By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Thursday said it is actively working to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and facilitate dialogue between the United States and Iran.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad has engaged extensively with regional and global leaders as violence in the Middle East and Persian Gulf enters its fifth week.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is leading the diplomatic push, supported by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, with outreach spanning Gulf states, Iran, Türkiye, and other international partners.

Islamabad reiterated its readiness to facilitate negotiations between Washington and Tehran, emphasizing what it described as “good offices” under international diplomatic frameworks.

“Pakistan remains actively and constructively engaged… advocating for de-escalation, cessation of hostilities, and a peaceful resolution,” Andrabi said.

While declining to confirm specific meetings or timelines, he stressed that diplomacy is “a process, not an event,” urging media to avoid speculation about backchannel contacts, including reported proposals and delegation visits.

Responding to questions about recent attacks in Gulf countries, Andrabi said “false flag operations cannot be ruled out” amid what he described as the “fog of war.”

He cautioned that misinformation and competing narratives risk further escalation, reiterating Pakistan’s call for restraint and a return to dialogue.

- Operation along the Afghan border resumes

On Afghanistan, the spokesperson confirmed that Pakistan’s military campaign, referred to as Gazab Lil Haq, has resumed after a temporary pause during Eid ul Fitr.

He said the operation targets militant infrastructure linked to groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Islamabad accuses of operating from Afghan territory.

Pakistan maintains that it had pursued diplomatic engagement with Kabul for years but was forced to act after continued cross-border attacks. 

- Sharp Criticism of India Over Kashmir and Water Issues

Pakistan also strongly criticized India over developments in Jammu and Kashmir, condemning the continued closure of Srinagar’s historic Jama Masjid and restrictions on worshippers.

Islamabad called the move a violation of religious freedom and urged the international community to take notice.

The Foreign Office further rejected Indian legal actions against Kashmiri leaders, describing them as “politically motivated,” and accused New Delhi of attempting to suppress dissent.

On water disputes, Pakistan warned that India must not “weaponize water,” citing obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty.

Summing up Pakistan’s position, Andrabi emphasized that Islamabad’s foreign policy remains focused on reducing tensions across multiple fronts, from the Middle East to South Asia.

“Our objective is unwavering,” he said. “If it is to be summarized in a single word, that word is peace.”

Pakistan’s multi-layered diplomatic engagement reflects its attempt to balance regional crises simultaneously, facilitating dialogue abroad while managing security and political challenges closer to home.

Responding to questions about reported reluctance by U.S. officials to visit Islamabad for talks with Iran over security concerns, Andrabi rejected the suggestion, saying, “Pakistan is very safe and secure, and I do not think those safety concerns have any validity.”