Pakistan has clarified its position regarding the Gaza Peace Board and regional issues. This was stated by Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi during the weekly press briefing.
Andrabi said Pakistan has not decided to join any international stability force. He emphasized that joining the Gaza Peace Board does not involve sending military troops abroad. Pakistan’s participation in the board was decided after consultations under government rules. He added that linking Pakistan’s role in the board with the Abraham Accords is a misunderstanding, and Pakistan will not become part of the accords.
According to Andrabi, Pakistan joined the board in good faith. The main goal is to consolidate a ceasefire in Gaza. Another goal is to support reconstruction efforts in the region. The third objective is to establish lasting peace based on the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
Pakistan is not alone in this initiative. Seven other Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, and Qatar, are also members. The board was launched in September last year through a collective effort. Andrabi described the board as a ray of hope for Gaza and the Palestinian issue. He noted that the last two years have seen severe destruction and humanitarian crises in Gaza.
The board operates with the approval of the UN Security Council. Andrabi clarified that it is a supportive platform, not a replacement for the UN. Pakistan supports permanent ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid. Pakistan continues to support a two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian state along 1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Pakistan’s membership in the board is for three years, and there is no distinction between permanent or non-permanent members.
Visa Restrictions and US Travel Advisory
Andrabi addressed US visa restrictions and ongoing consultations. He said Pakistan is following the matter seriously. Discussions on lifting visa restrictions are ongoing between Islamabad and Washington. Pakistan hopes to be removed from the visa restrictions list soon.
He added that the new US travel advisory is not a downgrade. It is an update, removing some previous security points. This makes travel easier for American citizens. Andrabi said Pakistan is a safe and open country for international travelers. Pakistan and the US are in continuous diplomatic contact on this matter.
Regional Tensions and Iran
Andrabi said Pakistan is closely monitoring regional tensions. The country remains committed to peace and stability. Pakistan opposes the use of force or military aggression. It does not interfere in Iran’s internal affairs, respecting it as a brotherly neighbor.
Pakistan supports peaceful resolution of conflicts through diplomacy. The country fully supports the JCPOA and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Pakistan opposes new sanctions on Iran and stands against any military action in the region.
Pakistan-UAE and International Relations
Regarding bilateral relations, Andrabi said Pakistan maintains strong and brotherly ties with the UAE. He declined to comment on reports of an India-UAE defense agreement. Pakistan does not comment on agreements between sovereign nations.
On EU trade, he said Pakistan’s relations with the European Union are long-term and mutually beneficial. The GSP Plus scheme has been beneficial for both Pakistan and the EU. Bilateral trade exceeds €12 billion. Strategic discussions on the future of GSP Plus have already taken place.
Kazakhstan Rail Project
Andrabi said that the upcoming visit of Kazakhstan’s president to Pakistan will be officially announced soon. Details on dates and agenda will be included in the press release. Agreements and memoranda of understanding are expected during the visit. He added that a railway project via Turkmenistan and Afghanistan is under consideration, but detailed information is not yet available.
DI Khan Incident and Terrorism
Andrabi confirmed the involvement of an Afghan national in the DI Khan terrorist attack. He said recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan have foreign elements involved. Pakistan has raised the issue diplomatically with Afghanistan. He stressed that terrorist activity from Afghan soil must cease immediately.
Presidential and Prime Ministerial Engagements
The spokesperson highlighted the activities of Pakistan’s leadership. The Prime Minister attended the World Economic Forum and represented Pakistan at the Gaza Peace Board meeting. He also held high-level meetings with global leaders, including the IMF Managing Director.
The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, visited the UAE and met Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed. They discussed bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and strategic opportunities. The president expressed hope to further strengthen Pakistan-UAE ties.
