Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Thursday 27th August 2026

Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalam-o-Alaikum,

I welcome you all to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

I will begin with the key diplomatic engagements and developments since our last briefing.

Pakistan is set to assume the Chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) for a one-year term following the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit, scheduled to be held in Bishkek from 31 August to 1 September 2026.

In this connection, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will be visiting Bishkek to participate in the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit and hold bilateral engagements with the leadership of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The hallmark of Pakistan's SCO Chairmanship will be the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit to be hosted by Pakistan in Islamabad in 2027.

Further details, including the exact dates and programme of the Prime Minister's visit to Kyrgyzstan, will be shared in the coming days.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Pakistan remains engaged, alongside other brotherly states, in sincere efforts to resolve the crisis in the Gulf and the Middle East with respect to the standoff between Iran and the United States.

On the regional front, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, visited Tehran on 24 August as part of Pakistan's continuing diplomatic efforts to facilitate an end to the US-Iran conflict and renewed efforts towards reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Discussions focused on regional de-escalation, breaking the military stalemate, and exploring a negotiated settlement to restore regional peace and stability.

The visit underscored Islamabad's sincere and constructive role in bridging differences between Washington and Tehran. The Iranian leadership appreciated Pakistan's efforts towards dialogue, de-escalation, and the peaceful resolution of the conflict.

In this regard, I would also highlight that claims by certain quarters that the Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces visited Iran as an envoy of President Trump or the US are misleading and factually incorrect, as his visit was undertaken purely in the context and backdrop of Pakistan's ongoing role as a mediator.

Parallel to this important development, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, also remained engaged with his counterparts in the region:

• 14 August: DPM/FM spoke with Egyptian FM Badr Abdelatty, primarily on bilateral relations and regional developments.
• 17, 19 and 25 August: DPM/FM spoke with Turkish FM Hakan Fidan on regional developments, strengthening cooperation, and the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in promoting regional peace and stability.
• 24 August: DPM/FM spoke with Kuwaiti FM Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, reaffirming close bilateral ties and discussing regional developments, with emphasis on dialogue, diplomacy, and implementation of the Islamabad MoU.

Pakistan will continue to actively pursue diplomatic engagement and support all sincere efforts aimed at reviving the peace talks and achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution of the conflict.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As you know, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister is in London for his official visit to the United Kingdom. The visit focuses on Pakistan-UK relations, regional and international developments, maritime security, Commonwealth engagement, and outreach to British parliamentarians and the Pakistani community.

In London, DPM/FM met IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, seeking urgent and effective institutional intervention for the safe release of the ten Pakistani seafarers aboard MT Honour 25, who are being held captive by Somali pirates.

Thanking the Secretary-General for his support for the ongoing efforts to secure the safe release of the 10 Pakistani seafarers, the DPM/FM called for urgent and effective institutional intervention for the early return of all seafarers.

Discussions also covered Pakistan-IMO cooperation in maritime safety, security, regulatory reforms, and the blue economy.

On 26 August, DPM/FM met a group of cross-party Pakistan-origin British parliamentarians. Discussions covered Pakistan-UK relations, the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, Pakistan's diplomatic efforts for peace in the Middle East, the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, and recent developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including economic development, youth employment, and governance.

Yesterday, DPM/FM met with Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey. The DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the Commonwealth and its priorities, particularly youth development, climate resilience, economic development, and intra-Commonwealth trade. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation on youth development under Pakistan's co-chairmanship of the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting.

The DPM/FM also briefed the Secretary-General on Pakistan's role in facilitating peace between the United States and Iran. The Secretary-General felicitated Pakistan and the DPM/FM on his mediation efforts and contribution to regional peace and stability.

Prior to his visit to the UK, DPM/FM held important telephone calls, mainly in a bilateral context:

• 19 August: DPM/FM spoke with Mauritanian FM Mohamed Salem Ould Merzouk, discussing bilateral and multilateral matters and reaffirming the commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation.
• 19 August: DPM/FM spoke with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, exchanging views on matters of mutual interest and reaffirming Pakistan's support for multilateralism and the central role of the UN.
• 20 August: DPM/FM received a call from Brazilian FM Mauro Vieira. They discussed Pakistan's mediation efforts, regional and international developments, and multilateral cooperation, and agreed to further strengthen bilateral ties.
• 23 August: DPM/FM spoke with Uzbek FM Bakhtiyor Saidov, discussing bilateral matters and the upcoming SCO Summit. They reaffirmed close ties and agreed to meet on the sidelines of the Summit.

From 19-20 August, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani paid an official visit to Pakistan-the first visit by a Syrian Foreign Minister following the formation of Syria's new government. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister and Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani reviewed bilateral relations and agreed to strengthen institutional engagement and cooperation. The Syrian Foreign Minister also called on the Prime Minister and held meetings with Pakistan's Interior, Commerce, and Defence leadership. Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Syria's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

Moving to the Middle East, Pakistan joined brotherly Arab-Islamic countries in some key statements issued over the last two weeks:

16 August 2026, Gaza Comprehensive Plan: Eight Islamic countries, including Pakistan, condemned Israel's rejection of the Road Map for implementing the US Comprehensive Plan for Gaza and its rejection of Palestinian statehood. They called for its immediate implementation, an end to the war, and progress towards a two-State solution based on the 1967 borders.

21 August 2026, Israeli Strikes on Syria: Pakistan and 11 other Islamic countries condemned Israeli airstrikes on Abu al-Duhur military airbase in northwestern Syria as a violation of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They called for respect for the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and international action to prevent further escalation.

21 August 2026, E1 Settlement Plan: Eight Arab-Islamic countries condemned Israel's settlement policies, particularly the "E1" plan, warning that settlement expansion threatens Palestinian territorial contiguity and statehood. They reaffirmed the two-State solution and called for urgent international action to halt settlement activities.

On 21 August, Pakistan joined eight Arab-Islamic states in a joint statement rejecting Israel's so-called "E1" settlement plan, reaffirming support for the two-State solution, Palestinian self-determination, and an independent Palestinian State.

Pakistan-France consultations on multilateral affairs were held in Paris on 13 August. Discussions focused on UN reforms, the Sustainable Development Goals, development financing, peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and UN reform. Both sides agreed to enhance coordination at multilateral forums. Ambassador Nabeel Munir, Special Secretary (UN), led the Pakistan delegation.

Pakistan assumed the Presidency of the UN Conference on Disarmament (CD) in Geneva, taking up the final Presidency of the 2026 session. Pakistan is steering substantive discussions on the CD agenda, negotiating the Conference's Annual Report, and finalizing the related UN General Assembly resolution. From Pakistan, I have the privilege of presiding over the CD.

Finally, Ladies and Gentlemen,

We express our sorrow over the loss of lives and damage to infrastructure caused by the recent floods in Nepal. Our President, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister have conveyed their condolences, and the entire nation joins them in sharing the grief and plight of our brothers and sisters in Nepal.

Thank you, and now I invite your questions.

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(Tahir Khan, NNI): My question concerns Afghanistan, where I have spent the last two weeks. During this time, I had the opportunity to meet with Afghanistan's Interior Minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, and other officials. My question relates to his interview, which has also been published. He stated that they have proposed a mechanism to Pakistan involving the formation of committees on both the Pakistani and Afghan sides to facilitate coordination and communication. He mentioned that if Pakistan provides evidence, they will take action, and he emphasized that this is their responsibility. He asserted that it is their duty to ensure that no militants are present there, that they do not possess weapons, and that they have issued instructions at checkpoints to restrict their movement. In short, his summary was that they are prepared to take action. Additionally, he stated that mediation by other countries should be avoided and that Pakistan and Afghanistan should resolve these issues bilaterally. My question to you is: the Afghan side has now publicly shown a willingness to engage, which perhaps they did not do in this manner before. What is Pakistan's stance on creating this mechanism? And regarding the bilateral track he mentioned-which currently seems paralyzed or non-existent-what is Pakistan's position?

Spokesperson: Pakistan notes the proposal by the interim Afghan government's interior minister for a dedicated bilateral mechanism to address contentious issues. We remain open to state-level dialogue. However, the sustainability of any mechanism will depend on tangible actions rather than mere assurances. For any dialogue to take place, the Afghan Taliban must ensure that Afghan soil is not used to perpetrate terrorism against Pakistan. Kabul must honor its international commitments, including those under the Doha framework, and ensure that Afghan soil is not used by hostile proxies, particularly the TTP and BLA, against Pakistan. We remain ready for institutional coordination, provided it results in tangible and verifiable counter-terrorism measures and effective border management.

(Kiran Butt, The Khorasan Diary): Sir, my question is: the Bangladeshi State Minister for Foreign Affairs said that Bangladesh could consider joining the Makkah Pact. Do you think Pakistan's security front is taking a lead on the diplomatic front, and do you have any further details about any other countries that might be interested in joining the Makkah Pact? Because the Iranian and Syrian Foreign Ministers, who were also visiting, showed some interest in it.

Spokesperson: The Makkah Joint Defense Agreement is a defensive framework aimed at safeguarding peace and promoting regional stability. As an evolving security architecture, the MJDA remains open to countries that share its commitments to collective obligations and common security interests. Any formal request will be considered in consultation with our partners in Riyadh and Ankara. The operationalization of the MJDA, however, remains at an early stage.

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Mallick, Asia One News): Two questions, particularly on India. Firstly, the former Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian military has said that an Indian drone could have wandered off to Pakistan's strategic site near Sargodha, namely Kirana Hills, and said it could have hit it during last year, you know, unprovoked unilateral aggression against Pakistan. Your comments on it. Number one. And number two, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has said, quote, "appropriate measures were taken," unquote, on the removal of its structures from outside Pakistan's High Commission in New Delhi. Your comment on that?

Spokesperson: Firstly, on your question regarding Kirana Hills and the claims made by India, we categorically reject the self-contradictory and retrospective claims made by the former Indian CDS regarding Kirana Hills during Marka-e-Haq. Pakistan's layered air defense network effectively thwarted India's military objectives, while Pakistan's subsequent response under Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos demonstrated our ability to impose costs across the conflict spectrum. No strategic asset or sensitive infrastructure was compromised in Pakistan. Attempts to retrospectively recast these events through selective narratives or dramatized productions cannot alter the verifiable operational record of May 2025. History is established by facts and evidence, not by Bollywood-style retrospective claims. These post facto punches, if I may call them, 16 or 17 months after the war, would be better directed at their own faces.

Your second question, regarding the removal of the structures outside the two High Commissions, on 19 August, Indian authorities used heavy machinery to demolish sheds, benches, and a walkway adjacent to the consular section of Pakistan's High Commission in New Delhi. This was the consular section, and the facility was used by those coming to seek consular assistance and visas and so on and so forth. So, we have launched a strong protest, calling the acts a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961. Any attempt to link this incident to Islamabad's ongoing non-discriminatory anti-encroachment drive in the Diplomatic Enclave is misleading. Our drive targets unauthorized structures outside all diplomatic missions, not just India, in the Diplomatic Enclave. There was a briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this encroachment drive, where every member of the diplomatic community, including the missions, was represented, including the Indian High Commission, and they were notified that they had to remove these facilities. So, an advance briefing and notification were given to the Indian side. The Indian side obviously failed to remove such structures, so Indian actions were initiated in New Delhi against Pakistan's High Commission without prior notice, and therefore cannot be equated with the actions here in Islamabad.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): There was a news item in the Hindustan Times regarding 150 Sindhi women who reached India. Would you mind sharing what the update is from the Pakistani side, according to that report? Those women got married to Indians. So, you have seen the report. I've sent it to you as well. Would you mind sharing some details?

Spokesperson: We are ascertaining the details, and we'll let you know as soon as any information is available to me. Right now, I don't have any details.

(Khalid Mahmood, Express News TV): Sir, a telephonic conversation took place between the American President and the Field Marshal, after which the Field Marshal visited Iran. Has there been any further proposal from Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz? And secondly, will Mr. Ishaq Dar share this with the American authorities? Any update?

(Sonia Malik, Koh-i-Noor News): Sir, if we look at it, on the one hand, Pakistan is playing the role of a mediator, while on the other, America has threatened that if any country trades or cooperates with Iran, it will face strict action. Given that Pakistan also has trade relations with Iran, what stance will Pakistan adopt on this?

(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Field Marshal and Mohsin Naqvi also visited Iran, and, on the other hand, news has come today that the Qatari PM, who is also the Foreign Minister, is also arriving in Tehran with a large delegation. So, have Pakistan and Qatar become active again for mediation? Are there any further developments taking place that are worth noting?

(Afzal Reza, IRNA): The move by the U.S. against Iran, the economic war, is, you know, something that contradicts the efforts by Pakistan and the mediators. They are committed to trying to pursue peace in the region, but the U.S. has once again imposed an economic war on Iran, and Iran has strongly condemned the U.S. economic terrorism. Many countries, Mr. Ambassador, such as Russia, Qatar, and China, are expressing their serious concern over this unilateral action. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called upon the UN Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council to act on this move by the U.S. and condemn this U.S. economic [war]. So, Pakistan, as a main mediator in this peace process, Mr. Ambassador, and as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, how does Pakistan-how do you see this dangerous move by the U.S.? Because Iran thinks that this is having a negative impact on the peace process.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Sir, we've seen the Pakistani National Security Advisor in the pictures and videos in Bahrain and Kuwait. So, I just want to know whether his visit is linked to the efforts Pakistan is making, or whether that is a separate visit?

Spokesperson: I think there are a number of questions now. I hope can I remember all the supplementary questions.

First of all, Khalid Saheb, on your question about the COAS & CDF's visit: I have very categorically stated that reports alluding his visit to Iran as an envoy of the U.S. President or at the U.S. behest are quite misleading. So, these reports are not factually correct. This visit was purely in the context and backdrop of Pakistan's ongoing role as a mediator, and this is, in essence, how it should be reflected. Secondly, whenever the leadership interacts with important world leaders on these issues, a press release or a press note is issued. I would refer you to those press notes that have been issued by this Ministry, by the ISPR, and by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Madam, on your question about trade with Iran, Pakistan is following international law, and our bilateral trade agreements with Iran. As such, our trade remains in consonance with our obligations.

On your question, Naveed Sahib, about the Qatari Foreign Minister's visit: in my previous briefing, I had stated that Pakistan and the brotherly countries are making concerted efforts towards peace, dialogue, and settlement of the U.S.-Iran standoff. I am not aware of the details of the visit of the Qatari leadership to Iran. We obviously would welcome Qatar's engagement, during this visit, on issues related to peace and dialogue, and, the implementation of the Pakistan-Qatar joint statement issued in Bürgenstock, which provided a roadmap for technical-level talks. So, Pakistan and Qatar are engaged with peace in that sense. For the precise details of the visit of the Qatari leadership to Tehran, I would refer you to the official spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.

On the question by the correspondent from IRNA: Pakistan hopes that, as part of a wider settlement of the U.S.-Iran standoff, all economic issues will also be settled in the long run, as they form an important part of a viable settlement. Pakistan remains engaged in its mediatory role in this regard.

On the National Security Advisor's visit, I will request you to check with the National Security Division. I understand that the visit may have had a certain bilateral context, and, of course, he may have discussed regional situation. Obviously, this is part of his mandate as the National Security Advisor. You may please recheck and reconfirm with the National Security Division.

(Muhammad Saleh Zafir, The News): Sir, how does Pakistan view the opposition to the visit of the head of the fascist organization in India, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, to the United States? There is also a demand for the revocation of his visa because his organization is involved in the persecution of minorities, including Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Dalits, Buddhists, and others.

(Mateen Haider, WE News): There is a U.S. bipartisan commission, the Commission on International Religious Freedom. That commission officially, in its statement, called on the U.S. government to impose sanctions on members of the RSS, including its chief. Pakistan has also raised this issue in the past when this group was involved in activities against other minorities, including Muslims and Christians and others. Your comments, please, on the statement of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.

Spokesperson: The RSS and its affiliates and cadres have been fomenting anti-Muslim hatred in India. They have also been stoking anti-Pakistan hatred, so their activities are indeed questionable. We would not comment on the visit of this individual to the U.S. This is primarily a matter for India and the U.S. to discuss. But the violence committed against Muslims and the hatred perpetrated against Pakistan through RSS platforms under state patronage are condemnable. We hope that organizations and individuals with a conscience in the US will take up these issues with the leader of the RSS if he is visiting the U.S. I have no particular comment to make on his U.S. visit per se.

As for this report, Mateen Sahib, that you mentioned, we are examining it, and I can come back to you on this afterwards.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ TV): My congratulations to Mr. Saleh Zafir on having been bestowed a civil award. You know, he's a senior colleague, and we've been here for a long time. I have two questions. You responded to the main question and almost 10 supplementary questions, but we still have a thirst to know whether there is any chance of the Strait of Hormuz opening in the very near future, especially when the ISPR also mentioned the interaction of the CDF with the Iranian side, the Iranian President's Office also talked about a positive visit by the CDF, and yesterday's meeting between the Omani and Iranian Foreign Ministers, where they agreed on a joint mechanism.

My second question is: We just talked about and heard about RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, and you remember that two or three weeks back, we also raised a question about RSS Secretary General Mr. Dattatreya Hosabale, who was talking about dialogue with Pakistan. Given the Kyrgyzstan summit, where reportedly Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be there, and the Pakistani Prime Minister, as you just mentioned, will be there, along with President Xi and President Putin, how do the atmospherics look at the moment when all of them are there?

Spokesperson: Firstly, with reference to the Strait of Hormuz, during the visit of the CDF, there was indeed renewed efforts for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. So, we remain positive that some momentum will be generated towards this important aspect - the opening of the Strait of Hormuz - because it affects everybody with respect to the disruption of supply chains, particularly energy supply chains.

As regards the follow-up visits that are taking place subsequent to the CDF's visit to Tehran, you mentioned Qatar and Oman. So, there are concerted efforts towards the settlement of this issue, particularly the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. We remain positive. Eventually, it is up to the parties to decide their actions through a sovereign decision that is to be taken in Tehran and Washington. The interlocutors, the mediators, and the facilitators can only make an effort - indeed such a sincere effort was made by our CDF during his visit to Tehran.

Secondly, on your question about the prospect of any dialogue at the SCO on the sidelines: we will share these details as they emerge. I do not have any information regarding the engagements of our Prime Minister in Bishkek right now. We will let you know about it in the coming days.

And finally, of course, thank you also for reminding us of the award given to the distinguished senior journalist, Saleh Zafir Sahib. This is an honor that we also share because it is good to have a decorated journalist amongst us. So, thank you very much, Saleh Zafir Sahib, for gracing us with your presence, and wishing you success and good health in your life.

(Abbas Jaffar, District News): Last week, the American Ambassador visited occupied Kashmir and gave a statement that occupied Kashmir is an essential part of India. He was also summoned by the Foreign Office. My question is: what are your comments on it? And secondly, American President Mr. Trump previously said that he would try to resolve the dispute of Kashmir between Pakistan and India. So, do you think that this visit is related to the President's offer, or does it have nothing to do with that? I need your comments.

Spokesperson: I think on the visit and the statement by the U.S. envoy in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K), we issued a detailed statement on it. We also issued a demarche to the U.S. side on this. Our press release on that issue was quite detailed and self-explanatory. I have nothing to add on this at this stage.

(Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): Sir, there are only two weeks left until the UNGA session. Could you please provide some insight into Pakistan's participation, particularly in light of recent developments involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, and specifically the situation between the United States and Iran?

Additionally, regarding the event being held by the RSS, a Hindutva-promoting organization, at Madison Park on August 29-forty-eight organizations held a press conference about it just a short while ago. Do you believe some action should be taken against this? Given the terrorism occurring here and the suffering of Muslims in India, it is alarming that a terrorist organization is hosting such a large event at Madison Park.

Spokesperson: On the UNGA: Yes, preparations are underway. We'll let you know about the head of delegation and other key engagements of our delegation in New York during this high-level week of the General Assembly. I do not have any details right now, in coming days, we will be sharing those details, including through a curtain raiser.

Pakistan is a member of the UN Security Council right now, so we expect important meetings to take place there in the context of peace and security. I understand that France will be the President of the UN Security Council next month, and they have issued their programme of work of the Security Council, including some high-level meetings. Our delegation will be engaging on some key important issues there.

There are also other issues with respect to climate change and economic development. I am sure that we will be participating in relevant forums by providing inputs and mainstreaming our inputs into the outcome documents.

On the second question regarding the visit of the RSS to the U.S., I have stated my position, and I do not think I have anything further to add.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): Iran's MPs recently approved transit fees for ships while they are transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. How do you view this development? Number one. Number two, regarding Afghanistan, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar, in an interview said that the Afghan Taliban government is itself a proxy. Are you treating the Taliban government as a proxy, while both countries have embassies in their respective capitals? And one last thing: while the Israeli representative to the UN said that they are not settlers in the West Bank and that they have biblical rights to that land, being a member of the Board of Peace, your comments on this?

Spokesperson: First of all, on imposition of fee in Strait of Hormuz: this is part of the larger discussion. I would not like to comment on every specific aspect of this larger debate i.e. the right to levy fees, the right to collect fees by the littoral states, and what the obligations are of the countries whose ships are passing by. This is part of a broader discussion. I will not speak on an individual segment of this discussion. So, please take my comments on the Strait of Hormuz in the broader context that I intended.

On your question of Afghan Taliban being called proxies: We hope they would act independently and act in accordance with their own obligations under international law, which is that their territory should not be used for terrorism in the region. As such, when their activities are at the behest of a certain neighboring country to promote terrorism in Pakistan, to promote terrorism by Fitnah Al Hind and Fitnah Al Khwarij, then, unfortunately, we will have to call them proxies as in doing so, they are not be acting in their own interest. So, destabilizing Pakistan or killing Pakistanis ought not to be the interest of the Afghan regime.

Pakistan is cognizant of, and have evidence of, the involvement of India in terrorism in Pakistan emanating from Afghan soil. So, the Afghan government must act to end the terrorism. And, as I said in my reply to the first question by Tahir Khan Sahib, such assurances should come in the form of not just mere assurances, but some verifiable actions that the Afghan Taliban regime is taking against the terrorist elements operating against Pakistan from their soil.

On Israeli settlements in West Bank: this is an important question. Israeli statement activity is contradictory to and in violation of international law. Israel has no right to build settlements in the West Bank. These settlements are deemed illegal, not just by the UN General Assembly, but also by the UN Security Council, through numerous resolutions. This settlement activity is against international law, and we have totally condemned it. So, any claim that Israel has a right to continue with these settlement activities in West Bank is fundamentally flawed and contrary to international law.

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News): Sir, my question is very simple and brief; its only purpose is to ensure that the record for Pakistan is accurate. Sir, was the Independence Day celebrated in 2026 the 80th or the 79th? Because many institutions, including the Aiwan-e-Sadr, referred to it as the 79th, while the Foreign Office referred to it as the 80th. The goal is to keep the record straight for the coming years. Thank you, sir. India's was also the 80th.

Spokesperson: You see, if you count Independence Day in 1947 as the first, then it's the 80^th Independence Day. But if you count the anniversary, the first anniversary fell in 1948. Hence, this is 79^th anniversary.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): The U.S. State Department has removed Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. What are your comments on this?

Spokesperson: You must have seen the tweet by the DPM on this. Pakistan welcomes this development. Pakistan feels that it is important that our brothers and sisters in Syria should be mainstreamed into global affairs, particularly with respect to the economy, trade, culture, tourism, and so on and so forth. Syria is an ancient civilization, a country with a deep history. Several revered Companions of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) are buried there.

Lifting of sanctions on Syria is a welcome development. We look forward to working with Syria on all bilateral issues, and cooperate at multilateral platform, following the lifting of sanctions.

(Tahir Khan, NNI): Sir, I have also heard while in Kabul that the Chinese Special Envoy, who was in Pakistan in late July and then travelled to Kabul, was told by Pakistan that we do not want to hold any further negotiations. You have also said that you are ready, so can we say that the mediation by friendly countries has also ended?

(Kiran Butt, The Khorasan Diary): With all the talk about mediation and goodwill gestures from Afghanistan, I think there is another side, and that is that a day before yesterday, Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid gave an interview to DW, in which he said that Pakistan is behind all this uprising happening in Badakhshan. Today, the Taliban security chief for Badakhshan says that Pakistan has established training camps for Taliban armed opponents who are, you know, creating all these issues in the Badakhshan region. So, what are your comments on that? Because, on the one side, you are getting all these good gestures and making a committee, and, on the other hand, they are also accusing Pakistan of sending all these armed people to Badakhshan to create unrest in Afghanistan.

Spokesperson: First of all, on Tahir Sahib's question: I am not aware of any such words exchanged between our side and the Chinese Envoy as you mentioned. Our position remains the same: as long as the Afghan side does not give verifiable written assurances towards the non-use of its territory for terrorism in Pakistan, our position with respect to issues with Afghanistan will remain the same. I briefed media on what transpired between our side and the Chinese Envoy when he was here in Islamabad a few weeks ago.

As regards Kiran's question on statement by Afghan spokesperson about Pakistan's involvement in Afghanistan: we categorically deny it. You also mentioned that we are, quote-unquote, "making a committee." So, let me clarify, I am not aware of any committee. I just responded to the question by Tahir Saheb's first question, and I would request you to please see my comments. I did not stated in finality that we are making a committee.

(Syed Asif Ali, Din News): Sir, on 19 August, Federal Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary stated in the National Assembly that the Foreign Office is taking every possible step to secure the release of 10 Pakistanis from the confinement of Somali pirates. You also stated in your opening remarks that the DPM/FM is also looking after this matter. My question is that the ship is present at a place where even the Somali government does not have regulatory authority, whereas Pakistan does not have diplomatic relations with Somalia. The question is, what are the latest updates regarding the health of those 10 Pakistanis? May Allah keep them all safe and alive?

Spokesperson: We pray that all our nationals held by pirates are safe and we are also pray for their health and well-being. First of all, Pakistan has diplomatic relations with Somalia, so let me clarify that at the outset. Secondly, we are making efforts for the release of these Pakistani individuals. In this regard, the DPM/FM, as I mentioned, met the IMO Secretary-General in London this week. The IMO has a certain mandate with respect to maritime affairs, so there was some relevance, and certain issues were discussed. Our Ambassador in Djibouti, who is concurrently accredited to Somalia, was in Mogadishu very recently, where she met with the leadership.

This is a very complex situation. As you rightly mentioned, they are in a territory that has autonomy within the federation of Somalia. So getting these individuals released is not easy. The ship is docked in that territory. The goods abord are also, you know, energy-related goods that presents certain challenges with respect to any action. Finally, this is a tribal society where you have to negotiate through the layers of social strata operating there. So, this is a complex problem.

We have been assured of the health of these individuals. We hope that the health status of the 10 individuals is still okay, and we pray for their health. We also empathize with the plight of their families and loved ones. We are making all efforts to end this hostage and kidnap-for-ransom crisis, and ensure the safe repatriation of Pakistani nationals.

(Syeda Qurat ul Ain, Independent Urdu): It's about the Rochdale issue. Has Pakistan threatened the UK that it could stop taking back illegal migrants if Britain tries to force it to accept a grooming gang ringleader? My second question is: You've already answered this about Bangladesh, but will Pakistan support Iran too in joining the Pact Defense Agreement?

Spokesperson: Firstly, on your question about threats to the UK, I'm not aware of any such exchange that has taken place. I mean, in terms of your use of the word "threat," I am not aware of that.

As regards other countries, I have stated that the MJDA remains open to other countries that share its commitment to collective obligations and common security interests. I am not in a position to take names right now of any potential new member.

On Rochdale - I had given a substantive statement about a month or so ago, and I will refer you to that statement.

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Mallick, Asia One News): With regard to the flash floods and mudslides in China and Nepal, is Pakistan planning to send a rescue and search team from the NDMA or provide any aid?

Spokesperson: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in touch with these governments and the NDMA. As and when such flights are planned, we will let you know.

Thank you.

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