ISLAMABAD, Oct 31 (APP): Foreign Office spokesman, Ambassador Tahir Hussain Andrabi on Friday said, “Pakistan does not seek escalation, but expects the Afghan authorities to take concrete and verifiable action against terrorist entities such as Fitna al-Khwaraj and Fitna al-Hindustan operating from Afghan territory.
Emphasizing Pakistan’s restraint and constructive approach, at his weekly media briefing on the ongoing dialogue with the Afghan Taliban regime, the spokesman said Pakistan had consistently called for practical steps to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorism against Pakistan. He reiterated that while Pakistan remains committed to regional peace and stability, it will “respond resolutely to any continued provocation.”
Ambassador Andrabi briefed the media on the recent second round of Pakistan–Afghanistan talks held in Istanbul (October 25–29), facilitated by brotherly countries. “Pakistan participated in good faith and with a positive spirit,” he said, noting that the dialogue, originally scheduled for two days, was extended to four in pursuit of an amicable resolution.
He added that Pakistan appreciates the mediating role of Qatar and Türkiye and remains engaged in efforts to achieve peaceful outcomes at the next round of talks on November 6.
Ambassador Andrabi then turned to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s high-level visit to Riyadh from October 27–29, where he led a delegation including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar to attend the 9th Future Investment Initiative (FII) Forum under the theme “The Key to Prosperity: Unlocking the New Frontiers of Growth.”
He said the Prime Minister’s meeting with His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Muhammad bin Salman led to the announcement of a Pakistan–Saudi Economic Cooperation Framework, marking a new phase of strategic partnership.
The framework, Ambassador Andrabi explained, will promote collaboration in energy, mining, IT, tourism, agriculture, and food security reflecting “a shared vision of sustainable growth and long-term economic partnership.”
He also confirmed that preparations were underway for the next Saudi–Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council meeting and that both sides were finalizing agreements on electricity interconnection and energy cooperation.
The prime minister also met with the World Economic Forum President and CEO, Børge Brende, who invited him to participate in the upcoming WEF Annual Meeting in Davos in January 2026.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh on October 28. The two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation, regional issues including Gaza, and reaffirmed their commitment to work closely at multilateral fora.
Senator Dar also inaugurated the newly upgraded Consular Hall and One-Window MRP Service at the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh, an initiative aimed at better service delivery for overseas Pakistanis.
Ambassador Andrabi informed that Senator Ishaq Dar held telephone conversations with his counterparts from Canada, Algeria, and Türkiye this week.
With Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, discussions focused on trade, investment and cooperation in agriculture and minerals under the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. The Canadian side appreciated Pakistan’s facilitation of canola exports.
In a call with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, both sides expressed satisfaction with the trajectory of bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed their intent to strengthen ties.
In talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Senator Dar discussed developments in Gaza and was invited to attend an upcoming meeting in Türkiye of partner countries engaged in the diplomatic process on Palestine.
On the Middle East, the spokesman condemned Israel’s continued violations of the Gaza ceasefire, calling them “a flagrant breach of international law and the recently concluded peace agreement.”
“These reckless actions by Israeli occupation forces threaten to derail international efforts toward a durable peace,” Ambassador Andurabi said, reaffirming Pakistan’s principled support for the establishment of an independent, viable, and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Ambassador Andurabi also highlighted the third session of the Pakistan–EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue held in Islamabad this week. Both sides reviewed progress on migration management and labor mobility and agreed to further cooperation under the Pakistan–EU Talent Partnership Roadmap.
He added that the next round of talks will be held in Brussels.
Marking 78 years of Indian occupation in Jammu and Kashmir, Ambassador Andrabi said Pakistan solemnly observed Kashmir Black Day on October 27, reaffirming its unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
He condemned the ongoing human rights abuses in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and noted that numerous events, including seminars, photo exhibitions, and solidarity walks, were organized across Pakistan and by missions abroad.
“The observance of Kashmir Black Day reminds the world of India’s unlawful occupation and pays tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Kashmiri people,” he said and added that letters were also sent by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to UN and OIC leadership, apprising them of the deteriorating human rights situation in IIOJK.
Ambassador Andrabi conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Türkiye following the October 28 earthquake, affirming Islamabad’s readiness to extend humanitarian support. He also expressed condolences on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand, lauding her lifelong dedication to humanitarian and social causes.
Concluding the briefing, Ambassador Andurabi reiterated that Pakistan’s foreign policy remains rooted in peace, mutual respect, and constructive engagement, guided by the vision of regional stability and shared prosperity.
“Our message is clear,” he said. “Pakistan desires peace and cooperation with all neighbors but our sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of our people will always be safeguarded with utmost resolve.”