Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake an official visit to Iran and Türkiye from July 3 to 5, reaffirming Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement in the region as Islamabad continues to facilitate indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Speaking at the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will leave for Iran and Türkiye on Friday. He will first travel to Iran to attend the funeral prayers of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to the spokesperson, the visit reflects Pakistan’s solidarity with the brotherly nation of Iran, and the prime minister will reiterate Pakistan’s continued support during the visit. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with other members of the federal cabinet, will accompany the prime minister.
Türkiye visit at President Erdogan’s invitation
Following the Iran visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will travel to Istanbul at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
During the visit, the prime minister is also scheduled to address a business conference in Istanbul aimed at promoting economic and commercial cooperation.
Pakistan continues role in US-Iran mediation
The Foreign Office said Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic efforts regarding mediation between the United States and Iran.
According to the spokesperson, Pakistan will continue to play the role of facilitator and mediator alongside its Qatari partners. He said Pakistani and Qatari mediators recently held separate meetings with the American and Iranian negotiating delegations in Doha.
The discussions resulted in positive progress on issues related to various aspects of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
Both sides agreed to continue negotiations in the coming days, while the next round of talks will be scheduled as soon as possible after the funeral rites of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Foreign Office said Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar continued his high-level diplomatic consultations with regional and international partners. During the recent engagements, Dar met the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, China, Bahrain and Iran.
Pakistan facilitates return of Iranian nationals
The spokesperson said Pakistan has so far facilitated the repatriation of 70 Iranian nationals. Most recently, 22 Iranian crew members returned home after Pakistan facilitated their departure.
The Foreign Office said this was the fourth group of Iranian crew members repatriated through Pakistan during the past two months.
The spokesperson announced that Pakistan has been elected as a member of the International Olive Council. Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain represented Pakistan during the council's conference.
Indus Waters Treaty remains top priority
The Foreign Office said the Indus Waters Treaty remains one of Pakistan’s highest diplomatic priorities. The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s rejection of India’s unilateral suspension of the treaty.
A recent seminar on the Indus Waters Treaty brought together politicians, diplomats and members of civil society, who stressed the importance of preserving the agreement and resolving disputes through diplomatic channels.
Participants also called for an end to the use of water as a political or strategic weapon.
The spokesperson said Pakistan continues to monitor India’s activities related to the treaty and remains fully committed to implementing all provisions of the agreement. He added that communication channels between the Indus Waters Commissioners of Pakistan and India remain operational.
China’s role welcomed
The Foreign Office welcomed any positive contribution from China regarding regional water issues.
The spokesperson described the Himalayan Ice Cap as a shared natural heritage of the countries concerned, including China, and said any disruption to the Indus water system would further unite regional stakeholders in addressing common challenges.
Responding to questions about meetings reportedly held in Bangkok and Colombo, the spokesperson said those events were organised by private think tanks.
He stressed that Pakistan’s position on issues concerning India remains unchanged.
Update on MT Honor and Asif Merchant
The Foreign Office said there was no fresh information regarding Asif Merchant.
Regarding the hijacked vessel MT Honor off Somalia, the spokesperson said the ship carries nationals of several countries, including Pakistan. Pakistan is pressing the vessel’s owners to ensure the early release and safe return of all hostages.
The spokesperson noted that pirates have previously held hostages for several months in similar incidents but expressed hope that those aboard MT Honor would be freed much sooner.
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