Pakistan Urges Restraint Amid Middle East Escalation, Rejects Indian Provocation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday called for restraint and intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East, while reaffirming its solidarity with Saudi Arabia following the attempted drone attack targeting Makkah Al-Mukarramah. At the Foreign Office’s weekly briefing, the spokesperson said Pakistan was deeply concerned over the worsening regional security situation, including Houthi attacks and their potential consequences for regional stability, maritime navigation and global energy supplies. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar strongly condemned the attempted attack on Makkah Al-Mukarramah. Islamabad reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain. The Prime Minister also spoke with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on September 13, reiterating Pakistan’s solidarity with the Kingdom and support for efforts aimed at de-escalation and peace. The spokesperson stressed that Pakistan maintains independent and longstanding relations with both Saudi Arabia and Iran and does not view one relationship through the lens of the other. He said Pakistan’s relations with both countries had enabled it to contribute to mediation efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions. Pakistan protests Indian naval man oeuvre Pakistan also lodged a strong protest with India over an incident involving an Indian Navy vessel in Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone on September 15. According to the Foreign Office, the Indian vessel conducted aggressive man oeuvres dangerously close to a Pakistani naval ship during Pakistan Navy’s Exercise SEASPARK-26, resulting in contact between the vessels. Islamabad summoned the Indian Charge d’Affaires and termed the incident a serious violation of international law and the 1991 bilateral agreement governing advance notification of military exercises and man oeuvres. Pakistan has instructed its diplomatic mission in New Delhi to lodge a corresponding demarche and called on India to exercise responsibility and strictly observe international law and bilateral commitments. Islamabad rejects India’s objections to Pakistan-China boundary mechanism Pakistan categorically rejected India’s objections to the Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission and the 1963 Pakistan-China Boundary Agreement. The spokesperson said the 1963 agreement was a valid arrangement between Pakistan and China and reaffirmed that the newly operationalized joint commission would strengthen border management, joint surveys, trade facilitation and people-to-people connectivity. He also reiterated Pakistan’s position that Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally disputed territory whose final disposition should be determined in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Makkah defense pact is “purely defensive “Pakistan said the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement signed with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on August 7 is aimed at strengthening regional peace and security. The spokesperson said the pact provides for enhanced defense cooperation, including training, capacity-building, exchange of best practices and cooperation in defense technology and research. He stressed that the agreement is defensive in nature, is not directed against any country and does not constitute a new bloc. Further meetings among the three countries will be held to develop the agreement’s mechanisms. Afghanistan urged to address terrorism On Afghanistan, Pakistan reiterated that progress on trade, transit, connectivity and visas remains closely linked to the need to prevent terrorism emanating from Afghan territory. The spokesperson said Pakistan had pursued direct dialogue as well as mediation through Qatar, Türkiye and China, but maintained that Islamabad was still seeking credible assurances from Kabul on countering terrorism. He said Pakistan remained ready to resolve outstanding issues through peaceful dialogue and wanted a stable Afghanistan living peacefully with its neighbors. The Foreign Office also clarified that Afghan medical and dental students holding valid Pakistani visas and enrolled in valid courses would be allowed to continue and complete their education. Pakistan confirms 22 Pakistani sailors rescued off Oman the Foreign Office confirmed that 22 Pakistani crew members were safely rescued after a vessel carrying 23 Pakistanis came under attack off Oman on September 13. One Pakistani national remains missing. The spokesperson said it was premature to confirm his death and that the matter would require further verification, potentially including DNA testing. The rescued Pakistanis are being repatriated through the UAE. Pakistan reiterates support for Palestine Pakistan reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders and Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Islamabad strongly condemned Israeli military actions against Palestinians and called for humanitarian assistance, reconstruction and a sustainable political settlement. PM to lead Pakistan delegation at UNGA Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead Pakistan’s delegation to the high-level segment of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York next week. The Prime Minister is expected to highlight Pakistan’s positions on regional and global peace, sustainable development, climate change, counter-terrorism, Islamophobia, global economic challenges, UN reform and issues confronting the Global South, including Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine. Pakistan-China boundary commission begins work Pakistan and China formally operationalized the Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission on September 16, holding its inaugural meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad. The commission will focus on border management, joint surveys, trade facilitation and people-to-people connectivity. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s chairmanship of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS) has concluded following the 46th council meeting in Islamabad. The meeting endorsed enhanced information-sharing and joint counter-terrorism activities for 2027. The Foreign Office also announced the retirement of Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amina Baloch after more than three decades of diplomatic service, commending her professionalism and contribution to Pakistan’s foreign policy.