{"id":32002,"date":"2026-05-07T15:22:27","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T15:22:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/?p=32002"},"modified":"2026-05-07T15:22:31","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T15:22:31","slug":"pakistan-expects-agreement-between-us-and-iran-sooner-rather-than-later-fo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/?p=32002","title":{"rendered":"Pakistan expects agreement between US and Iran ‘sooner rather than later’: FO"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/a>Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday that Islamabad was hopeful about and would expect an agreement between the US and Iran \u201csooner rather than later\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said this during a weekly briefing, where he was asked how soon the agreement could be expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou have asked us how soon we can expect an agreement. We remain optimistic. A simple answer would be that we expect an agreement sooner rather than later. We hope that the parties will come to a peaceful, sustainable solution and bring peace, not just to our region but internationally as well,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this regard, Andrabi also said Pakistan would welcome a settlement between Iran and the US wherever it may be reached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf an agreement is reached in Pakistan, it would be an honour for us,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The FO spokesperson also said he could not say whether the draft of the agreement would be one page or longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Asked whether the US government could be under pressure to end the war due to the upcoming mid-term elections, Andrabi said: \u201cWe want a peaceful settlement, a peaceful solution, irrespective of what the causes are or how the countries are compelled to reach a diplomatic solution. So, I think let\u2019s not focus on the causes but focus on the effect. And the effect should be that there is peace, there is a peaceful settlement \u2013 we hope for that effect to take place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrabi\u2019s remarks came after the US and Iran see\u00admed to inch toward a peace deal<\/a> on Wednesday. There were reports that Tehran was reviewing a fresh proposal from Washington for a peace following the suspension of \u2018Project Freedom\u2019<\/a> launc\u00adhed by the US to open the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The FO spokesperson recalled in his weekly briefing that the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had welcomed the \u201ctimely announcement\u201d regarding the pause in \u2018Project Freedom\u2019 and noted that Pakistan remained firmly committed to supporting all efforts that promoted restraint and the peaceful resolution of conflict between the US and Iran through dialogue and diplomacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He added that PM had also expressed the hope that the \u201ccurrent momentum\u201d would lead to a lasting agreement that would secure durable peace and stability for the region and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrabi further stated that \u201cworking with the same spirit of optimism and positive engagement\u201d, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had remained in contact with his counterparts throughout the last week in an effort to pursue peace, diplomacy and a peaceful settlement between Washington and Tehran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The latest episode of hostilities between the two sides began more than two months ago when the US and Israel launched strikes in Iran on February 28.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While a deal for a complete end to the war is yet to happen, the hostilities have largely ceased since the two sides agreed on a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire on April 8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the ceasefire, a first round of historic direct US-Iran talks<\/u><\/a> was held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, with Pakistan playing the role of a mediator. The talks had ended without an agreement, but also without a breakdown<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With challenges in convening a second round, Islamabad has shifted back to its role as a facilitator and go-between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, there were some positive signals on Wednesday, with Trump saying he had had \u201cvery good talks\u201d with Iran over the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, Tehran appeared receptive to the fresh US proposal to end the war, saying that it was reviewing the agreement and a response would be relayed to Washington via Islamabad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

US news outlet Axios<\/em> also claimed that Washington and Tehran were close to agreeing on a one-page memorandum of understanding to end the war and \u201cset a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the main issues that remain a sticking point between the two sides are unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Washington\u2019s demand for long-term commitments on Iran\u2019s nuclear programme, including constraints on enrichment and safeguards against weaponisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Marka-i-Haq<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The FO spokesperson began the briefing by noting that it had been a year since Marka-i-Haq<\/em>, \u201ca defining moment in our national journey\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last year\u2019s military conflict with India, starting from the April 22 Pahalgam attack<\/u><\/a> to the end of Pakistan\u2019s Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, with a ceasefire<\/u><\/a> ending a military escalation between the two countries on May 10, has been called \u201cMarka-i-Haq<\/u><\/em><\/a>\u201d<\/em> (Battle of Truth) by the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrabi said the anniversary of the conflict was \u201cnot only about remembering the past; it is about shaping the future because the spirit of\u00a0Marka-i-Haq<\/em>\u00a0lives not just in our history, but in each of us\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said Pakistan\u2019s response under Operation Bunyanum Marsoos<\/em> after Indian attacks was measured, lawful, and in line with the UN Charter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Referring to a briefing by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to the diplomatic corps, he said, \u201cI can tell you that the peace and security in South Asia remains a concern for our international partners. The belligerent statements that emanate from New Delhi are a cause of concern.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The FO spokesperson said Marka-i-Haq<\/em>\u2019s first anniversary was an occasion to \u201creinforce the national resolve that sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of the country would be defended with all means possible and with full resolve\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat message has resonated across our international partners. The belligerence emanating from our neighbour is not appreciated in any international capital,\u201d he said, adding that Pakistan\u2019s advocacy for diplomacy and dialogue was \u201cappreciated all along\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Answering another question, he said Pakistan had always supported dialogue and diplomacy, but \u201cif 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\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis fact is amply clear, to our adversary in our neighbourhood as well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also said Pakistan could not be blamed for no dialogue with India since the May 10 ceasefire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe have, on several occasions, expressed our opinion, our readiness for dialogue. But of course, it takes two to have a dialogue. Even a dialogue has to be meaningful; it has to be a dialogue and not a monologue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo, whilst we would not like to be seen to be asking for a dialogue, we have never shied away from holding one. As to who is responsible for no dialogue is for everybody to judge,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The FO spokesperson further stated that Pakistan had been keeping a \u201cclose watch\u201d on the Indian arms buildup and force modernisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPakistan will ensure that our credible minimum deterrence is maintained. We are mindful of the impact of India\u2019s force modernisation on strategic stability in South Asia. I can assure you that our military preparedness and our own defence acquisitions would be sufficient to maintain our robust defence \u2026 [and] our credible minimum deterrence with respect to India,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Answering another question, he said, \u201cI can assure you that we are engaged with all our partners with respect to our relationship in the area of defence. No diplomatic move by India can offset these relations, which have a trajectory and an institutional strength of their own.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To a query about the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, Andrabi said, \u201cPakistan reserves the right of exploring 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. We will explore all options, and of course, they remain on the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSome of these options are underway in the context of the proceedings by the Indus Water Commissioners. So, all options are on the table.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said Pakistan was also monitoring \u201chow far the treaty was being implemented or violated, in favour of river flows, the patterns, the amount of water coming in, the variations (in the flow)\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEverything is being documented. So, this is an issue on which there is a complete focus, not just of our ministry, but of our Indus Water commissioners and all relevant government institutions. 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Repatriations from Cambodia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During today\u2019s briefing, the FO spokesperson also addressed the detention of 54 Pakistanis in Cambodia following a raid on a scamming compound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earlier, it was reported<\/u><\/a> that more than 200 Pakistanis were in the custody of Cambodian police in overcrowded facilities and facing a lack of basic facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrabi said emergency travel documents had been issued to the detained individuals after ascertaining their nationalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOn our embassy\u2019s request, the host authorities allowed all 54 individuals to travel back to Pakistan. And as of today, I understand 49 individuals have returned, and three are being processed. And I understand this complete repatriation will take place soon,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also said that 85 Pakistanis had been detained in Kampala, Uganda, on April 27 by immigration authorities for \u201cengaging in unauthorised employment while on visit visas\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was established that these individuals had been working for approximately four months with unregistered online companies,\u201d he said, adding that sentences awarded to the detainees had been waived following the Pakistan embassy\u2019s intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But a fine of $400 had been imposed on each of those individuals for violation of visa conditions, Andrabi added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said all 85 of those individuals had been repatriated to Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Reports of deportation from the UAE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The FO spokesperson was also asked about the \u201cunusually high number\u201d of emergency exit documents (ETD) or outpasses being issued by the Pakistani consulate in the United Arab Emirates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To that, Andrabi replied: \u201cYes, these ETDs were issued, mainly driven by administrative actions, including immigration status violations and other legal infractions. The Consulate General in Dubai, for example, I can tell you, issued around 2,714 emergency travel documents, while the embassy in Abu Dhabi issued 780 of those, between January to April 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo this was the four-month record. I can further tell that deportation was basically prompted by a royal court pardon on Eid, which enabled the release and repatriation of jailed individuals. So this (deportation) took place as a result of our royal pardon to some of these individuals who were held in prison.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When asked to confirm whether the Pakistani authorities had made inquiries to the Emirati officials and law enforcement agencies about those reports of expulsions, he said: \u201cOur embassy is in touch with the UAE authorities. Our mission has also ensured that in the wake of the hostilities in the Gulf region, and in the wake of very serious armed attacks against the UAE, which we have condemned, our community fully complies with the local laws, with the local instructions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said the Pakistani community, by and large, except for maybe one or two sporadic cases, had been cooperating with the local authorities in the UAE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo, I think this is what the status is. The Ministry of Interior and relevant departments are also seized of this matter (repatriation). This matter is proceeding as per the law. I do not see any political reason for their deportation. These are primarily legal cases, which are being taken care of, both by our diplomatic missions in the UAE as well as by the UAE authorities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reference Link:- https:\/\/www.dawn.com\/news\/1998331<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday that Islamabad was hopeful about and would expect an agreement between the US and Iran \u201csooner rather than later\u201d. He said this during a weekly briefing, where he was asked how soon the agreement could be expected. \u201cYou have asked us how soon we can expect […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":32003,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"aside","meta":{"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[2],"tags":[58,4631,299,52,36,2496,2306,27952,29127,29126],"class_list":["post-32002","post","type-post","status-publish","format-aside","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sample-category","tag-america","tag-foreign-office","tag-iran","tag-israel","tag-pakistan","tag-peace-maker","tag-spokesperson","tag-israeli-american-war-on-iran","tag-pakistan-host-talks","tag-pakistans-peace-missioin","post_format-post-format-aside"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32002","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=32002"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32002\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32004,"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32002\/revisions\/32004"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/32003"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=32002"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=32002"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gsrra.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=32002"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}