Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi on Thursday said Islamabad hopes an agreement between the U.S. and Iran to secure a permanent end to the Middle East conflict will happen soon.
Addressing a weekly press briefing in Islamabad, he said Pakistan would welcome a settlement between Iran and the U.S., wherever it might be reached. “If an agreement is reached in Pakistan, it would be an honor for us,” he said, while maintaining he had no knowledge of any draft of the agreement.
Iranian state media has said Tehran is reviewing the latest proposal from the U.S. after the suspension of ‘Project Freedom,’ launched by Washington to escort stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump has likewise indicated positive momentum in talks, though he has warned that if a deal is not forthcoming, the two sides could return to war.
Andrabi noted during the briefing that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had welcomed the U.S. announcement of pausing ‘Project Freedom,’ adding Pakistan was firmly committed to supporting all efforts promoting restraint and the peaceful resolution of the Middle East conflict. He recalled that the prime minister had also expressed the hope that the talks would yield a lasting agreement for durable peace and stability for the region and beyond.
According to the spokesperson, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has remained in contact with his counterparts throughout the past week in an effort to pursue peace, diplomacy and a peaceful settlement between Washington and Tehran.
During his briefing, the Foreign Office spokesperson also responded to questions on 54 Pakistanis detained in Cambodia following a raid on a scamming compound. He said the government had issued emergency travel documents to the detained individuals after ascertaining their nationalities.
“On our embassy’s request, the host authorities allowed all 54 individuals to travel back to Pakistan. As of today, I understand 49 individuals have returned and three are being are processed. And I understand this complete repatriation will take place soon,” he added.