ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan on Friday highlighted Pakistan’s growing diplomatic profile at international and regional forums, including its assumption of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Presidency, participation in the 17th ECO Summit, and ongoing efforts for humanitarian and legal accountability in the region.
In a comprehensive weekly press briefing, the spokesperson said, “Pakistan assumes the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council this July with a deep sense of responsibility and purpose. Our approach will remain anchored in the principles of the UN Charter, multilateralism, and international law.”
He announced that Pakistan will convene two high-level signature events: an open debate on “Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes” on July 22, and a briefing on “UN Cooperation with the Organiszation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)” on July 24. Additionally, Pakistan will preside over the quarterly open debate on the question of Palestine on July 23. All three sessions will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar.
“These meetings reflect Pakistan’s intent to serve as a bridge between the council and the broader UN membership,” the spokesperson added.
He also said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, leading Pakistan’s delegation to the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
“The prime minister will articulate Pakistan’s vision for regional connectivity, trade, climate resilience, and sustainable development, in line with the ECO Vision 2025,” he said, adding that the prime minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with fellow ECO leaders.
Touching on recent bilateral diplomacy, the spokesperson confirmed that Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar had a telephonic conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, during which they discussed regional developments and the upcoming ASEAN Regional Forum scheduled for July 10-11 in Kuala Lumpur.
He also announced that Ambassador Kamran Akhtar, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna, has been elected President of the 53rd Session of the Industrial Development Board (UNIDO). “This is the first time Pakistan has held this prestigious position — a recognition of our constructive global engagement and commitment to sustainable industrial development,” he said.
The spokesperson welcomed the Supplemental Award issued on June 27 by the Court of Arbitration in the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric dispute between Pakistan and India. “The court reaffirmed its competence to continue proceedings despite India’s unilateral attempt to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. This award vindicates Pakistan’s legal and moral stance,” he said.
“We call upon India to resume normal functioning under the treaty and fully honour its international obligations.”
He briefed the media on the fifth round of Pakistan-China Consultations on Multilateral Issues, held on June 26 in Beijing. “Led by Special Secretary Ambassador Nabeel Munir, Pakistan and China reaffirmed convergence on a wide range of UN-related issues and agreed to further strengthen coordination on global peace and security,” he said.
Providing an update on consular matters, the spokesperson confirmed that Pakistan and India exchanged lists of prisoners on July 1, 2025, as mandated by the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access. “Pakistan shared a list of 246 Indian or believed-to-be Indian prisoners, while India provided a list of 463 Pakistani or believed-to-be Pakistani prisoners,” he said.
He reiterated Pakistan’s call for the immediate release of prisoners who have completed their sentences — particularly those with confirmed nationality — and urged India to grant special consular access to all those still awaiting verification, including mentally and physically challenged detainees. “Humanitarian issues remain a priority in Pakistan’s foreign policy,” he said. The spokesperson expressed concern over the deteriorating health of senior Kashmiri leader Shabbir Ahmed Shah, incarcerated in India’s Tihar Jail for over eight years. “Mr. Shah has now been diagnosed with prostate cancer. His condition requires urgent medical attention, which cannot be administered in prison,” he said. “We strongly urge Indian authorities to release Mr. Shah on humanitarian grounds.”
“Pakistan continues to pursue a principled and balanced foreign policy — guided by diplomacy, cooperation, and respect for international law,” the spokesperson said.
Responding to media queries, he reiterated Pakistan’s position on several bilateral and international matters during the briefing. He said Pakistan rejected India’s denial of the supplemental award by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), terming New Delhi’s position “illegal” and lacking legitimacy under international law. He emphasised that the Indus Waters Treaty remains operative and that the award reaffirms Pakistan’s stance.
On whether formal communication has been made to India, he said that technical matters are being handled by the Ministry of Water Resources.
Commenting on the Dalai Lama and Tibet, he reiterated Pakistan’s consistent support for China on issues related to Tibet, reaffirming that these are internal matters of China.
Regarding the upcoming Asia Cup Hockey Tournament in India, he said that coordination is ongoing and relevant approvals are under consideration.
He said that Pakistan acknowledged Russia’s recognition of the Afghan interim government, describing it as a matter between two sovereign nations.
On Islamophobia in India, he condemned the demolition of religious sites in Uttarakhand, calling it part of a broader anti-Muslim agenda.
The spokesman also referenced the recent visit by Pakistan’s air chief to the United States, describing it as part of ongoing bilateral defense cooperation — the first such high-level exchange in a decade.
Responding to remarks by India’s external affairs minister about an alleged Pakistani military threat, he said Pakistan reaffirmed its right to self-defence and condemned arbitrary threats to its sovereignty.
The FO spokesperson emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to the 2008 Consular Access Agreement and peaceful diplomacy. He said processes for upgrading diplomatic ties with Kabul are underway. On the issue of expired Proof of Registration (PoR) cards for Afghan nationals, he said the matter is under government deliberation.
He also expressed concern over India’s continued arms buildup, including drone manufacturing incentives, calling it destabilising and primarily aimed at Pakistan. “Pakistan reaffirmed its readiness to defend itself,” he said.
He dismissed speculation about Pakistan joining the Abraham Accords, reaffirming the country’s unwavering support for a two-state solution and full Palestinian statehood.
He said Pakistan’s disappointment over the SAARC summit being stalled by one member, and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to SAARC and its readiness to host the next summit.
Commenting on possible trilateral cooperation with China and Bangladesh, the FO spokesperson described it as routine and focused on regional development, while dismissing reports of a SAARC alternative as speculative.
He reiterated concerns over terrorism emanating from Afghan soil, saying both Afghan-based sanctuaries and Indian patronage of terror elements targeting Pakistan.
He characterised the visit of Pakistani military officials to Bangladesh, including to Rohingya areas, as part of ongoing cooperation, clarifying that there was no change in Pakistan’s policy on Rohingya Muslims.
On recent Israeli and US military actions against Iran, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran, condemned aggression, and abstained from speculation on battlefield outcomes.
On past US involvement in mediation, he said Pakistan preferred diplomacy and added that it is now up to India whether to pursue dialogue or belligerence.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s support for a just solution based on pre-1967 borders, opposing normalisation efforts that undermine Palestinian rights.
He confirmed that Pakistan is not forming any military alliance with regional countries, including China, Russia, Türkiye, Bangladesh, or Afghanistan.
The Foreign Office spokesperson concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, multilateral cooperation, and principled stances on international issues.
