Pakistan Reaffirms Policy of Not Allowing Its Territory or Airspace Against Iran, Expects US to Restore Visas Soon: FO

Islamabad: The Foreign Office (FO) has reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to its policy of not allowing its territory or airspace to be used against Iran. The FO spokesperson expressed confidence that Iran will soon regain control over the current situation and expressed hope that the United States will restore visa services for Pakistan promptly.

During the weekly briefing, the spokesperson shared that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from the Emir of Qatar, in which both sides expressed satisfaction over bilateral relations and cooperation. Similarly, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held telephone conversations with the Foreign Ministers of Uzbekistan, Iran, Myanmar, and Indonesia to discuss bilateral ties, regional developments, and economic cooperation.

Responding to questions on US visa restrictions, the FO spokesperson said Pakistan is in contact with US authorities on the matter and that the United States is reviewing its visa policy. “We hope that visa services for Pakistan will be restored soon,” the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson also condemned India for violating UN Security Council resolutions regarding occupied Jammu and Kashmir and stated that Pakistan seeks smooth trade relations with the US. He clarified that Pakistan’s trade with Iran is conducted according to international law, and the country maintains regular dialogue with both Iran and the US regarding trade matters.

Highlighting Pakistan’s confidence in Iran, the spokesperson said the nation’s wisdom, experience, and civilizational values will help it manage the situation. Pakistan has historically played a role in Iran’s nuclear negotiations and continues to maintain its stance of not allowing its territory or airspace to be used against Iran.

Regarding regional issues, the spokesperson stated that Pakistan supports the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestine as its benchmark for the Abraham Accords and participates in the Gaza peace process through the Arab Islamic Group.

On the repatriation of students, he said the Pakistani embassy in Kabul is facilitating Afghan students, while a large number of Pakistani students stranded in Iran have already reached Gwadar. The government is assisting their return in coordination with the Pakistani embassy in Iran, with around 54 students returning on Wednesday, in addition to nearly two dozen who had arrived earlier. More updates on the returning students will be provided soon.