Spox highlights diplomatic rapprochement with US, Iran and regional allies amid efforts to reduce Middle East tensions
Tahir Andrabi speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs weekly press conference Photo file: X/FO
Pakistan on Thursday condemned “unprovoked shooting and shelling” by Afghan forces along the border, saying civilians were targeted in recent cross-border incidents, while reaffirming its diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran, Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi said during a weekly briefing.
He claimed that Afghan forces opened fire on April 26 and 29 in border areas of South Waziristan, including Angoor Adda. “Afghan forces have carried out unprovoked shooting and shelling, targeting civilians,” he said, adding that the wounded included women and children, including children aged three, eight and 10.
Several houses were also damaged, noting that local elders condemned the attacks and demanded an immediate stop. “We echo these concerns and express our strongest condemnation,” he said, adding that Pakistan stands in solidarity with the affected families and is taking “all possible measures” to prevent further incidents.
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Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have risen sharply in recent months amid mutual accusations of cross-border militancy. Islamabad maintains that militants linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan operate from Afghan territory, while Kabul denies the accusations and accuses Pakistan of violating its sovereignty through alleged attacks.
Recent claims of civilian casualties in Afghanistan’s Kunar province have further deepened tensions, with Pakistan rejecting the reports as “false” and accusing Afghan authorities of disinformation.
The situation has strained already fragile relations since the return of the Afghan Taliban to power in 2021, despite intermittent mediation efforts and calls for dialogue.
Separately, Andrabi said Pakistan maintains a “sustained commitment” to both Washington and Tehran to support efforts to reduce tensions and ceasefire. He said Pakistan’s approach reflects its commitment to “constructive diplomatic engagement” aimed at promoting regional stability.
“Pakistan remains committed to regional stability and international peace, reflecting our preference for principled and dialogue-oriented diplomacy,” he said.
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He added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir have remained engaged with key stakeholders and maintained “open channels of communication” with both sides.
The spokesperson claimed that Prime Minister Shehbaz had multiple telephone conversations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, including a 45-minute call on April 19, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace.
During recent visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye, regional leaders including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic role, he noted.
Andrabi further said that an Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also recently visited Islamabad for talks on regional stability. According to diplomatic sources, Pakistan is quietly facilitating a compromise between the United States and Iran aimed at easing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran’s nuclear program.
Iran has proposed prioritizing reopening the strait and delaying nuclear negotiations, while Washington prefers a comprehensive agreement that addresses both issues simultaneously. Despite strong public positions, sources suggest that the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran is likely to hold for now, and that ongoing diplomatic efforts reduce the risk of an immediate escalation.
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The spokesperson further informed that Prime Minister Shehbaz held talks with European Council President Antonio Costa and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who appreciated Pakistan’s approach.
Separately, an EU business delegation visited Pakistan, where more than 600 B2B meetings were held, highlighting investment opportunities in energy, IT and communications, he noted.
At the multilateral level, the “R4” group, comprising Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt, met on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, reaffirming its commitment to regional cooperation, he added.
On the situation between Israel and Palestine, Andrabi said Pakistan has joined joint statements condemning Israeli actions, including the violations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and concerns about the state of Jerusalem’s holy sites.
He also noted that President Asif Ali Zardari is currently on an official visit to China to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
During the visit, three MoUs were signed in desalination, agriculture and tea sector, including a seawater desalination project in Karachi, agricultural technology transfer in Sindh and a partnership in tea industry between Pakistani and Chinese companies.
Zardari also awarded the Sitara-i-Pakistan to Professor Pan Xiangbin in recognition of his contributions to cardiac care, describing it as a reflection of the “tangible benefits” of Pakistan-China cooperation in health and development, he maintained.
