Pakistan Urges US, Iran to Resolve Tensions Through Dialogue

ISLAMABAD: (Staff Reporter) – Pakistan has expressed concern over the growing tensions between the United States and Iran, urging both sides to return to dialogue and pursue a diplomatic solution to the dispute.

Speaking at the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan remained in contact with both sides and was continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at encouraging meaningful engagement.

He reiterated that Islamabad was ready to support any constructive initiative that could help reduce tensions and bring the parties back to the negotiating table.

Pakistan Demands Concrete Action from Taliban

Turning to Afghanistan, Andrabi welcomed China’s continued efforts to promote constructive engagement and said Pakistan remained willing to pursue meaningful dialogue with Kabul.

However, he stressed that improvement in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations would depend on concrete and verifiable steps by the Taliban government against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other militant organizations.

Pakistan, he said, expects credible guarantees that Afghan territory will not be used to carry out terrorist activities against the country.

Islamabad Urges India to Respect Indus Treaty

The Foreign Office spokesperson also criticized India’s approach to its international obligations, particularly over the management of shared water resources.

Andrabi warned that unilateral measures concerning transboundary rivers could establish a dangerous precedent and negatively affect regional stability.

Pakistan has again called on India to comply fully with the Indus Waters Treaty and respect the dispute-resolution mechanisms established under the agreement. He maintained that India’s rejection of an arbitration award would not remove its responsibilities under the treaty.

Kashmir Remains Central to Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

Discussing Kashmir, Andrabi reiterated that the dispute remains a major priority for Pakistan’s foreign policy.

He said Islamabad would continue highlighting the Kashmir issue at international forums and referred to discussions held during leadership-level meetings in Bishkek.

Pakistan has also invited UN Secretary-General António Guterres to visit the country and discuss the Kashmir situation.

The spokesperson also paid tribute to late Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, acknowledging his longstanding role in the Kashmir cause.

Shehbaz Sharif Holds Talks in Kyrgyzstan

Commenting on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Kyrgyzstan, Andrabi said the premier met Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in Bishkek for talks on bilateral relations.

The two sides signed several agreements and memorandums of understanding covering areas including trade, economic cooperation, investment and infrastructure.

Pakistan Assumes SCO Chairmanship

Pakistan has formally taken over the one-year chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and is scheduled to host the organization’s Heads of State Summit next year.

According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan’s chairmanship will focus on translating shared objectives into practical action, with particular emphasis on connectivity, innovation and shared prosperity.

Islamabad plans to work with SCO members to promote regional peace, economic cooperation, connectivity and sustainable development.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye Deepen Defence Cooperation

The briefing also covered the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee, established under the Makkah Defence Agreement. The meeting was held in Istanbul on August 31 and brought together Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.

The three countries reaffirmed their support for peaceful dispute resolution, restraint and regional stability while agreeing to strengthen institutional cooperation under the agreement.

The framework includes cooperation in collective defence and security. A dedicated secretariat will be established in Saudi Arabia, with Pakistan initially providing the secretary-general for a three-year term.

The three countries also agreed to expand collaboration in defence industries, joint technology development and military capacity building.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held separate meetings with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defence Minister Yaşar Güler in Istanbul.

The discussions focused on strengthening Pakistan-Türkiye ties across political, economic, security and cultural spheres. Both sides also agreed to convene the next meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council at the earliest opportunity, potentially later this year.