Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Thursday 01st October, 2026

Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalam-o-Alaikum

I welcome you all to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

I will begin with some important developments concerning Pakistan’s foreign relations since our last briefing.

Ladies and Gentlemen

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar had a busy and substantive schedule in New York during the High-Level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly from 21-25 September 2026, with a series of high-level bilateral and multilateral engagements and addresses covering key regional and global issues. The details of his engagements will be shared by the DPM/FM in a press briefing tomorrow.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Turning to developments since our last briefing, under Pakistan’s Chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State for 2026–27, the first meeting of the SCO Council of National Coordinators was held in Islamabad from 28–30 September 2026. The National Coordinators reviewed activities and key initiatives under Pakistan’s Chairmanship, discussed preparations for upcoming SCO meetings, and exchanged views on strengthening coordination and practical cooperation in line with the theme, “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity.”

As part of the programme, the SCO delegations visited the Pakistan National Council of the Arts and Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium, where they were briefed on Pakistan’s cultural heritage and preparations for the SCO Hockey Tournament, scheduled for 20 November–2 December 2026.

On 30 September 2026, the National Coordinators also called on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who highlighted Pakistan’s priorities for its SCO Chairmanship and its commitment to working closely with all Member States to advance the Organization’s objectives.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would now like to share an update regarding a tragic incident involving Pakistani crew members off the coast of Somalia. Pakistan is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of five crew members during the recovery operation of the hijacked vessel MT Honour 25 off the coast of Somalia. Three of the deceased are Pakistani nationals — Rafi Ullah Khan, Syed Kashif Umer and Mahmood Ahmed Ansari. Four crew members, including three Pakistanis, were also injured and are receiving medical treatment. The surviving crew members were initially brought ashore at Bandar Beyla and now safely brought to the Garowe city, where the injured are being treated.

The Government and people of Pakistan extend their deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the departed souls to rest in peace. The Government remains in close contact with the Somali authorities and other stakeholders to facilitate medical care for the injured, repatriation of the mortal remains, and safe return of the surviving Pakistani crew members.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me now turn to the DPM/FM’s bilateral engagements over the past two weeks. Over the past two-weeks, different Ambassadors called on the DPM/FM at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with the Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan, Mr. Irfan Neziroğlu on 18 September. The two sides discussed the evolving regional situation as well as progress under various bilateral institutional mechanisms aimed at advancing cooperation across a range of areas.

The DPM/FM also received the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ms. Jane Marriott. The two sides discussed Pakistan-UK relations, understandings reached during the DPM/FM’s recent visit to the United Kingdom, and ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. Regional and international developments of mutual interest were also discussed.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In addition to these engagements, the DPM/FM also spoke with different leaders during period. On 19 September, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The two Foreign Ministers discussed the latest regional developments.

The DPM/FM stressed the importance of uninterrupted energy supplies and the safe and expeditious passage of ships, particularly given their implications for developing countries and global supply chains. He also underscored that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable means of ensuring peace and stability in the region.

On the same day, the DPM/FM also spoke with Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamad Hasan. The two Ministers discussed Pakistan-Malaysia bilateral relations, with particular focus on expanding trade and economic cooperation.

Separately, on 21 September 2026, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran, where he held meetings with Iranian officials to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments. The visit focused on strengthening Pakistan-Iran cooperation and exchanging views on the evolving regional situation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the bilateral level, the 8th Round of the Pakistan-France Joint Security Commission was held in Islamabad on 22 September 2026, led by Defence Secretary, and Secretary General for Defence and National Security (SGDSN), respectively. The two sides reviewed bilateral security and defence cooperation, exchanged views on regional security developments, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in line with the Pakistan-France Roadmap for Bilateral Cooperation (2023), including counter-terrorism and combating transnational organized crime. They agreed to continue bilateral dialogue and hold the next round of the Commission in France on mutually agreed dates.

In the same vein, the fifth round of Pakistan-Denmark Bilateral Political Consultations was also held in Copenhagen on 23 September. The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and cooperation in trade and investment, green transition, energy, people-to-people contacts, consular matters, and multilateral affairs. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of relations and agreed to further enhance mutually beneficial cooperation, maintain close coordination, and sustain the momentum of bilateral engagement.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

These engagements reflect Pakistan’s continued diplomatic outreach, our commitment to strengthening bilateral partnerships, and our active engagement at the multilateral level, particularly during the High-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly.

With that, I conclude my opening statement and will now be happy to take your questions.

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(Namra Sohail, PTV): Sir, how does Pakistan view reports of an attempted demolition of portions of the Shahi Masjid in Ujjain, India? What concerns does this raise regarding the protection of Muslim religious rights and sites, as well as the religious freedoms of minorities in India? And does Pakistan also intend to raise the matter at relevant international forums?

Spokesperson: Pakistan strongly condemns the arbitrary action and attempts to demolish portions of the historic Shahi Masjid in Madhya Pradesh. We also condemn the use of force against members of the Muslim community who were peacefully protesting the attempted demolition. The incident is particularly concerning in the context of an increasingly troubling pattern of arbitrary actions affecting Muslim places of worship and their religious and cultural heritage in India. The invocation of administrative practices, rubber-stamped by a compliant judiciary, cannot obscure the Islamophobic and Hindutva-driven pattern of persecution of minorities, manifested in threats to their places of worship, cultural heritage, and religious practices. Pakistan calls upon the international community to take immediate cognizance of the continued targeting of Muslims and their places of worship in India. Rather than creating conditions in which the religious heritage of minority communities is progressively placed under threat, Indian authorities must fulfill their obligations and ensure the protection of minorities, their places of worship, and their fundamental religious freedoms.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): I have two questions. Number one, a clarification regarding Pakistan’s position on U.S. sanctions concerning trade with Iran. In an earlier press briefing, the Spokesperson stated that since these sanctions were unilateral and were not imposed pursuant to a UN Security Council resolution, Pakistan would continue its trade with Iran. Now, in light of subsequent U.S. concerns and recent statements by the Ministry, could you clarify Pakistan’s current position?

My second question is: You just talked about the National Coordinators’ meeting of the SCO. We saw the Indian National Coordinator, His Excellency Ambassador Amitabh Dimri. He offered a namaste, then warmly shook hands with the DPM, and decently spoke positively about his experience in Pakistan. From a diplomatic perspective, do you think such a gesture carries any message for Pakistan? How do you interpret it, given that this falls within your area of jurisdiction?

Spokesperson: Ladies and gentlemen, you know the remarks, as Paracha sahab mentioned, that have been attributed to the Spokesperson. I would say that they were taken out of context and require some clarification. It is also a good question.
Pakistan is a responsible member of the international community and adheres, and shall continue to adhere, to all applicable sanctions regimes in accordance with international and domestic laws. Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to a rule-based international system rooted in multilateralism and international law, and we remain in constant and constructive communication with all relevant stakeholders.

Pakistan highly values its enduring and multifaceted strategic partnership with the United States and remains fully committed to further strengthening its long-standing diplomatic, economic, and security ties with Washington. Concurrently, Pakistan emphasizes its strict adherence to international practices and established frameworks.

Pakistan, being a mediator in communication between Iran and the United States, believes that it is important to continue urging both sides to exercise restraint, resolve outstanding issues through dialogue and diplomacy, and honour their respective commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Pakistan believes that this is the only viable pathway to resolving the conflict amicably and peacefully, in the larger interest of global peace and security.

Coming to your second question, we had National Coordinators from all member states of the SCO, including India. Indeed, it was after a gap of perhaps more than two years that we had a senior official visiting Pakistan from India. And, rightly so, you mentioned that in his interview with the media, he expressed his keenness to visit some other places in Pakistan as well, such as Sialkot and Faisalabad, as I recall, and Lahore, which he termed the cultural capital of the SCO for the next one year.

His presence here reflected the commonality of views as well as objectives of the entire region with regard to peace, development, connectivity, trade, and transit, which he also remarked upon in his interview. So, it is a welcome step, and we hope that during the next one-year, other events to be held in Islamabad will continue to attract member countries from across the region.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): I have multiple questions, but I will stick to one this time, and it is regarding India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which has stated that Pakistan has circulated a document in the United Nations Security Council regarding the Court of Arbitration’s decision. They have said that it is allegedly an illegally constituted Court of Arbitration. I want your comment on that.

Spokesperson: We reject India’s attempt to spread confusion through the misleading characterization of the Court of Arbitration’s recent award, which has unanimously and firmly affirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty remains in full force and binding upon both parties, and that India must observe its treaty obligations, including those governing the design and operation of hydroelectric projects on the western rivers.

The Court also unanimously decided to impose measures prohibiting India from concreting the Ratle Hydroelectric Power Dam, its walls, and power intake structures above certain levels until 90 days after the Neutral Expert’s final decision, which is expected around July 2027. The Court also imposed a reporting measure on India related to the RHEP.

Now, the Court of Arbitration is constituted, as you are all aware, under the Indus Waters Treaty at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Hague. The last award of 31 August 2026 in the Indus Waters Western Rivers Arbitration, initiated by Pakistan against India, is available on the official website of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

The Court of Arbitration has previously determined its competence and constitution in accordance with Article 9 and Annexure G of the Treaty in its July 2023 award and rejected India’s objections. Soon after India’s illegal and unilateral announcement regarding the status of the Treaty last year, the Court reaffirmed its competence. Now, on 31 August 2026, the award has unequivocally rejected all of India’s claims, and this is a reality which India finds hard to acknowledge.

However, India cannot escape from the binding awards of the Court of Arbitration through unilateral pronouncements or by smoke-screening its disregard for binding treaty obligations and adjudicatory outcomes through concocted and misleading narratives.

I hope I have answered your question.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Sir, what is the current situation at the Pak-Afghan border? And according to an Afghan Times report, an Afghan Taliban minister has threatened to occupy Peshawar within 24 hours. I need your comments on this.

(Kiran Butt, The Khorasan Diary): Sir, it’s a follow-up regarding last week’s cross-border escalations and strikes. Is Pakistan still pursuing a diplomatic solution with Kabul, or has military deterrence become the primary strategy? Afghanistan says that 41 militants were killed and 62 captured, who were allegedly caught in Nuristan while crossing through Chitral. And another question is that the U.S. War Commission also visited Pakistan last week. If you can provide details of those meetings, how did they go, and what was their brief?

Spokesperson: I presume that today we also have an ISPR briefing session later on, and you will all be rushing there. So, I will leave much of the operational detail for ISPR to cover. Here, I would just like to say that Pakistan categorically rejects these unfounded allegations, basically in the context of Nuristan. It is a well-documented fact that Afghanistan under the Taliban regime remains a safe haven for terrorists. More than 36 small and large terrorist organizations are present there, and they are finding their way to create trouble and perpetrate terrorism in Pakistan.

We are highly concerned about the continuation of this situation. Obviously, we would like to have peace and stability in the region, and we also respect the sovereignty of countries. But taking care of the security and safety of Pakistanis also falls on the shoulders of the Government of Pakistan. So, we will take appropriate action. However, for further details, I would think ISPR will provide them in its briefing later today.

(Muhammad Saleh Zafir, The News): Sir, in your opening remarks, you said that British High Commissioner Jane Marriott called on the Deputy Prime Minister last week. A section of social media reported that she raised the issue of the detention or condition of the PTI founder. I would like to know what the reality of this narrative is.

My second question, which is unrelated to this, concerns the recent United Nations General Assembly session in New York. On the sidelines, or margins, of the session, the United States and Iran were engaged in peace talks. This was reported in the media, along with reports that Qatar played a conciliatory and mediatory role in those talks. I would like to know whether Pakistan abstained from these efforts and what the truth of the matter is.

Spokesperson: I would like to put a pause to my explanation of the activities undertaken by the DPM/FM during the UNGA as tomorrow, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister himself will be here interacting with you. Direct questions would be more appropriately addressed to the DPM/FM, who actively participated in those engagements and can provide firsthand responses.

Coming to the first question regarding the meeting between the British High Commissioner to Pakistan and the Deputy Prime Minister, a statement on the meeting was already issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through a tweet. The two sides discussed bilateral cooperation, and the Deputy Prime Minister visited UK in end of August and had a successful visit. Multiple activities are being planned ahead, the meeting therefore, was essentially held in the context of moving forward on the agreed agenda of expanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

(Muhammad Annas Ahsan Mallick, Asia One News): Two questions. Firstly, yesterday, in the release regarding the National Coordinators’ meeting, it was stated that Pakistan will be hosting the SCO Hockey Tournament from 20 November to 2 December. My question is: Have confirmations been received from the member states, particularly from the Indian side, as to whether or not they will be sending their hockey team for this tournament?

That’s number one. And, number two, again, according to reports in a section of the Indian media, it was stated that a Russian-origin aircraft, which had requested permission to use Pakistani airspace on its way to Bangladesh to deliver certain nuclear energy-related material, was not granted permission. Can you shed some light on the matter?

Spokesperson: On your first question, since the dates for the hockey tournament under the SCO’s sports diplomacy platform have already been scheduled, the two sides are in touch to obtain specific confirmations from the participating countries. As of now, I am not aware of which countries have already confirmed their participation. However, we hope that this activity, alongside our other substantive agenda, will also promote people-to-people contact and sports diplomacy as an engine of bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding among the member states of the region.

So, I hope that I will be able to give you a concrete answer, perhaps in a month’s time, but not at this stage.

As regards the shipment of nuclear energy material, we have seen this report. As a matter of policy, Pakistan promotes the use of its airspace by friendly countries. There must have been some technical issue, which we are trying to ascertain and which will be resolved in the coming days.

(Syeda Qurat-ul-Ain, Independent Urdu): I have three questions. The first is: Is there any correspondence from the U.S. regarding the operations of Iranian airline flights? The U.S. had earlier warned that countries allowing the landing, refueling, and flight operations of Iranian airlines would face secondary sanctions.

Second, Iran said today that it had received a response from the U.S. regarding the U.S.-Iran conflict, and that the response was conveyed through Qatar. What is Pakistan’s role in this? Was Pakistan, or is Pakistan, acting as a mediator in this recent exchange?

Third, Indian media has claimed that an individual who was killed in an encounter in Pakistan-administered Kashmir was a Pakistan Army trooper.

Spokesperson: Thank you. There are several questions. I’ll keep my responses very brief.

On the alleged killing of a Pakistani by Indian forces, I would refer you to the debriefing session with ISPR later today, as they would be the appropriate authority to provide the operational details.

Regarding mediation between the United States and Iran, you are well aware that Pakistan played a mediatory role. We were successful in bringing about the Islamabad MOU, and we understand that the seven conditions being quoted in the press are among those that the two parties had already agreed upon in the Islamabad MOU.

We understand that the Islamabad MOU provides the basic foundation for resolving the dispute between the two parties, and we welcome any negotiations, talks, and diplomatic efforts because, in our understanding, that is the only way forward.

And your third question was regarding the Mahan Air flight. I believe a detailed response was already given last week, so there is no change in the status. I will get back to you on that.

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News): Sir, my name is Muhammad Anwer Abbas, and I am from 24 News. I would like to ascertain the details regarding the Pakistani crew members in Somalia. What is the procedure for the repatriation of deceased Pakistanis?

Secondly, the U.S. President has repeatedly stated that the United States does not support or recognize the Islamabad MOU and that it seeks to negotiate a new agreement with Iran. In this context, could you clarify the current position of the United States—whether it recognizes the Islamabad MOU or intends to pursue a new agreement with Iran?

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Sir, many thanks. Sajjad sahib, I would like to know when the last contact was made between Pakistan and the United States with regard to Pakistan’s peace efforts in the Middle East, particularly in the context of the Iran conflict.

My next question is also related to this. We saw that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had a meeting with Abbas Araghchi in New York, but we did not see anyone from the U.S. Government meeting with the Pakistani DPM/FM. Was there any such meeting on the record?

Spokesperson: I think I’ll start by responding to this, as I already mentioned in response to Saleh Zafar sahib’s question. Since this particularly relates to the activities that took place during the UNGA High-Level Week, and the Deputy Prime Minister himself will be here tomorrow to answer your questions, I will defer this question until tomorrow.

As regards the first question concerning the pirates and the situation in the Somali zone, where three Pakistanis have been killed, unfortunately, as I mentioned in my opening remarks, this is very saddening news. They had been held captive since 11 April, so nearly five to six months had passed. Now that the operation was undertaken by the authorities, the primary purpose was to retrieve and release the hijacked personnel from different countries, including Pakistan. In the process of retrieving the vessel, three Pakistanis, along with two other nationals, also lost their lives.

As of now, basically, half an hour ago, our Ambassador to Djibouti was travelling to Addis Ababa, while the Deputy Head of Mission is already in Grové City in Somalia. They are already in touch with those who are hospitalized and receiving medical treatment, and the bodies of the deceased are also in their possession there.
As to how they will be transported, they will be transported via Addis Ababa airport using Ethiopian Airlines, which has a direct flight to Pakistan as well. As to how long this will take, it will be determined based on local procedures as well as the medical condition of the crew.

Our team, our Embassy, and the Government are keen to ensure that the Pakistanis are repatriated. Those who are injured will be provided with proper medical treatment, and the bodies of the deceased Pakistanis will also be repatriated at the earliest.

Thank you. And I understand that you have to rush to the next event as well. So, we’ll just take Anwer Abbas sahib.

I have already answered Azaz sahib’s question regarding the contact. As I said, the Deputy Prime Minister will be here tomorrow to answer all questions related to the UNGA, I think I would defer this question. On the query by Ms. Kiran Butt on the last contact between Pakistan and Afghanistan, I would like to mention that the two sides remain in touch through different channels. I would not say anything more than this on this topic.

On Azaz sahib’s question regarding contact between Pakistan and U.S. side in recent past, I would confirm that the two sides have remained in touch in the recent weeks. That is all I can say.

(Tahir Khan, NNI): Sir, my question is regarding Pakistan’s policy towards Afghanistan, which has been based on strategic restraint. During the last few days, there has been a third strike by Pakistan on Afghanistan. Will this policy continue, or will there be a diplomatic solution, particularly in the context of the Moscow Format, where Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is visiting? Will further developments with Afghanistan continue, given that our bilateral trade has been frozen and we have also responded to the arbitrators?

Spokesperson: The question is whether Pakistan will continue with its current policy towards Afghanistan or whether there will be diplomacy between the two countries. I think this question was also raised in a different formulation last week, and I clearly mentioned that Pakistan is keen, and we look forward to having friendly and cooperative relations with Afghanistan.

Probably, I also mentioned that the Deputy Prime Minister visited Afghanistan three times during the past two years. Not only did he visit, but he also offered several initiatives and facilitation measures, including for traders and businessmen, tariff reductions, and scholarships for students. The expectation was that Pakistan is ready to normalize relations and that our concerns regarding terrorism emanating from Afghanistan would be curved.

That is now a red line because, if you have noticed, over the past two weeks, the terrorist activity has not been confined to the bordering areas but has also extended into much deeper areas of Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where there has been significant terrorist activity sponsored, abetted, and facilitated by terrorist organizations based in Afghanistan.

So, I already mentioned that while we are very keen to develop relations, these relations can only be built on the basis of trust, mutual understanding, and mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty. We hope that our message is very clear and that there is a realization on the other side that Pakistan’s readiness to engage in dialogue should not be considered a sign of weakness.

So, as a policy, Pakistan is ready for friendly relations. But as a requirement, there has to be a complete stop to the infiltration and activities of these terrorist organizations that are being supported and facilitated by the government there. This has to come to a stop. So, that is the policy.

(Asghar Ali Mubarik, The Daily Mail International): Recently, the National Coordinator of India visited Pakistan for the SCO meeting. Was there any peace message from India during his visit, and what is the current status of backchannel diplomacy from Pakistan?

Spokesperson: The SCO is a multilateral organization, and participation in SCO events has also taken place in the past. So, it is nothing new. While Pakistan is the host, and since we are holding the chairmanship for the next one year, this is just the beginning, and we hope that Indian participation will continue in the coming months and throughout the year.

Since it was not a bilateral visit, there is not much that I can add. It was a fruitful visit. The SCO National Coordinators conducted three days of activities, intense both in scope and content, and agreed on a comprehensive list of activities to be undertaken during the next one year. So, we will continue to have participation from different countries.

(Daniyal, Relation Times): The National Coordinators’ meeting is wrapping up. Are there any specific security guarantees from the member states for the upcoming delegations, specifically for the Chinese leaders attending the SCO Summit before the signing ceremony?

Spokesperson: Security arrangements, you know, when you are the host and organize an event, whether in Islamabad or in any other part of the world, it is the responsibility of the host to organize and arrange the event in a secure environment. Pakistan is mindful of its mandate.

And, Alhamdulillah, Islamabad is one of the most peaceful capitals in the world. You know, there are capitals where you would not even be able to walk after 10 o’clock. Islamabad is not among them, and it is also one of the most scenic and beautiful capitals in the world.

We are pleased that those who have visited Pakistan, including the National Coordinators currently in Islamabad, have appreciated the city’s scenic beauty and landscapes, its well-organized environment, and its welcoming atmosphere. We hope they have found their stay in Islamabad both pleasant and rewarding.

On response to question by Mr. Saleh Zaafir whether Urdu will become official language for SCO or not. I would like to say to my understanding, Russian and Chinese are the two official languages. So, you always have translators and interpreters who facilitate the proceedings for the participants. But since Urdu is spoken across a large area in Pakistan as well as in neighboring countries, eventually there should be more languages. Just as we have six UN languages, perhaps we can have four or five languages in the SCO as well.

With this, I thank you for your participation, and wish you a good day. Thank you.