Pakistan Seeks Peace but Will Not Compromise on Defence: FO

Pakistan Presents Clear Position on Afghanistan, India, Iran and UAE: Foreign Office

ISLAMABAD (Rizwan Abbasi): Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi has said that Pakistan believes in peace, diplomacy and dialogue in the region, but there will be no compromise on the country’s sovereignty, security and defence.

Addressing the weekly media briefing, Andrabi said that the nation was observing the first anniversary of “Marka-e-Haq,” adding that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar briefed the diplomatic corps on the issue on May 5.

He said Ishaq Dar also contacted his Kuwaiti counterpart on May 2, while the Norwegian Deputy Foreign Minister met him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and invited him to participate in the Oslo Forum. Andrabi noted that the international community remained concerned over the peace and security situation in South Asia.

Responding to a question regarding ongoing diplomatic contacts between Iran and the United States, the spokesperson said Pakistan remained optimistic and hoped for positive progress soon. He remarked that diplomacy could not be measured through fixed parameters, but expressed hope that all parties would reach a final settlement at the earliest.

Regarding the issue of Pakistani crew members and other individuals in Somalia, Andrabi said the Pakistani Embassy and the Foreign Office were in constant contact with Somali authorities. He added that a Pakistani delegation might soon visit Mogadishu to hold meetings with relevant departments. However, he said immediate access to detained individuals was not possible at this stage, though progress was being made.

On Pakistan-India relations, the Foreign Office spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan always advocated dialogue and diplomacy. He stressed that Pakistan’s position was rooted in international law, the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions. He said Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, water disputes and regional security issues was based on legal principles. Andrabi warned that if any aggression was imposed on Pakistan, the country would respond with full strength.

Referring to the Indus Waters Treaty, he said Pakistan would use all legal and diplomatic options to safeguard its water rights. He added that river flows and water levels were being closely monitored and all relevant institutions were fully engaged on the matter. “Pakistan will not allow even a single drop of its rightful water share to be wasted,” he stated.

Talking about Afghanistan, Andrabi said Pakistan would not tolerate any terrorist activity emanating from Afghan soil. He said the Afghan interim government had assured Pakistan that its territory would not be used against Pakistan. According to him, terrorism remained the root cause behind border closures, trade disruptions and border management issues.

Commenting on terrorism in Balochistan, the spokesperson said law enforcement agencies remained fully vigilant and active. Paying tribute to martyred military officers, personnel and civilians, he said security forces were taking every possible step to counter terrorism. He further stated that evidence regarding external support to terrorist groups operating in Balochistan had already been presented before international forums, including the United Nations.

On defence matters, Andrabi said Pakistan would maintain its credible minimum deterrence capability. He said Pakistan was fully aware of the implications of India’s military modernisation in South Asia and was strengthening its defence preparedness through acquisition of modern technologies.

Responding to questions about India’s objections to Pakistan’s defence relations with friendly countries, Andrabi said such reactions were not new. He maintained that Pakistan’s defence ties were based on strong institutional foundations and mutual trust, and could not be affected by Indian diplomatic efforts.

Regarding the United Arab Emirates, the spokesperson said the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister had expressed full solidarity with the UAE and strongly condemned recent attacks against the brotherly country. He said Pakistani diplomatic missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai were actively handling consular matters. According to him, the Dubai Consulate issued 2,714 emergency travel documents, while 780 such documents were issued in Abu Dhabi between January and April. He added that most cases involving detained Pakistanis in the UAE were legal in nature, and the Pakistani Embassy remained in close contact with UAE authorities on the matter.