Pakistan helped avoid wider conflict through US-Iran mediation, security sources say

Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate US-Iran diplomacy were aimed at promoting regional stability rather than securing any narrow national interests, security sources said on Tuesday, saying Islamabad had helped prevent a potentially devastating conflict through engagement with all major stakeholders.

Iran and the United States agreed to a Pakistan-brokered peace deal after a conflict that lasted more than three and a half months, with both Iran and the United States confirming the development on Sunday night.

“Pakistan is not interested in time diplomacy. The mediation efforts undertaken by the country’s political and military leadership were not aimed at achieving any limited objective,” the sources said.

Read: Pakistan mediation achieves elusive deal

According to sources, Pakistan played an important role in helping prevent a war that could have been imposed in the region and had serious consequences for regional peace and security.

“Through consultation and cooperation with all key parties, Pakistan contributed to preventing a major conflict whose repercussions could have been serious,” they said.

Sources credited Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for the important role he played in the diplomatic process.

“Through sincerity, professional competence, wisdom and the grace of God, Field Marshal Asim Munir played a key role in saving the region from a major confrontation,” they said, adding that it was “a success achieved without waging a war and a reflection of the highest level of strategic thinking.”

They stressed that sensitive diplomatic efforts required confidentiality and caution.

“Pakistan, as a responsible mediator, cannot indulge in speculation. Therefore, no comments will be made on the content of the negotiations, their details or the future course of action,” the sources said.

However, they acknowledged that attempts to undermine peace efforts could continue, but maintained that Pakistan would remain committed to working with its partners for regional stability.

“Efforts to sabotage peace may continue, but Pakistan will continue to work with complete sincerity along with its partners to establish peace,” they added.

The sources also praised Muslim countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, for showing restraint and leadership during the crisis.

Read also: Pakistan receives global praise for brokering US-Iran deal

“Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries showed leadership, patience and strategic restraint. Their efforts helped prevent a conflict that could have engulfed the entire region and further divided the Muslim world,” they said.

Sources said military diplomacy and ties with friendly countries must be seen within the broader context of national interests and strategic commitment.

“Relations with friendly countries cannot be seen through a narrow lens. They are part of a broader diplomatic strategy and national interests,” they said.

They maintained that Pakistan’s diplomacy was independent and not borrowed from any other country. “Pakistan’s diplomacy is its own. It has not been borrowed from anyone,” they said.

Foreign relations

Commenting on Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s remarks on Chabahar port, sources said each country pursues its own interests.

“Each state has its own interests. We have no reason to worry about who meets whom,” they said.

Sources described Pakistan’s ties with China as exceptionally strong.

“In the past, relations with China were said to be sweeter than honey, higher than the Himalayas and stronger than iron. Today, we say that Pakistan’s relationship with China has become stronger than platinum,” they said, adding that Pakistan also maintains cordial relations with other countries.

“We have our own relations with the United States. We also enjoy sincere relations with Russia, Saudi Arabia and Iran,” they said.

Imran’s alleged meeting with former army chief

Responding to a question about reports of a meeting between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan and a former army chief, sources reiterated that the military had no role in politics.

“We have repeatedly stated that Pakistan Army has nothing to do with politics. Politicians should talk to each other,” they said.

“When some people become irrelevant, those reports start surfacing,” the sources added.

Ties with Afghanistan

Discussing security challenges, sources described terrorism as an ongoing reality and said Pakistan had repeatedly engaged with the Afghan government on the issue.

“We have engaged extensively with the Afghan government, but each time the issue returns to terrorism,” they said.

Sources said Pakistan had adopted a tougher approach towards Afghanistan due to ongoing security concerns.

“In Afghanistan there is talk of dialogue on the one hand and terrorism on the other. That is why we have adopted a tough attitude,” they said.

Sources stated that as of June 15, more than 32,000 operations had been carried out.

“More than 32,000 operations have been carried out. A total of 1,861 terrorists were killed, including 991 inside Pakistan and 862 inside Afghanistan,” they said.

According to figures shared by sources, 74% of the 2,170 operations were carried out in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and 34% in Balochistan.

“An average of 10.3 terrorists were killed daily, while 640 Pakistanis embraced martyrdom,” they said.

Sources also claimed that precision strikes were used in Afghanistan to avoid civilian casualties.

“We used expensive ammunition in Afghanistan to ensure that ordinary people were not harmed,” they said.

They further claimed that more than two dozen terrorist organizations were operating inside Afghanistan.

The Kashmir issue and the BLA

On the Kashmir dispute, sources said that the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir were following their own movement.

“We have fought five wars with India over Kashmir. The people of occupied Kashmir are leading their own movement. Can anyone buy them?” they asked.

Sources claimed that Kashmiris remained dissatisfied with the Indian government.

“You cannot remove love for Pakistan from the hearts of Kashmiris,” they said.

Regarding water-related disputes with India, sources said Pakistan had several options at its disposal and would act in accordance with government directives.

“We have all options available regarding the water issue and we can act as per the government’s instructions. India should not test our resolve,” they said.

The sources warned against any attempt to impede Pakistan’s water rights, saying such a move would attract a response.

“Let India try to stop water supply to Pakistan; we will show them the consequences,” they added.

Sources said Pakistan would continue to uphold the decisions taken by the National Security Committee (NSC) in 2025 and remain committed to the Indus Waters Treaty.

“We will defend the NSC’s 2025 decisions and ensure that the Indus Waters Treaty remains intact,” they said.

Sources rejected allegations that the UAE was involved in any conspiracy against Pakistan.

“The UAE is not part of any conspiracy against Pakistan, including Balochistan,” they said.

They allege that the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) was backed by India.

“The BLA is sponsored by India, which is why it has been described as Fitna al-Hindustan”they said.

Sources also accused terrorist groups and hostile elements of exploiting social media and rights-based narratives.

“They present themselves in the name of rights, but they seek to create disturbances. They burn property and then blame the security forces,” they alleged.

According to sources, security conditions in Balochistan had improved significantly.

“More than 24,700 operations have been carried out in Balochistan. The situation has improved considerably and people are benefiting from mineral resources,” they said.

They also maintained that the governments of Balochistan were formed through constitutional and parliamentary processes.

“Governments in Balochistan are formed through the assembly. The army has no role in that process,” they said.

Commenting on the May 9 cases, sources said legal proceedings would continue regardless of the delays.

“Even if the individuals abscond, the law will take its course. Once they are arrested, the punishment process will begin,” they said.

“The May 9 case belongs to Pakistan, not the army. Wait and see; the matter will reach its conclusion,” the sources added.