Report: FT Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD — Foreign Office Spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan briefed the media on Pakistan’s key diplomatic engagements, regional developments and foreign policy priorities during the weekly briefing.
Sajjad Haider Khan said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s September 2 visit to Kyrgyzstan resulted in progress on 17 agreements and memorandums of understanding covering energy, trade, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, tourism, the digital economy, defence and security.
The spokesperson said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held telephone conversations with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Kuwait and Norway. Pakistan condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed its support for the country’s sovereignty and security.
On Palestine, Sajjad Haider Khan said Pakistan, along with Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, rejected proposals involving the forced displacement of Palestinians and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution.
He said Pakistan supports an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Regarding Jammu and Kashmir, the Foreign Office spokesperson rejected Indian assertions and reiterated that the Kashmir dispute remains on the UN Security Council agenda. He said its final status should be determined in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Sajjad Haider Khan also expressed concern over the reported demolition of a century-old mosque in Saharanpur and the destruction of Islamic heritage and places of worship.
On Afghanistan, the spokesperson said Pakistan seeks friendly relations with Afghanistan but stressed that Afghan territory must not be used for terrorism against Pakistan. He clarified that Afghan students holding valid visas and enrolled in valid degree programmes can continue their education.
He said the Anti-Narcotics Force seized around 200 kilograms of methamphetamine at Karachi Port, while intelligence shared by Pakistan also contributed to an operation in Sri Lanka.
Sajjad Haider Khan said Pakistan will host the 14th South Asian Games from April 4 to 11, 2027, in Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with more than 6,000 athletes and officials expected to participate.
Regarding the Makkah Defence Agreement among Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, the spokesperson clarified that the agreement is purely defensive in nature and its expansion is not currently under discussion.
Pakistan has also sent 100 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Nepal following floods and landslides.
The Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan seeks constructive relations with the United States, China and Russia and does not want to become part of any geopolitical confrontation, stressing the importance of a balanced and independent foreign policy.
