- Advertisement -
ISLAMABAD, Jul 4 (APP):Foreign Office Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan on Friday highlighted Pakistan’s growing diplomatic profile at international and regional forums, including its assumption of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Presidency, participation in the 17th ECO Summit, and ongoing efforts for humanitarian and legal accountability in the region.
In a comprehensive weekly press briefing, the FO spokesperson underlined, “Pakistan assumes the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council this July with a deep sense of responsibility and purpose. Our approach will remain anchored in the principles of the UN Charter, multilateralism, and international law.”
The Spokesperson announced that Pakistan will convene two high-level signature events including an open debate on “Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes” on July 22, and a briefing on “UN Cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)” on July 24.
Additionally, Pakistan will preside over the quarterly open debate on the Question of Palestine on July 23, all chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, he added.
“These meetings reflect Pakistan’s intent to serve as a bridge between the Council and the broader UN membership,” the Spokesperson added.
Ambassador Shafqat also announced that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is currently in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, leading Pakistan’s delegation to the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
“The Prime Minister will articulate Pakistan’s vision for regional connectivity, trade, climate resilience, and sustainable development, in line with the ECO Vision 2025,” said the Spokesperson, adding that the Prime Minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with fellow ECO leaders.
Touching on recent bilateral diplomacy, the Spokesperson confirmed that Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar had a telephonic exchange with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, in which they discussed regional developments and the upcoming ASEAN Regional Forum scheduled for July 10–11 in Kuala Lumpur.
He announced that Ambassador Kamran Akhtar, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna, has been elected President of the 53rd Session of the Industrial Development Board (UNIDO).
He said, “This is the first time Pakistan has held this prestigious position, a recognition of our constructive global engagement and commitment to sustainable industrial development.”
The Spokesperson also welcomed a Supplemental Award issued on June 27 by the Court of Arbitration in the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric dispute between Pakistan and India.
“The Court reaffirmed its competence to continue proceedings despite India’s unilateral attempt to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. This Award vindicates Pakistan’s legal and moral stance,” he stated. “We call upon India to resume normal functioning under the Treaty and fully honor its international obligations.”
Ambassador Shafqat briefed the media on the Fifth Round of Pakistan-China Consultations on Multilateral Issues, held on June 26 in Beijing. “Led by Special Secretary Ambassador Nabeel Munir, Pakistan and China reaffirmed convergence on a wide range of UN-related issues and agreed to further strengthen coordination on global peace and security,” he noted.
Providing an update on consular matters, the Spokesperson confirmed that Pakistan and India exchanged lists of prisoners on July 1, 2025, as mandated by the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access.
He said, “Pakistan shared a list of 246 Indian or believed-to-be-Indian prisoners, while India provided a list of 463 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners.”
He reiterated Pakistan’s call for the immediate release of prisoners who have completed their sentences, particularly those with confirmed nationality, and urged India to grant special consular access to all those still awaiting verification, including mentally and physically challenged detainees. “Humanitarian issues remain a priority in Pakistan’s foreign policy,” Ambassador Shafqat emphasized.
The Spokesperson expressed serious concern over the deteriorating health of senior Kashmiri leader Shabbir Ahmed Shah, incarcerated in India’s Tihar Jail for over eight years.
“Mr. Shah has now been diagnosed with prostate cancer. His condition requires urgent medical attention, which cannot be administered in prison,” Ambassador Shafqat said. “We strongly urge Indian authorities to release Mr. Shah on humanitarian grounds.”
“Pakistan continues to pursue a principled and balanced foreign policy—guided by diplomacy, cooperation, and respect for international law,” concluded the Spokesperson.
Responding to media queries, the Foreign Office Spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s position on several bilateral and international matters during its weekly media briefing.
He said Pakistan rejected India’s denial of the supplemental award by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), terming New Delhi’s position “illegal” and lacking legitimacy under international law.
The spokesperson emphasized that the Indus Water Treaty remains operative and the award reaffirms Pakistan’s stance. On whether a formal communication has been made to India, Ambassador Khan noted that technical matters were being handled by the Ministry of Water.
Commenting on Dalai Lama and Tibet, he said Pakistan reiterated its consistent support for China on issues related to Tibet, reaffirming that these are internal matters of China.
Regarding the upcoming Asia Cup Hockey tournament in India, he stated that coordination was ongoing and relevant approvals were under consideration.
He further mentioned that Pakistan acknowledged Russia’s recognition of the Afghan interim government, noting it as a matter between two sovereign nations. On Islamophobia in India, he condemned the demolition of religious sites in Uttarakhand, calling it part of a broader anti-Muslim agenda.
Ambassador Khan added that the recent visit by Pakistan’s Air Chief to the US was highlighted as part of ongoing bilateral defence cooperation, despite the ten-year gap in such high-level exchanges.
Responding to comments by India’s External Affairs Minister on an alleged Pakistani military threat, he said Pakistan reaffirmed its right to self-defence and condemned arbitrary threats to its sovereignty. The FO Spokesperson emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to the 2008 consular access agreement and peaceful diplomacy.
He said that the processes for upgrading diplomatic ties with Kabul were underway. On the expired POR (Proof of Registration) cards for Afghan nationals, the matter was under government deliberation, he added.
The FO Spokesperson expressed concern over India’s continued arms buildup, including drone manufacturing incentives, calling it destabilizing and aimed primarily at Pakistan. “Pakistan reaffirmed its readiness to defend itself,” he added.
Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan dismissed speculation on Pakistan joining the Abraham Accords, reaffirming its unwavering support for a two-state solution and full Palestinian statehood.
He mentioned that Pakistan expressed disappointment over the SAARC summit being stalled by one member. Islamabad reaffirmed its commitment to SAARC and readiness to host the next summit, he added.
Commenting on any trilateral cooperation with China and Bangladesh, the FO Spokesperson described it as routine and focused on regional development, while dismissing reports of a SAARC alternative as speculative.
He reiterated concerns over terrorism emanating from Afghan soil, noting both Afghan-based sanctuaries and Indian patronage of terror elements targeting Pakistan.
The visit of Pakistani military officials to Bangladesh, including Rohingya areas, he said, was characterized as part of ongoing cooperation with no change in Pakistan’s policy on Rohingya Muslims.
On recent Israeli and US military actions against Iran, he said Pakistan reaffirmed solidarity with Iran and condemned aggression and abstained from speculation on battlefield outcomes.
On US involvement in past mediation, he said Pakistan emphasized its preference for diplomacy and noted the choice now lies with India on whether to pursue dialogue or belligerence.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s support for a just solution based on pre-1967 borders and opposed normalization efforts that undermine Palestinian rights.
He confirmed that Pakistan was not forming any military alliance with other regional countries, including China, Russia, Türkiye, Bangladesh, or Afghanistan.
The Foreign Office Spokerperson reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, multilateral cooperation, and principled stances on international issues.