Iran-US peace matter of national importance for Pakistan: FO
Pakistan emphasizes its national importance in the US-Iran peace process, rejecting claims of sidelining officials. The nation also highlighted India's alleged terrorism and a favorable water dispute ruling.
- Pakistan's unified efforts in the US-Iran peace process.
- India's alleged state-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan.
- Favorable ruling on Indus Waters Treaty projects.
ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office(FO) on Friday emphasised that the peace process between Iran and the United States is a matter of national importance for Pakistan, reflecting a collective national effort.
Speaking at the weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace, dialogue, and a lasting resolution to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the Gulf region.
Addressing a question on whether Finance Minister Ishaq Dar was being “sidelined” in Pakistan’s intermediary role, Andrabi said categorically, “You used the word sideline. I would very categorically reject it.”
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He emphasised that Pakistan’s peace initiatives, including the recent visits by the Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, should not be viewed through the narrow lens of departmental divisions.
“Pakistan is united in this cause. I would urge restraint from any speculations in this regard,” he added.
He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and the Interior Minister have remained at the forefront of Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements.
“In that sense, the Naqvi’s visits should be seen in this vein,” he remarked.
Naqvi undertook two significant visits to Iran this week, on May 16 and May 20, holding key meetings with the Iranian leadership.
On regional security, the spokesperson asserted that India’s involvement in promoting terrorism in Pakistan is well-documented.
“The case of Kulbhushan Jadhav remains a stark example of state-sponsored terrorism. Equally concerning are the recurring incidents of extraterritorial killings orchestrated by Indian terrorist networks,” he said.
On water disputes, Andrabi welcomed the supplemental award by the Court of Arbitration on May 15, regarding the maximum pondage for the Ratle and Kishanganga projects.
He said the award reaffirms Pakistan’s longstanding position that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) places substantive limits on India’s control over the western rivers.
The ruling clarifies that pondage for run-of-the-river projects must be justified by operational requirements, hydroelectric and hydraulic conditions, power system needs, and treaty-mandated information.
“Pakistan will present these interpretations before the Neutral Expert, in accordance with the provisions of the IWT,” he stated.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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