ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday confirmed its participation in the Board of Peace meeting in Washington on Feb. 19, during the weekly Foreign Office media briefing.

Speaking at the briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed Islamabad’s decision to take part in the upcoming Gaza Board of Peace meeting, which will be attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

“We confirm Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s participation in the Board of Peace meeting in Washington, United States,” he added.

He said that Pakistan’s decision to join the meeting reflects its “sincere intent” to support diplomatic efforts and contribute toward regional peace initiatives.

The spokesperson added that the “collective voice” of eight Muslim countries is “resonating” in the Board of Peace. He said Pakistan will continue to strive for the “rights, peace and prosperity” of the Palestinian people, aimed at achieving a long-term solution to the Palestine issue through the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

“Our engagement is aimed at short-term, medium-term, and long-term solutions to the plight of the Palestinian people,” he added.

National Control Lists updated for items requiring an export license

Talking about the Export Control on Goods, Technologies, Materials, and Equipment Related to the Nuclear and Biological Weapons and Their Delivery Systems Act, 2004 (SECA-2004), the spokesperson said Pakistan has notified its updated National Control Lists of items requiring an export license from the Strategic Export Control Division (SECDIV).

He said the Control Lists were first issued in 2005 and were subsequently revised in 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2022.

“The latest update ensures continued harmonization with the control lists maintained by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and the Australia Group,” he said.

He added that the notification underscores the country’s “resolve” to strengthen its export control regime while reaffirming its role as a “responsible technology holder state.”

He underscored that Pakistan remains “firmly committed” to the objectives of non-proliferation and to fulfilling its international obligations.

Iran-US talks

Speaking about talks between Tehran and Washington, the spokesperson said Pakistan “welcomes” the talks taking place in Oman and appreciated the “positive statement” by the Iranian Foreign Minister.

“We support all initiatives of dialogue and diplomacy to settle outstanding issues, including the nuclear talks you referred to,” he said, responding to a question.

Andrabi stated that the negotiations were initially supposed to be held on a “large scale in Istanbul.” However, the scope of the negotiations was later scaled down, he added.

“As regards Pakistan’s participation, initially these talks were to be held in Istanbul, where the format was broader. In that broader format, Pakistan was invited. Later, the format narrowed down to three sides — Iran and the United States, facilitated by Oman,” he added.

“However, we still welcome these talks,” he said.

The spokesperson expressed hope that the parties would carry forward optimism and positivity during the talks. He also encouraged the relevant parties to adopt the most direct negotiation framework possible.

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Pakistan confirms participation in Board of Peace meeting