Describes CBS report as “misleading, speculative and disconnected from factual context”
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi speaking at FO’s weekly press briefing. SCREEN CAPTURE
ISLAMABAD:
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday that Pakistan remains committed to constructive engagement, dialogue and diplomatic solutions for regional peace, while rejecting “misleading international media reports” and addressing recent security concerns.
In his weekly press conference, he said Pakistan continues to believe that “constructive partnership and sincere dialogue are essential to promote peace and shared prosperity for all.”
The spokesman said Pakistan “categorically rejected the CBS News report…describing it as misleading, speculative and disconnected from the factual context.”
🔴LIVE: Spokesperson’s Weekly Press Conference 05-14-2026 at Ministry of External Affairs, Islamabad
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 14, 2026
Andrabi clarified that the plane in question arrived “during the ceasefire period… to support diplomatic engagement linked to the Islamabad talks,” including the movement of diplomatic and administrative personnel. He added that the aircraft “was not related to any military contingency.”
He also referred to US Senator Lindsey Graham’s remarks, saying that Pakistan’s response was issued after the C.B.S. report and fully clarified his position despite the timetable differences.
The statement comes after a CBS News A report released Monday alleged that Pakistan, despite positioning itself as a diplomatic conduit between Iran and the United States, “quietly allowed Iranian military aircraft to park at its airfields, potentially protecting them from American airstrikes.” The claims were made citing US officials who allegedly had knowledge of the matter, the news agency said.
Andrabi said Pakistan remains committed to “the principles of diplomacy, dialogue and sovereign equality of respect for the sovereignty and territorial independence of all states.”
Also read: Tehran calls on BRICS members to condemn US-Israel aggression against Iran: Iranian Foreign Minister
Describing recent diplomatic activity, the spokesperson said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held telephone conversations with the leaders of Qatar and Azerbaijan over the past week.
Andrabi said the discussions focused on “the evolving regional situation and Pakistan’s ongoing peace efforts to promote peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.” The prime minister also extended his best wishes to Azerbaijan’s leaders for the upcoming World Urban Forum.
The spokesperson said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar continued to actively participate in regional diplomacy.
Andrabi noted that the UN Secretary-General’s envoy for the Middle East conflict, Jan Arnaud, met the DPM this week and “conveyed the Secretary-General’s deep appreciation for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting regional peace and stability.”
He added that Pakistan had “highlighted its ongoing engagements with all relevant parties to advance dialogue and de-escalation,” while expressing gratitude for the UN’s support.
The spokesperson further said that Dar had multiple telephone conversations with foreign ministers from across the region, including Singapore, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Austria and China.
He said discussions included Pakistan’s efforts on the “Iran-US engagement for peace and stability” and coordination of maritime security, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Following a call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, both sides agreed on “the importance of safeguarding maritime security, including in the Strait of Hormuz” and maintaining close coordination.
Read more: Bannu reels under the wave of anarchy
Following a conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both sides reaffirmed their support for diplomacy and stressed “the importance of a lasting ceasefire and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”
Responding to media reports about China’s call, the spokesperson rejected claims that Beijing had urged Pakistan to “do more” in mediation efforts. He said: “I wish to place on record that such reports somewhat misrepresent the appeal, both in letter and spirit.”
He added that the conversation was held with “traditional warmth and cordiality” and that China had expressed “full support for Pakistan’s constructive mediating role.”
The briefing also addressed the recent terrorist attack on a police post in Bannu. The spokesperson said the Afghan chargé d’affaires was summoned in Islamabad and vigorous management was carried out.
Pakistan condemned the attack on the Fateh Khel police post, which led to the martyrdom of 15 police officers and injuries to several.
He said preliminary investigations indicated the attack was “orchestrated by terrorists who emerged from Afghan soil.” Pakistan urged Afghan authorities to take “immediate, concrete and verifiable measures” against terrorist groups, including ISKP and others operating from the region.
The spokesperson concluded that Pakistan remains firmly committed to national security and will continue its efforts to “decisively eliminate all facilitators and enablers of terrorist networks that threaten the peace and stability of the country.”
On regional diplomacy, he said Pakistan is observing the calls for dialogue emerging from India and considers them a positive development, while awaiting a constructive response from New Delhi. He added that there is no confirmation of any commitment to track two or the secondary channel at this time.
Regarding the security developments along the Line of Control and the incidents in Kishtwar, he said the situation involves both human rights and security dimensions, adding that Pakistani forces remain vigilant along the Line of Control.
