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Transcript of the Weekly Press Briefing by the Spokesperson, Friday August 8, 2025

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, paid a state visit to Pakistan on 2-3 August 2025, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Dr. Pezeshkian was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the Foreign Minister of Iran, H.E. Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, senior ministers, and other high-ranking officials.

During his stay, the Iranian President met the President of Pakistan, H.E. Asif Ali Zardari. Welcoming President Pezeshkian, President Zardari said that Pakistan and Iran enjoy fraternal relations which are based on shared religion, culture and mutual respect. The two leaders exchanged views on major regional and international developments and stressed the need for coordinated diplomatic efforts to prevent the escalation of conflicts and to promote peace, security, and stability in the region. President Zardari strongly condemned the unprovoked Israeli aggression against Iran and lauded the bravery and unity of the Iranian nation during the recent 12 day war. He expressed hope that President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian's visit would further solidify the brotherly relations between the two countries. President Pezeshkian thanked the leadership and people of Pakistan for their support during the 12 day war and appreciated Pakistan's constructive role in advocating de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy for the peaceful resolution of disputes.

President of Iran also met the Prime Minister of Pakistan, H.E. Shehbaz Sharif. While underscoring the long-standing brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's solidarity and support for the Iranian leadership, Iranian armed forces and the people of Iran, who bravely fought against Israel's aggression in the 12-days war. He offered condolences on the martyrdom of Iranian military officials, scientists and innocent citizens during the war and prayed for early recovery of the injured. He also thanked Iran for its strong support to Pakistan during the recent Pakistan-India standoff. President Pezeshkian thanked the Government and people of Pakistan for their unwavering support to Iran during the war and said that Iranian nation would always remember this gesture.

A number of initiatives for enhancing trade were discussed, including facilitating barter trade, enhancing quota for export of rice, fruits and meat, border markets operationalization, and addressing issues related to enhancing trade. The two leaders reaffirmed their shared vision to enhance the existing volume of trade of USD 3 billion to the mutually agreed target of USD 10 billion soon.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, called on the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, on 3 August 2025 in Islamabad. The DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to its historic and brotherly ties with Iran, emphasizing their strong foundations in shared history, common cultural heritage, faith, and mutual respect. President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan's support and reaffirmed Iran's resolve to improving bilateral collaboration in various areas of shared interest.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, also met Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, during the state visit, on 2 August 2025 in Islamabad. During the meeting, the two sides held preliminary discussions on key substantive issues which were discussed at the leadership level subsequently.

On 3 August 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, oversaw the dispatch of Pakistan's 17th consignment of humanitarian aid to Gaza, consisting of 100 tons of vital supplies, including food, ready-to-eat meals, powdered milk, and medical equipment. This relief effort is part of Pakistan's ongoing commitment to supporting the Palestinian people, who continue to endure extreme suffering amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

In his statement, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister emphasized that Pakistan remains steadfast in its support for Palestine during these trying times. He reiterated Pakistan's call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, the protection of civilians, and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance. He added that Pakistan also continues to advocate for the restoration of a political process leading to a just and lasting two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders in accordance with international law and relevant UNSC resolutions. Pakistan has actively participated in various international forums, including the UN Security Council, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), to ensure accountability for Israel's actions.

Today again, in a demonstration of Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the Palestinian people, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Atta Ullah Tarar, officiated the send-off of the 18th humanitarian aid consignment to Gaza at a ceremony held at Islamabad International Airport today.

Under the directives of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in close coordination with relevant partners, facilitated the dispatch of this consignment, which is the 18th shipment from Pakistan. The aid consignment comprised of essential supplies including dry ration packs, Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs) and medicines. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the NDMA, and the Ambassador of Palestine to Pakistan.

This consignment brings Pakistan's total humanitarian assistance to Gaza to 18 shipments, comprising 1,815 tons of vital relief supplies. This sustained support reflects Pakistan's resolute solidarity with the people of Gaza.

The Government of Pakistan categorically rejects the baseless and unfounded allegations of the involvement of Pakistani nationals in the conflict in Ukraine. To date, Pakistan has not been formally approached by the Ukrainian authorities, nor has any verifiable evidence been presented to substantiate such claims. Government of Pakistan shall take up the matter with the Ukrainian authorities and seek clarification in this regard. Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.

Pakistan condemns in the strongest possible terms the provocative and deeply offensive desecration of Al Aqsa Mosque by thousands of Israeli settlers, including senior Israeli ministers, officials, and members of the Knesset, shielded by brutal Israeli occupying forces.

The presence and statements of senior Israeli officials, and the repugnant declaration that "the Temple Mount is ours," are a dangerous and deliberate attempt to provoke religious sentiments across the world, escalate tensions, and alter the status of Al Aqsa Mosque.

Israel's expansionist attempts are a deliberate effort to destabilize the region and sabotage any meaningful path to peace. These provocations risk igniting a catastrophic spiral of violence across the region. The world must not remain silent in the face of such systemic, illegal, inhumane, and unlawful aggression. Such actions constitute a blatant violation of international human rights and humanitarian laws, the UN Charter, as well as various UN and OIC Resolutions.

We urge the international community, particularly the United Nations, to take immediate and concrete steps to hold Israel accountable for its illegal actions and to protect the religious sanctity of Al Aqsa Mosque and the rights of the Palestinian people, in particular the right to self-determination.

On the sixth anniversary of India's illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the people and Government of Pakistan are solemnly observed the 'Youm-e- Istehsal', on 5 August 2025.

In their special messages on the occasion, the President, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister have renewed Pakistan's unwavering diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmir Cause and called for resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. They have also underscored that India's unlawful actions of 5 August 2019 are aimed at turning the Kashmiris into a disempowered community in their own land.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister has addressed letters to President UN General Assembly, President UN Security Council, UN Secretary General, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Secretary General of the OIC to apprise them of the latest developments in IIOJK. In these letters, he has urged the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions to enable the people of Jammu and Kashmir to determine their own future. He has also stressed the urgent need for improving the human rights situation in IIOJK and releasing the incarcerated Kashmiri political prisoners.

Ahead of the 'Youm-e-Istehsal', the Foreign Secretary briefed the Islamabad-based diplomatic missions on the situation in IIOJK, on 4 August 2025.

To express solidarity with the oppressed people of IIOJK, a special 'Walk' was held in Islamabad, up to the D-Chowk on 5 August 2025. The walk was led by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister. The officers and staff members of the Ministry participated in the walk, alongside people from other spheres of life.

I Thank you

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(Adeel Bashir, Roze News):Mr. Spokesperson, Israeli, Prime Minister, officially on media, admitted that Israel supported India in Operation Sindoor. Do you think that Israel Indian Nexus is a threat for this region and whole world peace?

Spokesperson: We have seen the relevant news report. However, we do not comment on the developments and bilateral relations between different countries. At the same time, it is a matter of common knowledge that Pakistan successfully and resolutely defended its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Indian aggression, regardless of the weaponry used by the Indian side.

(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News):Sir you referred to the productive visit of the Iranian President to Pakistan. I wish to know the future of gas pipeline between the two countries, as they had signed an MOU on that. Secondly, on following morning of the Iranian President's visit, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, held a telephonic conversation with Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State. Do you see any linkage between the two? Lastly, there are frequent interactions between the US Secretary of State and Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister. What is the significance of these contacts?

Spokesperson: Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations are rich and multifaceted. They are all encompassing, covering various areas of cooperation ranging from politics, diplomacy, culture, economy, trade, border management, people to people contacts, education, in other words they enjoy a very positive and dense relationship as it should be between two brotherly neighboring countries. The pipeline issue is under discussion between the technical teams from both sides. As soon as there is a development in that regard, we will let you know.

About the telephonic conversation between the Foreign Minister and the US Secretary of State, we have been issuing our press releases. These calls are a part of normal engagement between two countries which have historically enjoyed close relations.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Two questions. First is with regards to a follow up on the upgradation of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan on the Ambassadorial level. Are we expecting any further honest steps in this regard? Secondly, Abdul Latif Mansoor, the Taliban's Minister for Energy and Water has stated that "Afghanistan's neighbors, particularly Pakistan are not comfortable with a strong central government in Afghanistan". How do you see this comment?

Spokesperson: Sir, about the first question regarding upgradation, the decision has been reached and implemented, and we have announced that the CDAs in both capitals, through mutual agreement, have been upgraded to the Ambassadorial rank. The bilateral relations between the two countries are now at the Ambassadorial level. And that process, in our view, is complete. Afghan ambassador in Pakistan enjoys the protocol due to an ambassador. Up-gradation to Ambassadorial level has taken place, and no further action is required. About your second question, we will, of course, take it up with the Afghan government. But no country has a more vested interest in a stable Afghanistan than Pakistan. The statement completely belies common sense, history and the facts.

(Rashida Sial, Azad Digital): Sir, is Pakistan planning to take up the Indus Waters Treaty's issue to the International Court of Justice? Secondly, according to a report of a Washington based think tank "Middle East Media Research Institute", allegedly Baloch militants in Pakistan are getting support from Israel. Need your comments on that.

Spokesperson: About the first question, statements conveying our position on the Indus Waters Treaty have been made on several occasions. About the terrorism in Balochistan, the facts are known to everyone very well. It is foreign sponsored. Our intelligence, counterterrorism departments and special services are keeping a close eye on it. We will keep you posted on that.

(Allah Noor Wazir, Mashriq TV): Sir is Malik Riaz, the CEO of Bahria Town declared wanted in Pakistan? If so, has Pakistan contacted UAE regarding this? Secondly, you are aware of the situation about peace and security in KPK and Baluchistan. Pakistan has had discussions multiple times with the current Afghan government. Our Minister of Interior and the Minister for Foreign Affairs also visited Afghanistan. So, the situation is still that Afghanistan is involved in these terrorist activities or is it India? Your comments?

Spokesperson: For the first question, I will refer you to Ministry of Interior.

On the second question about the terrorism in our western provinces of KPK and Baluchistan, we have, on number of occasions highlighted that the issue of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan is a centre piece of our conversations with the Afghan government, and we have been drawing their attention to the fact that the terrorists enjoy sanctuaries in Afghanistan. At the same time, we have evidence about India's involvement in fanning terrorism in Pakistan, we have shared those with our friendly countries and will keep highlighting it.

(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Sir, can you update on the visit of the Afghan Foreign Minister to Pakistan? There was a media report that Afghan Foreign Minister's visit to Pakistan was postponed due to a travel ban imposed by the UNSC Sanctions Committee, and that Pakistan formally requested the UNSC Sanctions Committee regarding Afghan Foreign Minister's visit, but it was denied. Will you update us?

Spokesperson: There is no question of cancelation or postponement because officially, the dates are yet to be agreed. The two sides are working on it. There are certain procedural issues which we are working on. As soon as those are resolved, we look forward to welcoming Afghan Foreign Minister in Pakistan.

(Khalid Mahmood, Express News): Sir, Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir is on a visit to America, other than CENTCOM's event, are there any sideline meetings scheduled?

(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): Supplementary, is he also traveling to Europe?

Spokesperson: Sir, I will check and get back on this.

(Tahir Khan, NNI News Agency): I have an invitation of Afghan Foreign Ministry to political and religious leaders in Pakistan. And the invitation states that there was a function scheduled to be held on August 4 in Islamabad and that this function was arranged in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan. This message further says that the visit had already been scheduled and everything was finalized. Your people say that it was a technical issue, but I would say that it was an incompetency of the Foreign Minister because Amir Khan Muttaqi travelled two times to Pakistan. I am sorry to say this because if a person can frequently visit, like he visited China in May and Turkiye in June, and there is a long list if you visit the UN Security Council's website. So, what happened? Because some people, even in Pakistan believe that there was a pressure from the Americans and that they were not happy. This is also one impression. Have we surrendered our independence to the Americans?

Spokesperson: Sir, you have a right to your opinion and judgment about competence or incompetence. Secondly, about the invitations being circulated, if it is authentic I would say that people make mistakes. If a visit is finalised, the Foreign Ministry makes an announcement. The two sides are still working. I would reiterate that as soon as the dates are finalized, we will officially announce.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Sir, is DPM/FM visiting Bangladesh next month? Secondly, we have seen that DPM/FM, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, met the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, after which he engaged in a telephonic conversation with the Iranian Foreign Minister. Is Pakistan playing a role of a bridge between America and Iran?

Spokesperson: You can analyze by linking two disparate events together and draw your conclusions. But let me reiterate that Iran is our neighbor and our brother. Iran beyond our bilateral relations with, is also a very important country in the region. We want stability in the neighborhood, and Iran is a very critical element of the stability in the region. We would do all what we can to bring tensions down and work for stability and diplomatic solution to problems. We have been doing that and will continue to do that.

(Nimra Sohail, PTV News): Sir, the local authorities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir have banned around 25 books written by various authors, including Arundhati Roy and Maulana Modudi. What are your comments on this, please?

(Raziq Mahmood Bhatti, Daily Kashmir News): Sir after India's actions of 5th August 2019, now they have announced to grant statehood status to Jammu and retain the current status of other areas in IIOJK. What are your comments on that?

Spokesperson: There are speculations in media about the status of Jammu and Kashmir. I can officially make a statement to clarify our position. We have seen the relevant news reports. Our position on Jammu and Kashmir dispute is very clear, for us the Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory whose final status is to be determined in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Besides India's illegal and unilateral actions of 5th August 2019 were in breach of the UN Charter the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the international law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, further steps in pursuance of these actions, if any, will constitute a similar breach. This is our official position on that.

Miss Nimra, about your question, let me state that this is another demonstration of the draconian, illegitimate and illegal rule of India in IIOJK. Police raiding bookshops to search for ordinary history books or other which according to them the residents of the region should not be reading shows the illegitimate nature of Indian occupation.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Thank you, Sir for updating us that Pakistan has accepted current Afghan Head of Mission as Ambassador. I want to know what method or procedure was utilized in this matter because usually, when an Ambassador is appointed, he presents his credentials to the President and the flags of two countries are hoisted. Did the Afghan Head of Mission present his credentials to President Zardari and if such an event took place, which Afghan flag was hoisted, the old one or the latest one of the Taliban?

Spokesperson: Our position is basically by virtue of the agreement between the two countries to upgrade relations, they are now Ambassadors, so no further steps are needed. This is our position on the matter; we do not deem it essential that they should present credentials. About the flag question, I will need to check with our protocol, and will get back to you.

(Aijaz Ahmed, GNN News): I have two brief questions, one question is in continuation to Azaz Sahab's question and other question is in continuation to Tahir Khan's question. Sir, you stated that Ambassador's status has been set up by upgrading it from Charge d'Affairs. Did we accept the current Afghan government as legitimate government?

Secondly, the point that Naveed Sahab and others were trying to raise; did United Nations impose travel sanctions on Amir Muttaqi and did they turn down our request to facilitate his Pakistan visit?

Thirdly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after his meeting with J.P. Singh highlighted Israel's role in supporting India against Pakistan during his talk with the Indian media. We cannot consider it purely a matter of bilateral relations between two countries. Also, after Israel unveiled its plans about Gaza, will the Muslim world just listen to its talk and condemn it or will they go a step further?

Spokesperson: Your question about Israel's cooperation with India during war with Pakistan, what I said that the bilateral relations between Israel and India are between those two countries and whatever cooperation Israel provided to India, irrespective of that, we successfully defended Pakistan. That is what I stated.

Regarding your question about latest Israeli plans on Gaza, this question has been addressed in almost every media briefing and rightly so. Issue of Gaza is in the hearts of our people. We have made Pakistan's principled diplomatic position on the subject abundantly clear. Recently the Deputy Prime Minister while he was in New York specially chaired, during Pakistan's Presidency, a special briefing on the Middle East situation, particularly focusing on Gaza.

Regarding the first two questions, the list of Afghan personnel banned under UNSC is publically available. I am not going into details, but I have clarified that the dates of the visit are being worked out. So, on the question of postponement of the visit of Afghan FM, whenever we plan our high level visits, we agree upon a tentative date and unless both the countries agree on that, no formal announcement is made in this regard. And there was no formal announcement by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry on this so no postponement of the visit.

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News HD): Did Pakistan ever in its history, unofficially, through third party or indirectly contact Israel?

Spokesperson: I have no knowledge of complete history. I will have to check but what I can say is that we do not recognize Israel. Our passports do not entitle our citizens to travel to that country. Our position is from the beginning, the time of our Founding Fathers, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is clear and consistent, unambiguous and very clear. There is no question of these kinds of contacts with Israel particularly in this time of depravity, brutality and barbarity which Israel has unleashed on the people of Palestine, and on people of Lebanon. Our position on the whole question of peace and security in Middle East is very well known and very clear.

(Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): Session of United Nations General Assembly will start from 9th September. What is Pakistan's schedule and who are the members of the delegation? Usually at the occasion of UNGA session, head of governments meet one another. Will our elected members meet US President Donald Trump or is any other meeting in schedule?

Spokesperson: About our planning for the participation and representation of Pakistan at the UN General Assembly, which you rightly pointed out, is a very important diplomatic event on the calendar is underway. The Foreign Ministry is in contact with the high offices, other ministries and our missions, and they are working on it. As soon as we have clarity and a decision is taken, we will share it with you.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Sir, it is being reported in media that a secret deal has been concluded with the US on Pakistan's rare Earth metal resources. What is the veracity of these reports? If true, then what are the details about it?

Secondly, many delegations from Pakistan visited US and high level meetings were held. President Trump assured that he will help resolve Kashmir issue. Was the Kashmir issue highlighted in these meetings and what are the updates on this matter?

Spokesperson: About the first question, there is so much speculation going on. Earlier, it used to be media speculation, but now there is social media speculation as well. There is no question of any secret agreements or Pakistan compromising on its national interest. At the same time, there is a mechanism through which we invite Foreign Investment. We have been working to attract more Foreign Investment. The details, as they become mature, will be shared with you.

About the US interest, in settlement of Kashmir issue we welcome help not only from the US, but any country which can help stabilize the situation and move towards resolution of the Kashmir dispute, which is at the heart of issues of peace and security in South Asia. We will welcome that. And of course, in all diplomatic engagements, our side emphasizes and explains our perspective and the centrality of this issue.

(Nadeem Faisal Baiga, The Times Union): Yesterday, National Security Advisor of India, Ajit Doval met President Putin. My question is, will Pakistan in the near future, arrange a diplomatic engagement with Russia to ensure balance in regional diplomacy?

Spokesperson: About Ajit Doval's visit, of course you are an experienced journalist, this is a matter between Russia and India. Russia is an important priority in our foreign policy, and the two sides have been working together to further consolidate these friendly relations. Recently, you have seen a packed calendar of diplomatic exchanges between Pakistan and Russia. Multiple visits have taken place between the two countries. We look forward to maintaining the positive momentum in Pakistan Russia relations, which we believe are very important. They serve not only the two countries' national interest, but they also contribute to regional stability.

(Sumaira Khan, Samaa News): Thank you very much, Spokesperson. Sir, do we have any idea that after Operations Bunyan ul Marsoos or Markaa e Haq was concluded, and after the DGMO's contact with each other, I know it is pertinent to the Ministry of Defense or the military forces, but do we have any sort of contact between India or Pakistan. Specifically, after President Trump's statement that he will be working to resolve the issue of Kashmir between India and Pakistan, and there will be negotiations probably at a neutral venue. Since then any development or any follow up on that? Thank you.

Spokesperson: No. Simple answer, but what I can add here is that, as I have mentioned earlier, we welcome United State's interest to work with the two sides for resolution of this issue. Our overall diplomatic position is well known. We want to take the route of diplomacy, but it is the Indian side which has to make up its mind. And so far, there are no contacts between our two sides, except for the routine diplomatic contact.

(Sumaira Khan, Samaa News): Sir, there are no contact on any level?

Spokesperson: I have to check what do you mean by any level but as of now at high level, there is no diplomatic engagement between India and Pakistan.

(Mudassir Chaudhary, The Destination): A couple of days ago, Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali faced a terrible incident in the UK. What is Foreign Office's stance on this, what allegations is he facing and what is his position?

Spokesperson: I will have to check as I do not have the complete details.

(Imran Waseem, Aik News): Sir, sons of PTI founder, Qasim and Salman applied for Pakistan's visa from Pakistan's High Commission London and Interior Ministry stated that visa process is the job of Pakistani High Commission. What are the updates on the visa process? When it will be issued?

Spokesperson: I want to make this point clear - if you look at the Government's Rules of Business, visa is a matter that falls in the domain of Ministry of Interior. Pakistan Embassy and Diplomatic Missions abroad act on the behalf of Government of Pakistan and regarding visa matters, we get instructions from Ministry of Interior. So again like a lot of questions, I will refer the question to Ministry of Interior.

(Zeeshan Syed, Neo TV): Sir, Ukraine accused Pakistan of supporting Russia in Russo - Ukraine conflict. Despite, Reuters reporting that Russian drones are utilizing Indian components in Drone manufacturing. Did Ukrainian authorities presented similar evidences to Pakistan?

Spokesperson: Our official statement on the subject is very clear. We are approaching the Ukrainian authorities that before making such a statement, evidence or any details on the subject should have been shared with us. We are working through diplomatic channels. If they have any evidence, they should share it with us.

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