By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan expressed strong optimism on Thursday that a deal between the United States and Iran is imminent, while warning India that any imposed aggression would be met with "full strength" as tensions over Kashmir and the Indus Water Treaty remain unresolved.

At the weekly Foreign Ministry press briefing, Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi covered a wide range of issues -- from Pakistan's mediation between Washington and Tehran and the first anniversary of the May 2025 war with India, to the closure of the Afghanistan border and the repatriation of hundreds of Pakistanis detained abroad.

Andrabi confirmed that Pakistan remains actively engaged as a facilitator between the United States and Iran, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar holding a telephone conversation with Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on May 4.

"The Iranian side appreciated Pakistan's constructive and mediation role," Andrabi said.

He disclosed that 22 crew members from the seized Iranian container ship MV Touska have been evacuated to Pakistan and later to Iran -- a move he called "a major confidence-building measure by the United States of America."

When asked how close the two sides are to a deal, Andrabi said: "In diplomacy, there is no standard metric system evolved which would say how close or how far we are from a settlement. I wish there was a standard meter, centimeter, yard, kilometer, milliliter — such a matrix. What I can tell you is that we remain positive, optimistic. A simple answer would be that we expect an agreement sooner rather than later."

On the possibility of a signing ceremony in Islamabad, he added: "Of course, if it takes place in Islamabad, it will be an honor and a privilege to host it."

The spokesperson declined to share specific details, saying: "As an honest facilitator and mediator, it is incumbent on us to uphold the trust of respective positions. We will jealously guard any information that we have."

- One year since 'Marka-e-Haq': Warning to India

The briefing marked the first anniversary of the May 2025 conflict with India, which Pakistan has branded "Marka-e-Haq" (Battle for Truth). Andrabi said the occasion reinforces "national resolve that sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of the country would be defended with all means possible."

He described belligerent statements from New Delhi as "a cause of concern" for Pakistan's international partners.

"The belligerence emanating from our neighbor is not appreciated in any international capital. Pakistan's advocacy for diplomacy and dialogue is appreciated all along," he said.

Asked whether another clash with India is inevitable, Andrabi responded: "It is not for me to predict about the future and give a prognosis on the security of South Asia. But I can tell you that Pakistan has always underscored the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in settling all our bilateral issues with respect to India."

He added: "If an aggression, which took place exactly a year ago, is imposed on us, Pakistan will respond, and will respond with full strength and all means available. This fact is amply clear to our adversary in our neighborhood."

Kashmir: UN resolutions and diplomatic support

Andrabi reiterated Pakistan's position that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute "remains central to regional instability" and called for its resolution under UN auspices.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, in his briefing to the diplomatic corps on May 5, had stressed that the issue must be resolved in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The spokesperson also condemned "ongoing atrocities, extrajudicial killings, and demographic changes" in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), reaffirming Pakistan's diplomatic, political, and moral support for the Kashmiri people.

Afghanistan: Border closure rooted in terrorism

On the deteriorating ties with the Taliban administration in Kabul, Andrabi was blunt: "The only problem is that while the people of adjoining provinces of Afghanistan yearn for peace, elements are operating within Afghan territory who are against peace — fomenting, engineering, and planning terrorist attacks in Pakistan."

He questioned the Taliban's ability to control terrorist groups operating on their soil "with impunity and at times in cohorts and in alliance with the local governments, including the Taliban regime."

"Pakistan and Afghanistan share the same religion, ethnicity, racial stock, and aspiration for peace. But this one-point issue of terrorism affecting Pakistan, emanating from Afghan soil, is holding back our relations, and this will hold back our relations as long as the Taliban regime in Kabul does not understand the gravity of the situation."

When asked whether Afghanistan has become "a new India" for Pakistan, Andrabi said: "Instead of focusing on the symptoms, we need to understand the root cause. That root cause is terrorism from Afghanistan into Pakistan."

He noted that recent agreements among tribal elders in Bajaur, Kunar, Chitral, and Nuristan are "welcoming" and demonstrate that "people on both sides of the border want peace."

Pakistanis detained abroad: Cambodia, Uganda, UAE

The spokesperson provided detailed updates on Pakistani nationals detained in several countries.

Cambodia: Fifty-four Pakistanis were taken into custody by Cambodian police during a raid on a scamming compound. Consular access was granted on April 29, and Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) were issued. "As of today, 49 individuals have returned and an additional 3 have secured air tickets for May 7," Andrabi said.

Uganda: Eighty-five Pakistani nationals were detained in Kampala on April 27 for engaging in unauthorized employment while on visit visas. A court initially imposed a fine of USD 400 per person. "Our Embassy intervened, and on their request, the sentence was waived, but the fine remained," Andrabi said. All 85 have been repatriated. "Throughout the period of detention, the Mission ensured the provision of essential support, including two daily meals, breakfast, clean drinking water, and necessary medical care."

United Arab Emirates: Addressing reports of expulsions, Andrabi confirmed that Pakistan's missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have issued ETDs -- 2,714 from the Consulate General in Dubai and 780 from the Embassy in Abu Dhabi between January and April 2026.

"Deportation was primarily prompted by a royal court pardon on Eid, which enabled the release and repatriation of jailed individuals," he explained. "I do not see any political reason for their deportation. These are primarily legal cases."

He added that Pakistan's missions are in touch with UAE authorities to ensure community members comply with local laws.

Indus Water Treaty: 'Not a drop stolen'

Responding to a question about India's alleged violations of the Indus Waters Treaty, Andrabi issued a firm warning.

"Pakistan reserves the right to explore all legal and political mechanisms enshrined in the treaty and under international law to claim our right on the waters of the Indus Basin system. All options are on the table."

He said proceedings by the Indus Water Commissioners are underway, and all data on river flows and variations is being documented.

"I can assure you that all efforts will be made and are being made that not a drop of water is stolen from Pakistan from what is our right."

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had earlier stated that "any attempt to stop Pakistan's water would be considered a declaration of war."

Indian arms buildup and defense relations

Andrabi addressed India's ongoing military modernization, including the acquisition of Rafale jets and S-400 missile systems.

"Indian force modernization, particularly its acquisition of platforms and systems, at times goes much beyond South Asia and threatens the world at large," he said.

"In the wake of this arms buildup, Pakistan will ensure that our credible minimum deterrence is maintained. I can assure you that our military preparedness and our own defense acquisitions would be sufficient to maintain our robust defense."

On Indian attempts to persuade third countries not to sell defense technology to Pakistan, Andrabi said: "Indian reaction to Pakistan's defense relations with other countries is not new. It reflects a paranoia that they have with respect to the status of our defense forces. No diplomatic move by India can offset these relations."

He confirmed that the US has approved radar upgrades for Pakistan's F-16 fleet, despite Indian objections.

Global Sumud Flotilla and Israeli assaults

Pakistan joined a joint statement by the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Jordan, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, South Africa, Spain, and Türkiye condemning Israeli assaults on the Global Sumud Flotilla on April 30.

"The foreign ministers condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli assault on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a peaceful civilian humanitarian initiative aimed at drawing international attention to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza," Andrabi said.

He described the Israeli attacks on vessels and the unlawful detention of humanitarian activists in international waters as "flagrant violations of international law and international humanitarian law."

Rescue of Indian crew in Arabian Sea

In a humanitarian highlight, Andrabi confirmed that the Pakistan Navy rescued seven crew members -- six Indian and one Indonesian -- from the distressed vessel MV Gautam in the Arabian Sea.

"Upon receiving the alert from Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai, Pakistan Navy initiated a swift response and deployed PMSA Ship Kashmir. The ship provided food, medical aid, and technical assistance."

He added: "This operation underscores Pakistan Navy's commitment to maritime safety and humanitarian responsibilities, irrespective of nationality."

No comment on Kulbhushan Jadhav execution

When asked whether there are any plans to execute Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, a convicted spy, on the anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, Andrabi said: "The case is there. The individual is in Pakistan's custody. The law will take its course on this case."

Despite the wide range of challenges -- from border closures with Afghanistan to water disputes with India and detained nationals abroad -- Andrabi concluded on a note of diplomatic resolve.

"Pakistan has never shied away from dialogue with India on any issue. The fact that dialogue has not taken place cannot be blamed on Pakistan. It takes two to have a dialogue."

On the US-Iran front, he said: "We hope that the parties will come to a peaceful, sustainable solution and bring peace, not just to our region but internationally as well."