Latest news with #ForeignOfficePk
Express Tribune
11 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Dar reviews pricing, supply of sugar
FM Ishaq Dar in meeting to review ongoing evacuation of Pakistani nationals/zaireen presently stranded in Iran & Iraq on June 18. Photo: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Friday chaired a follow-up meeting to review the pricing and supply of essential food items, particularly sugar. The meeting was attended by the Minister for National Food Security, SAPM Tariq Bajwa, Secretaries of Food Security & Industries, and other senior government officials. The committee reviewed key aspects of the sugar sector. It also decided the in-principle approval for the import of 0.5 million tonnes of sugar. Dar reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting the interests of both consumers and suppliers.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Strong ties with US don't mean blind support for unjust policies, says Ishaq Dar
FM Ishaq Dar in meeting to review ongoing evacuation of Pakistani nationals/zaireen presently stranded in Iran & Iraq on June 18. Photo: Strong ties with the United States will not mean unconditional support for its policies, especially when they are unjust, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday. Briefing the press in Islamabad, the deputy PM emphasised that Pakistan was aware that Iran would not remain passive after the US bombed three of its nuclear facilities. Dar was speaking in reference to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, where the 12-day Iran-Israel war was a primary topic of discussion. He highlighted Pakistan's efforts to ensure that a special session on Iran was held, which was agreed upon by the foreign ministers of OIC member states. Dar also noted that Pakistan had been in constant communication with Iranian officials, including discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Iranian leadership. During the briefing, Dar explained that Iran had praised Pakistan's diplomatic efforts in both the United Nations Security Council and their parliament. He shared details of an important meeting in Istanbul, which took place during a visit by Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, which was attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and other Turkish leaders to address the situation in Iran. Dar said that after the US attack on Iran, Pakistan had been informed by Tehran that while Iran was not developing nuclear weapons, it could not ignore the US attack and would retaliate. Iran's response entailed an attack on a US airbase in Qatar. Dar made it clear that while Pakistan values its relationship with the US, this does not mean aligning with Washington on every issue, especially when it comes to unjust military actions. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to a peaceful resolution and its efforts to ensure the ceasefire holds.
The Print
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Day after endorsing Trump for Nobel Peace Prize, Pakistan terms US strikes on Iran ‘deeply disturbing'
Pakistan, Iran's ally, Sunday called the attacks a violation of international law and warned of dangerous consequences for the region. A statement released by its Foreign Office expressed 'grave concern' over the strikes, which followed Israel's attacks, calling the development 'deeply disturbing', and noting that such 'aggression' risked triggering a broader regional conflagration. New Delhi: A day after nominating US President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, Pakistan has issued a sharp condemnation of the United States' coordinated airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in a strategic balancing act. Pakistan Condemns the US Attacks on the Nuclear Facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 🔗⬇️ — Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 22, 2025 'These attacks violate all norms of international law, and Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter,' the statement read, adding that any further escalation would have 'severely damaging implications for the region and beyond'. 'All parties must adhere to international law, particularly International Humanitarian Law,' it added. The Foreign Office urged all actors to pursue 'dialogue and diplomacy' in accordance with the UN Charter, calling it the 'only viable pathway' to resolving the growing crisis in the Middle East. The statement did not directly address the apparent contradiction between the condemnation of the strikes and its recent endorsement of Trump's role in regional peace efforts. On Saturday, the Pakistan government announced that it had 'formally decided to recommend' Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his 'decisive diplomatic intervention' and 'pivotal leadership' during the India-Pakistan conflict last month. The declaration, shared on X, came just two days after Trump hosted Pakistan's army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for a luncheon at the White House. Trump has claimed credit for brokering the ceasefire between India and Pakistan on multiple occasions, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Trump over a phone call earlier this week that at no point during Operation Sindoor was trade or mediation over the India-Pakistan issue was discussed with the US administration. Several regional powers maintain strong ties with Iran, with Pakistan standing out as the only Islamic nation among them possessing a nuclear arsenal. In the past weeks, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had sought to deepen Tehran's strategic alignment with Islamabad, particularly in response to Israel's ongoing actions in Gaza. After Israel's attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had expressed 'unwavering solidarity' with Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian, condemning what he described as Israel's 'unprovoked aggression'. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in a recent interview, warned that Israel would 'think many times before taking on Pakistan'. But Pakistan's rhetoric, such as Asif's warning to Israel, stopped short of promising intervention. Islamabad is trying to maintain strong ties with both Washington and Tehran amid escalating regional conflict, with its Nobel nomination for Trump, while condemning airstrikes to signal solidarity with Iran and the broader Muslim world. However, Pakistan's leading national daily Dawn has called the nomination for Trump 'farcical'. 'It is a shame there is no office for 'king of the world', or Mr Trump might very well have been nominated for that instead, given the Pakistani government's gratitude for his 'decisive diplomatic intervention and pivotal leadership' in the recent skirmishes with India. It has also been announced on what appears to be the eve of yet another unjustified and potentially catastrophic American war in the Middle East', Dawn's editorial read. 'The intent behind this surprising move lands with all the subtlety of a marching band. The ruling elite here has long understood that flattery, particularly of powerful men with fragile egos, is a very dependable strategy for courting their favour,' it added. (Edited by Mannat Chugh) Also Read: Pakistan formally recommends 'genuine peacemaker' Trump for Nobel Peace Prize
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Global reaction to US attack on Iran's nuclear sites
US forces attacked three Iranian nuclear sites, prompting a wide range of international reactions — from Israel praising President Donald Trump's decision, to the United Nations urging de-escalation, while Iran and several other nations strongly condemned the strikes. Pakistan condemns US strikes on Iran Pakistan condemned the United States for launching strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling the move a violation of international law and warning it could further destabilise the region. 🔊PR No.1️⃣8️⃣2️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ Pakistan Condemns the US Attacks on the Nuclear Facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 🔗⬇️ — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 22, 2025 The US attacks come on the 10th day of the Israel-Iran war, sparked by Israel's wave of strikes in Iran on June 13th, escalating fears of broader regional escalation. Islamabad expressed grave concern over the rising tensions and urged all parties to refrain from further aggression. Read: Netanyahu seeks support for Iran strikes as Trump mulls US attack 'within two weeks' 'These attacks violate all norms of international law. Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter,' Pakistan's Foreign Office said in a statement. Terming the situation 'deeply disturbing,' the statement warned that the 'unprecedented escalation of violence' could have far-reaching implications beyond the Middle East. Iranian FM Abbas Araqchi: "The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the (nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations. The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Every member of the UN must be alarmed by this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour. Following the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defence, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people." Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu: "Congratulations, President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history... History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime the world's most dangerous weapons." Maryam Rajavi, head of the National Council of Resistance of Iran in Paris: "Now [Iranian Supreme Leader Ali] Khamenei must go. The Iranian people welcome the end of the war and are calling for peace and freedom." "Khamenei is responsible for an unpatriotic project that, beyond the loss of countless lives, has cost the Iranian people at least $2 trillion — and now, it has all gone up in smoke." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: "Iran must never acquire the bomb." "With tensions in the Middle East reaching a new peak, stability must be the priority. Respect for international law is essential." "This is the time for Iran to commit to a credible diplomatic path. The negotiating table is the only route to resolve this crisis." Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chair of Russia's Security Council: "Trump, who entered office branding himself a peacemaker, has now launched a new war for the United States." "With this kind of outcome, Trump will not be winning the Nobel Peace Prize." French FM Jean-Noël Barrot, on X: "France remains convinced that a lasting resolution to this issue requires a negotiated settlement within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty." British PM Keir Starmer: "Iran's nuclear programme poses a serious threat to international security. Iran must never be permitted to develop a nuclear weapon, and the United States has taken action to address that threat. The situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile, and regional stability is of utmost importance. We urge Iran to return to the negotiating table and pursue a diplomatic solution to end this crisis." UN Secretary-General António Guterres: "This marks a dangerous escalation in a region already on the brink—and represents a direct threat to international peace and security. The risk that this conflict could spiral out of control is growing, with potentially catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world. I urge Member States to de-escalate and uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and international law." United Arab Emirates FM, via state news agency: The United Arab Emirates expressed deep concern over the ongoing regional tensions and the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities. It called for an immediate halt to the escalation to prevent dangerous repercussions and a descent into further instability. The Ministry urged the United Nations and the Security Council to take responsibility by working actively to resolve longstanding regional issues, which it said now pose an increasing threat to both regional and global security and stability. Qatari FM, on X: The State of Qatar expressed regret over the worsening situation following the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities and said it is closely monitoring developments with deep concern. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that the current levels of tension in the region could lead to catastrophic consequences at both the regional and international levels. Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba, to reporters: "It is vital that there is a swift de-escalation of the conflict. We are monitoring the situation closely and with serious concern." Italian FM Antonia Tajani, on state broadcaster Rai: "We now hope that, following this attack—which caused substantial damage to nuclear weapons production and posed a threat to the entire region—de-escalation can begin, and Iran can return to the negotiating table." New Zealand FM Winston Peters: "We acknowledge the developments over the past 24 hours, including President Trump's announcement of US strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran. The continuation of military action in the Middle East is deeply troubling. It is essential to avoid further escalation. New Zealand strongly supports diplomatic efforts and urges all parties to return to the negotiating table. Diplomacy offers a more lasting solution than continued military engagement." Australian Government Spokesperson, in a statement: "We have consistently stated that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes pose a threat to international peace and security. We note the US President's statement that now is the time for peace. The security situation in the region remains highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy." Mexican FM, on X: The Ministry urgently called for diplomatic dialogue to promote peace between the parties involved in the Middle East conflict. In line with Mexico's constitutional principles of foreign policy and its long-standing pacifist stance, it reiterated its appeal for a de-escalation of tensions in the region. Venezuelan FM Yvan Gil, on Telegram: "Venezuela condemns the US military aggression against Iran and demands the immediate cessation of hostilities. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela strongly and unequivocally condemns the airstrikes carried out by US forces on nuclear facilities in Iran." Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel: "We strongly condemn the US bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities, which represents a dangerous escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. This act of aggression seriously violates the UN Charter and international law, and thrusts humanity into a crisis with potentially irreversible consequences."
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan condemns US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites
Listen to article Pakistan on Sunday condemned the United States for launching strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling the move a violation of international law and warning it could further destabilise the region. The US attacks come on the 10th day of the Israel-Iran war sparked by Israel's wave of strikes in Iran on June 13th, escalating fears of broader regional escalation. Islamabad expressed grave concern over the rising tensions and urged all parties to refrain from further aggression. Read: Netanyahu seeks support for Iran strikes as Trump mulls US attack 'within two weeks' 'These attacks violate all norms of international law. Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter,' Pakistan's Foreign Office said in a statement. 🔊PR No.1️⃣8️⃣2️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ Pakistan Condemns the US Attacks on the Nuclear Facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 🔗⬇️ — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 22, 2025 Terming the situation 'deeply disturbing,' the statement warned that the 'unprecedented escalation of violence' could have far-reaching implications beyond the Middle East. Pakistan also stressed the importance of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, urging all sides to respect International Humanitarian Law. 'Recourse to dialogue and diplomacy in line with the principles of the UN Charter remains the only viable pathway,' the Foreign Office said, adding that the conflict must be brought to an immediate end. The statement comes amid mounting global concern over the growing confrontation involving Iran, Israel, and now the United States, raising the risk of a wider war in the region. Read More: Isfahan centrifuge site struck amid Israel's bombing campaign, says IAEA The strikes targeted three key Iranian nuclear sites — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan — according to US President Donald Trump, who announced the operation on his Truth Social platform. 'All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of bombs was dropped on the primary site, Fordow,' Trump wrote, calling the operation a success. He praised the US military and declared, 'Now is the time for peace.' Earlier, Pakistan said it would recommend Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in de-escalating a recent military standoff between Islamabad and New Delhi. "President Trump demonstrated great strategic foresight and stellar statesmanship through robust diplomatic engagement with both Islamabad and New Delhi, which de-escalated a rapidly deteriorating situation," Foreign Office said.
