ISLAMABAD, — Pakistan is actively pursuing diplomatic efforts to secure the safe release and return of 10 Pakistani citizens currently being held by Somali pirates, the Foreign Office said during its weekly media briefing on Thursday.
Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said Islamabad remains in close contact with Somali authorities and is continuing diplomatic engagement to ensure the hostages’ safe return.
During the briefing, the spokesperson also warned against any potential Indian actions affecting river waters governed under the Indus Waters Treaty, describing any attempt to block or weaponize water resources as a violation of international law.
He said reports had emerged regarding India’s proposed Chenab-Beas Link Tunnel project and noted that Pakistan had not been formally informed of the initiative nor provided with relevant details. According to the spokesperson, any unilateral action that undermines treaty obligations could violate the Indus Waters Treaty as well as broader international water laws and conventions.
Pakistan, he added, would not accept any unlawful measures that threaten the country’s water security or food security and retains all options to respond within the framework of international law.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s position on the Middle East, the spokesperson said Islamabad’s policy regarding the Abraham Accords remains unchanged and that Pakistan continues to support the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and viable Palestinian state while backing the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
Addressing regional diplomacy, the Foreign Office said Pakistan remains actively engaged in efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting peace in the Middle East. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently held discussions with the foreign ministers of Egypt and Kuwait, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also spoke with the President of Iran.
The spokesperson described Prime Minister Sharif’s recent visit to China as highly significant. During the trip, he met with Xi Jinping and Li Qiang to discuss bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and regional developments.
He further noted that Ishaq Dar’s subsequent visit to the United States included participation in United Nations activities and meetings with international leaders, foreign ministers, and UN officials. Dar also met with Marco Rubio to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues.
According to the Foreign Office, Rubio appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement and mediation efforts, describing them as important contributions to regional peace and stability.
The spokesperson also rejected reports claiming that Ishaq Dar had shared intelligence regarding Iran’s nuclear program with U.S. officials, calling such allegations baseless and inaccurate.
Pakistan welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and reiterated its support for peace and stability in the region.
On relations with the European Union, the spokesperson said constructive dialogue on human rights issues continues and that Pakistan regularly submits reports to relevant international bodies regarding developments in the sector.
Regarding Afghanistan, he said recent discussions with European officials included detailed exchanges on the country’s situation and noted that the European Union has gained a better understanding of Pakistan’s perspective on regional challenges.
The spokesperson also welcomed a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of eight Arab and Islamic countries condemning provocative actions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, emphasizing the importance of respecting religious and holy sites.
