ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi on Wednesday said that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the recent Lucerne Summit between the United States and Iran had strengthened confidence in dialogue and diplomacy as the most effective tools for resolving international disputes and conflicts peacefully.
Speaking at a weekly media briefing in Islamabad, Andrabi highlighted Pakistan’s role in facilitating peace efforts between Washington and Tehran following months of regional tensions.
Pakistan has been actively involved in mediation since the conflict erupted in late February after US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered a wider regional crisis and disruptions in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas supplies.
Among the key milestones in the peace process were the signing of the Islamabad MoU on June 18, a 14-point framework aimed at ending the conflict, and the direct US-Iran negotiations held in Switzerland over the weekend, known as the Lake Lucerne Summit.
Andrabi welcomed the international recognition of Pakistan’s mediation efforts, saying that several countries and international partners had praised Islamabad’s constructive role in promoting peace, dialogue and regional stability.
“Such recognition reflects the international community’s trust in Pakistan, as well as Pakistan’s commitment to advancing dialogue, peace, security and stability across the region and beyond,” he said.
He also expressed Pakistan’s appreciation to countries and partners that supported its efforts to reduce tensions and encourage negotiations.
The spokesperson further commended Pakistan’s media for maintaining professionalism throughout the process.
“Pakistan’s media demonstrated professionalism and maturity by respecting the strict requirements of confidentiality, discretion and trust that are indispensable to any credible facilitator,” he said.
Discussing the outcomes of the Lucerne talks, Andrabi said the United States and Iran had reached understandings on several aspects of implementing the Islamabad MoU.
According to him, both sides agreed to establish a high-level committee to oversee political mediation efforts and endorsed a roadmap aimed at concluding a final peace agreement within 60 days.
The parties also agreed to create direct communication channels to prevent misunderstandings and ensure the safe passage of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
In addition, a de-confliction mechanism involving the United States, Iran and the Lebanese government will be established to help manage regional security concerns.
Andrabi said technical teams from Pakistan and Qatar would continue working closely with their American and Iranian counterparts in the coming weeks to facilitate the implementation of the agreement.
Efforts Underway to Secure Release of Pakistani Seafarers
The Foreign Office spokesperson also provided an update on efforts to secure the release of 11 Pakistani sailors who have been held hostage by Somali pirates since April.
The seafarers were aboard the MT Honour 25 when the vessel was hijacked off Somalia’s southeastern coast on April 21. All 11 Pakistanis remain in captivity.
Andrabi said the government had launched a sustained diplomatic and political campaign aimed at ensuring their safe return.
“We have taken significant efforts in this regard,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s primary focus remained on diplomatic and humanitarian measures to secure the hostages’ release.
He noted that the Foreign Office remained in regular contact with Somali authorities and that officials from Pakistan’s embassy in Djibouti had travelled to Somalia for discussions with relevant stakeholders.
The spokesperson also revealed that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had personally raised the issue with Somalia’s foreign minister, while senior officials from both countries remained engaged on the matter.
“This is a difficult issue,” Andrabi said, noting that an interministerial meeting had been convened to coordinate the government’s response.
The meeting decided to prioritise negotiations and humanitarian channels while maintaining close contact with the families of the hostages.
Pakistan is also seeking assistance from friendly countries, local non-governmental organisations, relevant intermediaries and human rights activist Ansar Burney to support efforts for the sailors’ release.
“These efforts continue, and we will continue to update you on this matter. This is an issue which is very close to our hearts because of the involvement of families, and we can understand their pain. But, as I said, the release is a difficult situation which is being addressed,” he said.
