Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to travel to Tehran on Tuesday to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iran’s President-elect, Masoud Pezeshkian.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch highlighted in her weekly briefing in Islamabad that this visit reflects the commitment of both nations to enhance leadership engagement and strengthen bilateral ties.
When questioned about recent comments by US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu, the spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s position that it does not subscribe to zero-sum diplomacy. She stressed the importance of maintaining robust relationships with both the US and China. China is described as an all-weather strategic partner, and Pakistan aims to continue reinforcing this alliance.
Regarding relations with the US, the spokesperson emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to constructive engagement.
The spokesperson also addressed the arrest of Al-Qaeda operative Amin ul Haq, who was apprehended by Pakistani authorities in March while illegally crossing from Afghanistan. This information has been shared with the United Nations.
She called on the international community to address human rights violations by India in Jammu and Kashmir and end the suppression of Kashmiri people.
Additionally, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch announced that Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi will lead Pakistan’s delegation at the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Laos on Saturday, where he will also hold bilateral meetings with other participants.