By Imran Nasir

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Thursday outlined its positions on a range of regional and international issues, including Iran, Afghanistan, the United States and India, during a detailed weekly press briefing by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andarabi.

Responding to questions about tensions involving Iran and the United States, Andarabi said Pakistan is “closely following the developments” and attaches “great importance” to Iran as both a neighbor and a key member of the international community. He stressed that Islamabad hopes peace and stability will prevail and reaffirmed support for a peaceful resolution of the situation.

“As a neighbor, friend and brotherly country, Pakistan wishes to see a peaceful, stable and prosperous Iran,” he said, highlighting the deep historical, cultural and religious ties between the two nations. Andarabi noted that recent protests in Iran were triggered by economic hardships worsened by international sanctions and expressed hope that relief measures announced by the Iranian government would ease public suffering.

He added that Pakistan would not speculate on regime change in Iran but remains confident in the resilience of the Iranian people and leadership. The spokesperson also reiterated that Pakistan’s policy remains unchanged in not allowing its territory or airspace to be used against any neighboring country. He confirmed that dozens of Pakistani students had already returned safely from Iran and that Islamabad remains in close contact with its embassy in Tehran to assist nationals.

On a U.S. announcement of a 25 percent tariff on countries doing business with Iran, Andarabi said Pakistan’s trade is conducted in line with international law and that Islamabad remains engaged with Washington on trade matters while continuing lawful commerce with Tehran.

Afghanistan

On Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, Andarabi said Islamabad hopes ties will improve but underscored that the “only outstanding issue” is terrorism emanating from Afghan soil. Pakistan’s demand that Afghan territory not be used for attacks inside Pakistan is “legitimate, consistent with international law, and internationally acceptable,” he said.

Addressing the temporary closure of border crossings, he acknowledged that while some traders have suffered economically, the measure has also brought security gains by preventing attacks and saving lives. Regarding Pakistani students stranded at the Torkham border, the spokesperson said the embassy is working on the matter and assistance will be provided to those who formally seek help.

He also rejected the notion that Pakistan views Afghanistan’s relations with India as a zero-sum game, saying Islamabad’s sole concern is any Indian support for militant activity directed against Pakistan from Afghan territory.

United States

Commenting on reports that the U.S. had suspended processing of immigrant visas for several countries, including Pakistan, Andarabi said Islamabad is in touch with U.S. authorities to seek details and described the move as part of an internal review of U.S. immigration policy. He expressed hope that routine processing would resume soon.

On trade, he said Pakistan and the United States have held “very positive” negotiations and Islamabad looks forward to mutually beneficial agreements. Responding to questions about Pakistan’s role between Washington and Tehran, Andarabi said Pakistan had previously acted as a “bridge builder” during nuclear talks and remains willing to play a constructive role, given its good relations with both sides.

India

The spokesperson issued strong rebuttals to a range of Indian statements. He condemned the conviction of Kashmiri leader Asiya Andrabi and two associates by a Delhi court, calling it another example of the misuse of “draconian laws” to silence political voices in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Pakistan, he said, remains steadfast in its diplomatic, political and moral support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

Andarabi also rejected remarks by India’s army chief alleging the existence of terror camps in Pakistan, describing them as “baseless” and politically motivated. He said Pakistan’s sacrifices in combating terrorism are internationally recognized and accused India of state-sponsored terrorism, citing espionage, alleged facilitation of militant proxies and extraterritorial assassinations.

On India’s claims over Azad Kashmir and objections to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the spokesperson said New Delhi has “no locus standi” to comment on Pakistan’s bilateral projects with China and remains a serial violator of UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.

Concluding the briefing, Andarabi said Pakistan remains hopeful for de-escalation and dialogue across the region. “We wish the Iranian people well, seek improved relations with Afghanistan based on security and mutual respect, look forward to constructive engagement with the United States, and will continue to firmly reject India’s unfounded allegations,” he said.