Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Thursday 26th March 2026

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I begin by Pakistan's efforts and response to the outbreak of violence, and armed attacks in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, which sadly are now in their fifth week.

Pakistan has actively engaged with the regional actors to de-escalate the situation, cease hostilities and move towards a peaceful settlement.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif spearheads our diplomatic efforts for negotiations and dialogue between relevant parties. The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has also engaged his counterparts in the region and beyond in this regard.

Let me very briefly give you a round-up of these efforts in the course of last one week.

Yesterday, The Prime Minister spoke with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He strongly condemned the recent attacks on the Kingdom and reaffirmed Pakistan's steadfast solidarity and support during these challenging times.

Appreciating the Kingdom's restraint, the Prime Minister underscored the urgent need for de-escalation, an end to hostilities, and unity within the Ummah. He also briefed the Crown Prince on Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace and stability, and both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination.

Two days earlier, on 23rd March, The Prime Minister spoke with President of Iran, His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian. The leaders discussed the grave situation in the Gulf region, emphasizing the urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of unity within the Ummah and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to playing a constructive role in advancing regional peace.

Amongst other important conversation of the Prime Minister 18 March, 2026 - with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait19 March, 2026 - with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of the Republic of Türkiye Same Day - with His Majesty King Abdullah Ibn Al-Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. On 20th March 2026 - The Prime Minister held six important telephone calls with Their Excellencies:

1) President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan

2) Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia

3) President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan

4) President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt

5) Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of Bangladesh

6) Prime Minister Nawaf Salam of Lebanon

On March 21, the Prime Minister Spoke His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain.

Later that day, the Prime Minister spoke with His Excellency Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia.

Our Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar also undertook intense diplomatic engagement throughout this week.

On 18 March Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar visited Riyadh at the invitation of the Saudi Foreign Minister to attend a meeting of regional Foreign Ministers. The meeting included ministers from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Syria, Türkiye, and the UAE. I am sure you must have seen the Press Release of the Ministry regarding the event.

Amongst important recent telephone conversations of the Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister with his counterparts:

On 13th March with Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth

On 16 March, with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan

Next Day, with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov

On March 18 with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan

On March 22 with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty

On March 23, with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein

Same Day, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss the evolving regional situation.

On the same day with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

On March 24 with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty

Same day, with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Later that evening - with EU High Representative & Vice President Kaja Kallas

Yesterday, March 25^th, with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On 15 March, the World observed the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. You may recall that Pakistan played a key role, with the OIC, in securing the UN's designation of 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia and supported the appointment of UN and OIC Special Envoys to address this challenge.

In his message on the occasion, the DPM/FM reaffirmed solidarity with Muslims worldwide, highlighting the rise of Islamophobia globally, including attacks on mosques, women, and holy texts. We stress the need for international cooperation, dialogue, and respect to promote tolerance, prevent discrimination, and ensure peaceful coexistence.

Pakistan has strongly condemned the continued closure of the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar, noting that it prevents worshippers from offering congregational prayers and constitutes a serious violation of religious freedom and fundamental human rights in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.For the seventh consecutive year since India's illegal actions on 5 August 2019, the occupation authorities have sealed the mosque and barred Kashmiri Muslims from gathering on this spiritually significant day. Such restrictions, particularly during Ramzan, are a matter of deep concern.Pakistan has urged the international community, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, to take notice and call on India to uphold the fundamental right to freedom of religion in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Thank you

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(Afzal Reza, IRNA): Given the Pakistan efforts for the mediation, I mean, for the peace efforts in the region, how you Pakistan assess Iran's position on the expected talks, and do you need a confirmation about the reported visit by the Field Marshall CDF to Muscat, and any meeting with the American side? and with the rejection of the 15 points agenda of the President Trump, by the Iranian side. Don't you think that Donald Trump, the president of us, trying to dictate terms to Iran because the Iranian leadership, say that they will not yield to the US overreach and dictate. So, as per Pakistan (inaudible) what you see that what will be the way forward for the current situation?

(Syed Baqir Sajjad, Dawn News): Sir, I would say that you have been quite silent on the developments that have been taking place. There have been multiple reports in the international media and domestic media about Pakistan's role in facilitating dialogue. And there hasn't been any policy statement from Islamabad. But I now feel that threshold has crossed where you can remain reticent. Can you categorically say what role Pakistan is playing and what are the expectations going ahead? Because the five-day pause is now almost expiring in next couple of days. So, what's the Pakistan's position on this?

(Ivan Watson, CNN): Can you confirm whether or not there'll be discussions this weekend with the American Vice President on the war in Iran here in Pakistan?

(Islamuddin Sajid, Anadolu News Agency): Sir, there are some reports that America gave its 15 points plan to Pakistan and Pakistan handed over the plan to Iran. So, if it is true then has Pakistan got any response from Iran yet?

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Sir, are we making Americans and Iranians sit on one table, one on one? If, yes, when it's happening and where it's happening. And second, there are reports that on Pakistan's request, Israel, via United States, has removed the name of names of two Iranian officials who are likely to take part in negotiations from the hit list?

Spokesperson: Let me try to summarize all questions in one reply to address the crux of the matter.First of all, I don't think that we have been silent on this issue. There have been international engagements, which I have summarized in my opening remarks.We have also been from time to time issuing the press readouts either from the Prime Minister's office or from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

You may also recall that the Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, had stated in a very clear and unequivocal terms that Pakistan welcomes and fully supports all sincere efforts to advance dialogue aimed at ending the war in the Middle East, efforts undertaken in the larger interest of durable peace and stability in the region and beyond. So that statement is on record.

The Prime Minister also noted that subject to the concurrence of the United States and Iran, our readiness and indeed our honor to serve as a host to facilitate meaningful, result oriented negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict.

So, with this broad policy statement that the Prime Minister gave, we have remained actively and constructively engaged with relevant regional stakeholders and beyond our region, consistently advocating for immediate de-escalation, cessation of hostilities and an irreversible path towards a peaceful resolution.

The Prime Minister is personally leading our diplomatic outreach to promote dialogue and understanding among all concerned parties. His recent public messaging, as you would have noted, received wider international audience, including acknowledgement by the leadership of the United States.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohamed Ishaq Dar has also maintained closed and continuous, very robust engagement with his counterparts across the region and beyond in furtherance of these efforts.

Whilst these efforts are continuing, we have noted with concern speculation and unverified reports in certain sections of the media, regarding developments in the region, including claims relating to diplomatic exchanges and even purported travel itineraries for that matter. So, I have received numerous queries seeking confirmation of such reports.

Let me emphasize that diplomacy, particularly in moments of heightened sensitivity, requires discretion, patience and confidentiality. These are not mere preferences. These are essential prerequisites for success. We would therefore urge all media platforms, to exercise responsibility, refrain from conjecture and rely solely on official channels for accurate and timely information.

Pakistan will continue to play a principled and proactive role in building bridges guided by sincerity of intent and clarity of purpose. Our objective is unwavering and unambiguous. If I were to distill or summarize our goal into a single word. That word would be peace.

(Raziq Bhatti, Kashmir Express): Sir, India has announced sentences against women huriat leaders h and when would this never-ending chain of sentences end and how do you see as an advocate? Secondly, what are the details of written response from India in this respect? Thirdly, need your comments on the foul language used by Indian Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Jaishankar against Pakistan?

Spokesperson: First of all,we dismiss the Indian statement with the contempt that it deserves.

India cannot conflate legitimate political dissent and pursuit of fundamental political rights with terrorism. This is an old bogey of India: subsume everything, every legitimate political rights movement, into terrorism.

With regards to India's judicial process concerns about their impartiality have been raised even by their own judges. The cases of Samjhota Express bombing case where the principal accused who had confessed the crime, they got acquitted - raising serious questions about accountability and due process in India's judicial system.

Let me reiterate that Pakistan strongly condemns and unequivocally reject this sentencing of prominent Kashmiri political leaders, Asiya Andrabi and along with her associates, Ms. Sufi Fahmida, and Ms. Nahida Nasreen in contrived cases based on fabricated charges under the draconian and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act the UAPA.

This verdict reflects the pattern of political vendetta by Indian authorities aimed at silencing genuine Kashmiri leadership and suppressing dissent in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan views this decision as part of a broader pattern of India's continued repression of the true representatives of the Kashmiri people, many of whom remained incarcerated over the years running in multiple sentences.

Several prominent Kashmiri leaders have endured prolonged detention. Sayed Ali Shah Gilani passed away while under detention, the total period of confinement of the successor and Chairman of the APHC, Musarrat Alam Bhat, exceeds two decades. Dr Qasim Faktoo has spent nearly three decades behind bars, and Shabir Ahmed Shah has spent more than half of his life in detention. The Indian authorities have also sought the death penalty of Mr. Yasin Malik, who has been sentenced to life imprisonment into in 2022 following what Pakistan considers was a sham trial. So, these convictions and sentences constitute a grave miscarriage of justice.

Recent Indian reports that NIA conducted search operations in multiple locations in Indian Illegal Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including in Handwara and Kulgam. Such actions further demonstrate effort by Indian authorities to harass and intimidate Kashmiri people under the pretext of security operations and to perpetuate an atmosphere of fear.

We call upon India to immediately release Asiya Andrabi and allow her to live freely with her family. We also urge an immediate and unconditional release of all Kashmiri, political leaders and human rights defenders unjustly detained in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and in India. We will continue to raise our voices, highlighting the serious and grave human rights violations committed by Indian occupation forces in the Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and we remain steadfast in our support for solidarity for the Kashmiri people.

About the Indian External Affairs' remarks yesterday.Such undiplomatic rhetoric betrays a deeper sense of frustration.When arguments run thin invective appears to fill the gap. Pakistan does not subscribe to such megaphone theatrics. Our approach is anchored in restraint, decorum and not in rhetorical excesses.

(Mateen Haider, GTV): As you stated earlier, Prime Minister of Pakistan's position Foreign Office's position regarding subsequently, as reported that Iran attacks some of the Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, there have been attacks in Bahrain, Oman, UAE and also Kuwait. But my question is, on 1st of March, the missile attack on Oman turned out to be an American Patriot missile, and then several times, Iranian authorities also denied that they never attacked. So, this emerges that there has been false flag operation by Israeli authorities just to implicate Iran. So how you see this changing security scenario, and your comments on this, in this situation, what needs to be done? Who needs to be blamed and who needs to be condemned?

Spokesperson: False flag operations cannot be ruled out. There is gap in information in the fog of war. There is always something that needs to be verified and double checked. And this brings us home to our original point, that parties need to restrain and return to the dialogue table.Parties need to work for irreversible pathway towards a peaceful settlement.Embarking on such an approach would obviously minimize kinds of false flag operations and all information in the fog of war. So, this is what the crux of the matter is to return to the dialogue table.

(Qurat ul Ain Shirazi, Independent Urdu): Given the current situation in Pakistan's mediation offer, can you please categorically reject or confirm if there is a meeting or a summit in Islamabad over the weekend and there are reports of Pakistan's role in Iranian parliamentary speaker and the Foreign Minister's name taken off the Israeli list? Can you please categorically reject or confirm either of these or both of these news reports?

Spokesperson: I will not offer a prognosis on where our diplomatic efforts are leading to. We remain hopeful. Diplomacy teaches us to remain optimist and work towards a solution. So, this is the spirit with which we are working. And as regards news about individuals, I would say that these remain unconfirmed, unverified.Obviously, I cannot offer a comment on issues which I donot have any knowledge of.

(Saleh Zaafir, The News): Sir, would you care to comment on the demand made by Iran that Israel should be brought under the fold of the NPT and second, the IAEA should be allowed to inspect its nuclear sites?

Spokesperson: This question about NPT and IAEA's role in Israel has reverbated in the past. I'm not aware of any particular Iranian statement in this regard.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): Sir, my question is related to Afghanistan. Firstly, the deadline of ceasefire has already been passed i.e., 24th March 2026, so, what is the position between Pakistan and Afghanistan? Secondly, there is report of UN experts in which it is said that Pakistan has failed to prove that TTP's activities in Pakistan are controlled by Afghan Taliban. Need your comments on this and lastly, need your comment on the discussions regarding opening of Torkham border.

(Ghazala Noreen, Suno News): Sir, a communique has been issued today that the Torkham border is open now. Need your thoughts on this and is it temporarily opened or is there any backdoor diplomacy on going between the two countries?

(Zeeshan Syed, Neo TV): Sir we had a ceasefire agreement with Afghanistan due to Eid. What is its current status? On the other side we are playing role of mediation between Iran and US amid the war with Afghanistan. Is the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan extended or not?

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, Daily Mail Islamabad): Sir, before the ceasefire, China played a vital role in this and had started a process for ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Can you update on this?

Spokesperson: Operation Gazab Lil Haq is ongoing. It is a precise, targeted operation, military campaign directed against terrorist leadership and their support and command, infrastructure, logistics, logistic networks and facilitators and abettors of these terrorist acts within the Taliban regime and in the Taliban controlled area.

In deference to the Eid ul Fitr celebrations and response to requests from our brotherly Islamic countries, a temporary pause was observed during this period.The pause has concluded midnight between, I think, 23^rdand 24th March. So, operations under Operation Gazab Lil Haq continue now until the objectives are achieved, and until the Afghan Taliban regime reviews its misplaced priority of supporting terror infrastructures and terror proxies over the welfare of their own Afghan people. So, our position is anchored in this broad policy statement.

As regards Torkham border, there may have been a temporary opening. I do not have any details of that. I can get the details about opening of border if you are saying.

There has been comparisons made in media on difference in our approach with respect to Afghanistan and what we are advocating for Iran. Let me draw your attention to a period of three years, or even more four years, from 2021 to 2025 whereby Pakistan explored all avenues of having peace in our region, and dissuading Afghan Taliban regime, from supporting TTP.This dissuasion continued in various form. It continued in the form of engagements.It reached its zenith, I would say, its high-water mark, in early 2025 when Senator Mohamed Ishaq Dar, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, undertook visits to Kabul. He delivered on the demands of the Afghan side, with respect to connectivity, with respect to economic projects, with respect to humanitarian and economic assistance. Yet the Taliban regime's connections with the TTP were not were not severed. There was no introspection within the TTA, within the Taliban regime, on this issue. So, we explored all options. You cannot fault us for not exploring all avenues of peace. We did explore all avenues but violence and attack from Afghanistan did not stop. This is the distinction that I would like to make.

As regards mediation by China. I wish to reiterate, we have multiple channels of communications, bilateral, we also have a trilateral mechanism with China on Afghanistan.We remain engagedwith China on these issues, and we appreciate their role and position.

I also wanted to give an answer to Zeeshan's question on TTA - TTP linkage. The fact is that UN reports have very categorically linked the TTP and other terrorist elements, Fitna al-Khawarij, Fitna al-Hind, with the TTA, with the Taliban regime. These connections have been well documented. These UN reports verify that, the ammunition depot that was hit, could potentially be in use by Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hind elements. We do not need any further proof for that.

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Malik, Asia One News): Thank you so much, Spokesperson. While you were making the previous comment, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister tweeted, and in his tweet, he says, and I quote, "In reality, US-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan. In this context, the United States has shared 15 points being deliberated upon by Iran." Unquote.

This tweet came while you were talking. What sort of messaging is this?Would you classify this as mediation, facilitation, or as a post office?

Secondly, there is a statement made by the Bangladeshi Prime Minister on the 25th of March regarding what they describe as the genocide that took place during their independence. We have seen a warming of relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh over the past few months. What are your comments on the matter?

(Asif Shahzad, Reuters): Thank you very much, sir. As Anas has tried to ask this question, to be very clear and direct: is Pakistan playing a mediatory or any facilitation role between the US and Iran?

(Syed Baqir Sajjad, Dawn News): Just to add to what colleagues have already said, beyond the role that Pakistan is playing, or is reported to be playing, how would you assess the developments that have happened since the announcement of the pause till today, so that we can build on how things are going to progress from here onwards?

Spokesperson: First of all, in diplomatic exchanges, points are delivered, notes are shared and exchanged. I think irrespective of whether the tweet stayed or was deleted, the fact remains that Pakistan is offering its good offices for these talks, and these good offices have been used by relevant parties. Our Prime Minister had also very categorically stated about hosting and facilitating in the post on X.

Coming to Asif's question, on whether we are mediating or facilitating tiers - in Pacific Settlement of Disputes, which is a UN Charter-sanctioned term covered under Chapter VI of the UN Charter, there are various tiers of negotiation processes to seek a peaceful settlement of disputes. These are: arbitration, mediation, facilitation, and good offices. Our Prime Minister has used the words facilitating and hosting. I think let us stick to that. We would be offering our good offices irrespective of what paradigm you bracket our role in. Fact remains that we are striving for peace, for settlement of disputes, for cessation of hostilities. And as I said, if our goal is to be summarized in one word, that word is peace. How we achieve it - whether through good offices, through facilitation, through mediation, I leave it to you. These are the paradigms in which these diplomatic exchanges are taking place.

I would also not give an adjective to my sentiment on the future. As I told you, in diplomacy, in international matters, it is always good to be optimistic. There would be hiccups, obstacles, and roadblocks - that should not deter us from pursuing peace, process and dialogue. The ultimate objective should be peace. Hurdles will come, but let us brave through these hurdles.

(Betsy Joles, NPR): Since the tweet is now deleted, can you please confirm or deny that Pakistan was the one that passed along those 15 points to Iran from the US? And secondly, has there been any interaction today between Pakistani officials and Iranian counterparts, either here or on the phone?

Spokesperson: I have no information on whether we actually physically or digitally passed on those 15 points. But I think the debate, as I have emphasized, should move beyond these details. I tell you that broadly we are working towards peace and progress. I am not aware of what physically or digitally transpired through Pakistan.

On the second part of your question on interactions with Iran: in the course of the last one week, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister has held engagements with his counterparts, including Foreign Minister Araghchi; the Prime Minister has spoken with President Pezeshkian; the embassies are open. Our Ambassador, Muddassar Tipu, is in Tehran, and the Iranian Ambassador is here. If engagement has taken place today, the notes have not reached me.The fact is that the doors of dialogue and engagement with Iran are open at multiple levels.

(Sophia Saifi, CNN): We have posed this question to ISPR already, and they told us to come to you. We have heard from our sources in DC that one of the reasons why there was a hold-up of Islamabad being confirmed as a possible venue for talks was because of security concerns in DC. Is this something you can address?

Spokesperson: Pakistan is very safe and secure. I do not think that safety concerns had any validity.

(Elian Pelters, New York Times): If a military site (in Afghanistan) was targeted, can you confirm that all victims were combatants, and if so, what is the death toll that Pakistan is going with on the military strike in Kabul on March 16?

Spokesperson: We have said that we took due diligence in our strikes. We ensured that no civilian was harmed.Our position stays on the record.

(Elian Pelters, New York Times): Why has there been no daily tally released by the Minister for Information with the number of Afghan fighters who have been killed?

Spokesperson: I think there needs to be recognition of the fact that terrorist attacks against Pakistan by the TTP and even by Afghan nationals have diminished sharply since we responded militarily to the Afghan attack on our posts around end-February. There have been sporadic attacks yes - in Lakki Marwat, then one in Bajaur. But by and large, those who maintain the record of casualties can plot the graph of the level of casualties on the Pakistani side before the operations and during the operations. I understand there is a downward trend.

We have reasons to believe that our actions and strikes have decreased the ability of the TTP to foment, engineer, mastermind and perpetrate attacks against Pakistan. And as this Ghazab Lil-Haq pause has ended, we remain vigilant to ensure that our people are protected and there are no attacks against Pakistan. If the Ministry of Information has not updated the figures, I think it demonstrates the relative calm that prevails.

We hope that this window will enable the Afghan side to realize that they need to come with an unwavering commitment, with written assurances that their territory would not be used to target Pakistan. This assurance, by the way, is their obligation under international law.This is also the obligation of the Taliban regime under the Doha Agreement as well as their obligation with respect to the Chapter VII mandate of the UN Security Council with respect to these Terrorist Entities like TTP. If this assurance from Afghan Regime comes forth, we have nothing against the people of Afghanistan. We do not want military action or strikes. We want peace and progress.

You have to view this whole situation in an overall context that I elaborated Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and indeed ISPR give reactions to developments in that broader context. If the updates are there or not there, this reflects a pattern, and that pattern needs to be understood.

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Malik, Asia One News): We saw a statement, a tweet and a couple of posts from the Bangladeshi Prime Minister on National Independence Day regarding the so-called genocide, as they frame it. Given the recent warmth in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations over the past few months and years, how do you see this statement?

Spokesperson: Yes, we have seen the statement. Pakistan considers the events of 1971 to be complex and open to differing interpretations, which warrants constructive engagement grounded in objectivity, mutual respect and a shared commitment to historical accuracy. Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to a forward-looking relationship with Bangladesh, with the brotherly people of Bangladesh, based on mutual respect and constructive cooperation to strengthen people-to-people ties, economic engagement and regional stability, serving the mutual interests of both countries.

(Munir Ahmed, AP): My question is about Pakistan's offer to host talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad. What is the response from Tehran? Is any delegation from Iran coming to Pakistan, and is the Vice President or any other American official planning to arrive here later this week or at any point? What is the status of Pakistan's offer? Are we going to host these talks later this week or at some other point?

Spokesperson: As regards our offer, I have explained myself. As regards the timing, the venue, the itinerary, these details we will reveal in due course. Let us not speculate and wait for official announcements.

Our endeavor is a process, not an event. By following on specific event, media people speculate when they do not understand the process is entirety. You need to distinguish between the process and the event. The question is not whether one side accepts or not. It is about the process, and developments in the process will be announced as and when they happen. Please do not focus on any specific event -'whether the 15 points have come, whether five points have been shared, whether side A has accepted, whether side B has rejected.' Elevate yourselves from these positions and think about the whole process. When the process allows concrete information to be shared with the media, that information will be shared forthwith.

(Carrie Davies, BBC): You talk about the process. Can I ask how Saudi Arabia is involved in this process of bringing Iran and the US to a potential negotiating position? Has Saudi Arabia encouraged Pakistan in this particular role to mediate, and how important is it? Does Pakistan understand how important it is to Saudi Arabia that there is some form of agreement?

Spokesperson: Saudi Arabia is a key interlocutor and a major party in this. Saudi Arabia has been attacked. So of course, conversations with Saudi Arabia have gone on. I just referred to the telephone conversation that took place between our Prime Minister and the Crown Prince, and also earlier between our Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister and the Saudi Foreign Minister. These conversations are ongoing. Saudi Arabia is a brotherly country.Whatever we do in terms of our advocacy for peace, dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes -all of this is in very close coordination with Saudi Arabia.

This is to a certain degree is applicable to all the Gulf countries. We unequivocally condemned the attacks launched on these Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. They are our interlocutors.As I said in previous briefing, our position is principled and anchored in international law and the UN Charter. It is not against any individual country.Hence, our position is respected across international and regional capitals. Our dialogue goes on with these countries, and we obviously take their views into account in furthering our diplomatic engagements on these issues.

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News): Can you confirm any low-profile or high-profile US officials' visit to Islamabad? Secondly, my question is about excessive water being released by India into Pakistani rivers with 66% of excessive water has been released by India. How do you see this? Senior officials in Pakistan, including the Deputy Prime Minister, have already announced that any such situation would be witnessed as an act of war by India. Any comments?

Spokesperson: First of all, on visits of officials - let us not bifurcate them into high and low. These are all respected officials whoever visits.We will certainly let you know as developments take place.

On water, India has been misusing its status as an upper riparian and is violating its own commitments, not just under the Indus Waters Treaty but also under International Law and the responsibilities of the upper riparian. We have mechanisms under the Indus Waters Treaty to take up these issues, including seasonal variations of river flows. Our Indus Commissioner and relevant officials are cognizant of these developments. We would not let India weaponize water.

(Hunain, STN): Taking it back to Iran and Pakistan, but this time Pakistan not as a mediator or arbiter, rather as an active actor, an active participant, in this regional conflagration. How can Pakistan proceed without aligning itself to either Saudi Arabia or Iran? If the mutual defence treaty is invoked and the said talks do not transpire or fail, how far can Pakistan go without being an active ally to Saudi Arabia, and can Pakistan absorb the ramifications of that?

Spokesperson: Pakistan has plenty of diplomatic space to engage our brotherly countries in the region and beyond.We feel no sense of claustrophobia in this regard, by way of any instrument that we may have with any of the parties.

I think you need to be more optimistic. If the talks fail, if the heavens fall: "Ifs" in history is a subject that has been debated by historiographers. "Ifs" in the future is speculative subject in international relations. I think let us not go into that area.

(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): Do you see any linkage between the conversation of Field Marshal Asim Munir and US President Donald Trump with this process you are referring to, and what transpired in that reported telephone conversation?

Spokesperson: Each conversation at the highest level, at the senior level, is important, and obviously it builds into this collective knowledge base which propels this peace process forward. So yes, all engagements are important.

Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you.

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