was "doing [its] utmost to bring the parties back to the Islamabad MoU, so that all irritants can be removed in the light of the spirit of the Islamabad MoU and the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Statement of 22nd June."

"We encourage the parties to exercise maximum restraint and fully adhere to their commitment to resume technical-level talks for the implementation of the Islamabad MoU in line with the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Statement of 21st June 2026," he said.

Maritime commerce

Andrabi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud last week.

"During the call, both the distinguished leaders agreed to continue working very closely to maintain regional peace, stability, and the uninterrupted flow of lawful maritime commerce through the Red Sea, as well as the Strait of Hormuz in this wider region," he said.

He said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar later held a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

"They discussed the latest regional developments, reaffirmed the close and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and underscored the importance of continued diplomacy and constructive engagement for regional peace and stability," Andrabi said.

Palestine situation

He added that on June 28, Dar also held a telephone conversation with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi.

"The two leaders discussed the worsening situation in Palestine, condemned Israeli actions, and emphasized coordinated diplomatic efforts and reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and security," he said.

Referring to the visit of Kuwait's Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jabir al-Ahmad al-Sabah to Islamabad, Andrabi said it was "an important visit, both in the regional context, as well as in bilateral terms."

He said Pakistan and Kuwait reaffirmed their strong and long-standing bilateral partnership and agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, energy, IT, agriculture, education, health and other priority sectors through sustained high-level engagements and establishment of joint working groups.

"The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister welcomed Kuwait's ratification of the Pakistan-Kuwait Defense Cooperation Agreement, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening institutional defense ties and collaboration between the two countries," he said.

Andrabi said the two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments and pledged to continue coordination at multilateral forums while reaffirming their shared commitment to further advance bilateral relations.

SCO foreign ministers meeting

On Pakistan's participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council for Foreign Ministers meeting in the Kyrgyz Republic, the spokesperson said Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the SCO Charter, regional connectivity, peace, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and China's Belt and Road Initiative.

He said Dar also invited SCO delegations to the Commonwealth Heads of State Summit to be held in Pakistan in 2027.

"On the sidelines, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister met the Foreign Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Tajikistan, and he also called on the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, the host of this event," Andrabi said.

He added that Dar conveyed Pakistan's readiness to assume SCO chairmanship for 2026-27.

Regarding Pakistan-US relations, Andrabi said Dar met a US Congressional delegation and a 33-member delegation from the US corporate sector on July 28.

"The DPM highlighted the positive momentum in Pakistan-US relations and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through enhanced parliamentary engagements, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges," he said.

On Palestine, Andrabi said that on July 24, 2026, the foreign ministers of eight Arab-Islamic countries, including Pakistan, issued a joint statement "strongly condemning Israel's action and restrictions in Jerusalem, particularly concerning the Al-Aqsa Mosque."

"They called on the international community to uphold international law, protect the rights of Palestinians, and preserve the religious and historical status of the holy city," he said.

He said Dar also held a telephone conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdul-Ateh, during which the Palestine issue was discussed in detail.

"The two foreign ministers expressed grave concerns on the situation in Palestine, calling for an immediate end to hostilities, unhindered humanitarian assistance, and respect for international law, and also discussed coordinated diplomatic efforts in support of the Palestinian people and emphasizing dialogue to preserve regional peace and stability," Andrabi said.

Pakistan-Egypt consultations

The spokesperson said Pakistan and Egypt held their 10th round of annual bilateral consultations virtually last week, during which both sides reviewed bilateral cooperation and agreed to further enhance engagements in trade, investment, education, culture, science, people-to-people contacts, and reaffirmed their commitment to strong regional coordination and cooperation in multilateral issues.

Responding to a question about a recent DW documentary on Pakistan’s nuclear program, the Foreign Office spokesperson categorically rejected the documentary and its claims, stating that such reporting by an international media organization undermines its own credibility and integrity.

On blocking Pakistan TV Digital

On India’s decision to block Pakistan TV Digital, he said it is not surprising and that New Delhi has a pattern of suppressing independent journalism whenever it is confronted with facts.

The spokesperson said India remains uncomfortable with objective reporting and has repeatedly sought to restrict journalistic voices.

Addressing a question on a UNAMA report alleging that around 500 civilians were killed in Pakistan’s operations in Afghanistan, the Foreign Office spokesperson said it could not corroborate the reported figures, noting that the information was collected from within Afghanistan where independent verification remains difficult.

The spokesperson also said the Taliban’s practice of operating in civilian attire makes it challenging to distinguish militants from civilians during such incidents.

On Jammu and Kashmir

Responding to remarks by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Jammu and Kashmir, the Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

The spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s call for the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and a free and impartial plebiscite in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

On Pakistan-Kuwait defense cooperation agreement, the Foreign Office spokesperson clarified in an answer that it is not comparable to Pakistan’s strategic defense pact with Saudi Arabia.

The spokesperson said Pakistan maintains defense cooperation arrangements with several Gulf countries, including Kuwait, and described the agreement as part of Islamabad’s broader defense engagement with regional partners.