By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Thursday confirmed that negotiations between the United States and Iran remain ongoing, with Islamabad intensifying diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and bring both parties back to the negotiating table under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

"We are doing utmost to bring both parties back to the Islamabad MoU, so that all the irritants can be removed in the light of its spirit," Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andarabi told reporters during his weekly press briefing.

The Spokesperson expressed cautious optimism about recent developments in the Gulf region, despite describing the security situation as "precarious."

"We note with concern that the security situation remains precarious, despite the relative calm of past few days, which had rekindled hopes that this positive development would consolidate into a durable and fully respected ceasefire and pave the way for dialogue," Andarabi stated.

He reiterated Pakistan's longstanding position that "dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward" amid prevailing tensions between Tehran and Washington. The Islamabad MoU, along with the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Statement of June 21, 2026, continues to serve as the foundational framework for potential technical-level talks, he added.

- Regional Security and Defense Cooperation

The Spokesperson also addressed the expanding theater of conflict in the Middle East, confirming that Pakistan has condemned attacks by non-state actors against Saudi Arabia.

He referenced the Saudi Ministry of Defense's statement regarding drone attacks targeting oil facilities that reportedly originated from Iraqi territory, affirming that "the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter."

On defense cooperation, Andarabi confirmed that Kuwait has ratified the Pakistan-Kuwait Defense Cooperation Agreement, originally signed in June 2023.

The agreement, now fully operational, builds on nearly four decades of defense ties. He clarified that while this agreement is significant, it differs from Pakistan's Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia.

- Afghanistan and Cross-Border Security

Responding to a United Nations report claiming 500 civilian casualties in Afghanistan due to cross-border fighting, the Spokesperson rejected the figures, stating that Pakistan's strikes are "precisely targeted at combatants, terrorists, and their masterminds" operating from Afghan soil.

"We obviously do not corroborate these figures," Andarabi said, adding that militants "do not have a particular uniform – so they are guised as a civilian." He noted that Pakistan has taken measures for the security of its citizens in response to terrorist elements operating from Afghanistan.

- India Blocks Pakistani Media, Kashmir Situation

The Spokesperson strongly condemned India's decision to block Pakistan TV Digital's social media accounts on X and YouTube, describing it as part of India's "established pattern of suppressing information."

"Factual reporting has no place in this captive ecosystem. This frequent lapse into escapism exposes India's deep intolerance for independent voices," he said.

On Kashmir, Andarabi condemned the use of pellet guns against protesters in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), calling it "abhorring wherever it takes place." He reaffirmed Pakistan's support for the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination through a UN-administered plebiscite.

The Spokesperson firmly rejected Indian comments on the recent elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), stating: "We totally reject the comments made by India with respect to Azad Jammu and Kashmir."

- Deutsche Welle Documentary Rejected

Pakistan rejected a recent Deutsche Welle documentary critical of its nuclear program, describing it as "nothing but regurgitation of hackneyed and speculative commentary."

"The documentary reflects either a profound misunderstanding or a deliberate disregard of the history, evolution, and rationale of Pakistan's nuclear programme," Andarabi stated, emphasizing that Pakistan's nuclear command-and-control architecture meets "the highest international standards."

- Palestine and Diplomatic Engagements

The Spokesperson briefed reporters on Pakistan's diplomatic engagements on Palestine, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar's recent calls with Jordanian and Saudi counterparts. Pakistan also participated in a joint statement by eight Arab-Islamic countries condemning Israeli actions in Jerusalem.

Pakistan will host the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit in 2027, with invitations extended to all member states, including India. On visa exchanges with India, Andarabi confirmed that both sides issued near-identical numbers of staff-level visas for routine postings.