Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan, on Friday, 10 October 2025
Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan is currently serving as Spokesperson and Additional Foreign Secretary (Strategic Communications Division & Public Diplomacy), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan.
Pakistan Foreign Office Press Briefing
Assalam-o-Alaikum,
Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At the invitation of the Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, embarked on an official visit to Malaysia from 5-7 October 2025. The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, other Federal Ministers and senior government officials accompanied the Prime Minister as part of his entourage during the visit.
Upon his arrival in Kuala Lumpur on 5th October 2025, the Prime Minister received a warm welcome from the Prime Minister of Malayasia, H.E. Anwar Ibrahim, followed by a ceremony at Perdana Putra.
The two Leaders held bilateral talks on 6th October 2025 on a wide range of issues, with a particular focus on trade and investment, climate, defense, education and tourism, to further strengthen Pakistan-Malaysia historic ties.
The Prime Minister welcomed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement of the import of halal meat worth USD 200 million as a significant milestone in Pakistan-Malaysia engagement in the Halal sector.
Both Leaders launched the Urdu translation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s book ‘SCRIPT: for a Better Malaysia’, a vision built on the Prime Minister’s experience in public service of more than four decades with the tenets of Sustainability, Care and Compassion, Respect, Innovation, Prosperity and Trust.
They also exchanged views on key regional and global developments, including the situation in the Middle East and South Asia and presented a joint statement upon conclusion of the visit which emphasized the importance of maintaining regular high-level exchanges. Both leaders also expressed their agreement to reconvene for a Joint Commission Meeting at the level of Foreign Ministers at a mutually convenient time.
The Leaders also expressed satisfaction with the pace of ongoing defense collaboration under the framework of Joint Committee on Defense Cooperation (JCDC) platform, established in 1997. Both sides agreed to further deepen bilateral defense cooperation, particularly in the field of defense, science, technology, and industry, through knowledge and technology transfer.
Condemning the ongoing genocide in Gaza, both leaders reiterated their unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and for the establishment of a sovereign, viable, contiguous, and independent Palestinian state, based on pre-June 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The leaders further noted active cooperation on key issues in multilateral fora, particularly the UN, OIC and D-8, reiterating their commitment toward mutual support for each other’s initiatives and candidatures in international bodies. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also reiterated Pakistan’s strong support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship. Both leaders welcomed the progress made in implementing the ASEAN-Pakistan Sectoral Dialogue Partnership: Practical Cooperation Areas 2024– 2028.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also addressed the Pakistan-Malaysia Business and Investment Conference in Kuala Lumpur where he invited Malaysian companies to explore Pakistan’s sizeable labor force, its rapidly expanding market and its investor-friendly environment. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also participated in the event. The leaders also witnessed the signing of Agreements/MoUs for cooperation in several existing and new sectors.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan was also accorded with an honorary degree of Doctor of Leadership and Governance by the Queen of the State of Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah of Malaysia.
The visit underscored Pakistan’s continued commitment to strengthening ties with Malaysia. It also reaffirmed the importance placed by both countries on working together to promote peace, stability, trade & investment and sustainable development.
On 3rd October 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, addressed the National Assembly, apprising members of Pakistan’s active engagement during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Among other points, he reiterated Pakistan’s consistent and principled position on the issue of Palestine which calls for the establishment of a contiguous, independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, deeming it the only viable path to a just and lasting peace in the region.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister also briefed the House on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s bilateral meeting with the U.S. President, Donald Trump, at the White House which was joined by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. He noted the cordial exchanges, appreciation for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, President Trump’s role in facilitating the Pakistan-India ceasefire understanding in May, and the agreement to expand trade while inviting U.S. investments in agriculture, IT, mines and minerals and energy.
Pakistan strongly condemned the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla and the subsequent unlawful detention of 500 international activists on the Gaza bound vessels, bringing much needed humanitarian assistance to the besieged and beleaguered people of Gaza by Israeli forces, deeming it as another flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law by Israel.
In light of this development, Pakistan Foreign Office closely monitored the situation and took all possible steps to ensure safety of Pakistani nationals aboard the Flotilla, including Senator Mushtaq. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister held a telephone conversation with former Senator Mushtaq where he lauded the Senator’s courage and steadfastness for his participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla. Former Senator Mushtaq, the last Pakistani national under Israeli detention, was released from Israeli custody on 7th October 2025 and has now returned to Pakistan.
Senator Mushtaq thanked the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister for efforts made by Pakistan Foreign Office in reaching out to him in Tel Aviv via a mission of a friendly European country and for facilitating his stay and safety at the Pakistan Embassy in Amman, Jordan.
Pakistan welcomes the announcement of an agreement of ceasefire in Gaza and believes that it is a historic opportunity to secure lasting peace in the Middle East. We appreciate President Trump’s leadership throughout the process of dialogue and negotiations which are reflective of his unwavering commitment to world peace. We also applauded the role of the leaders of Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye for their untiring efforts in negotiating the deal. We appreciate the Palestinian people – who have suffered in an unprecedented manner – one that should never, ever be repeated.
Pakistan strongly condemns the provocation at Masjid Al Aqsa. The world must hold occupiers and illegal settlers to account and prevent any further actions that undermine the enormous efforts made by President Trump to reduce tensions and pave the way for lasting peace.
With regard to Gaza and Hamas response to President Trump’s Peace Plan, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, held telephonic conversations with Egyptian and Saudi Foreign Ministers on 4th October 2025.
In his conversation with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the two leaders discussed regional developments, including the situation in Gaza and reviewed ongoing diplomatic efforts, including engagements and consultations among the eight Arab-Islamic countries and the United States in New York, aimed at achieving an immediate and durable ceasefire, ensuring unhindered humanitarian assistance, and to secure lasting peace in Gaza.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister appreciated the Saudi Foreign Minister’s continued engagement and constructive role in these efforts. They also discussed recent developments, including Hamas response to the proposal of President Donald Trump. Both Ministers reaffirmed their firm commitment to the Palestinian cause and agreed to remain closely engaged with Arab and Islamic partners, as well as the international community, to advance a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.
In his telephonic call with the Foreign Minister of Egypt, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister exchanged views on key matters of bilateral relations and regional developments, particularly the grave situation in Gaza.
His Highness Prince Mansour bin Mohammad Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council, leading a high-level Saudi business delegation, arrived in Islamabad on 7th October 2025.
During their stay, His Highness and the accompanying delegation held meetings with the Pakistani leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and engaged with senior government officials, chambers of commerce and leading business groups to explore avenues for enhanced bilateral trade and investment cooperation.
The visit underscored the deep-rooted and brotherly ties between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reflected their shared commitment to expanding economic and investment partnerships under the framework of Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council.
Discussions during the visit focused on trade/investment facilitation and collaboration across priority sectors aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and Pakistan’s economic growth agenda.
On 1st October 2025, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of Iran. The two ministers reviewed fraternal Pakistan-Iran relations and discussed the evolving regional situation and ongoing diplomatic efforts to promote peace and security. They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation as well as their collaboration in multilateral fora.
The 6th Session of Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Tajikistan was held in Dushanbe on 29–30 September 2025. The Pakistani delegation was led by Additional Foreign Secretary (West Asia), Syed Ali Asad Gillani, while the Tajik side was headed by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Farrukh Sharifzoda.
Discussions covered wide range of bilateral matters, including political and parliamentary ties, trade and investment, defence and security, energy, connectivity, cultural and educational exchanges, multilateral cooperation, and consular affairs.
They explored avenues to enhance trade, particularly through increased collaboration in textiles, logistics, agriculture and food, and pharmaceuticals. They underscored the significance of regional transport corridors and reaffirmed their commitment to the early operationalization of CASA-1000, aimed at strengthening regional integration and energy security.
Defense and security cooperation was reviewed, with discussions covering counter-terrorism efforts, training programs, and exchange of visits. Consultations were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere. Both sides agreed to hold the 7th session of Bilateral Political Consultations in Islamabad in 2026.
Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, represented Pakistan in the meeting of Quadripartite Group of countries, comprising Pakistan, China, Iran and Russia in Moscow and subsequently in the meeting of Moscow Format.
He also held important bilateral meetings, including with Foreign Minister Muttaqi and other senior diplomats from the regional countries.
I thank you all.
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(Zeeshan Syed, Neo TV): I would like your comment on the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan’s visit to India and the ensuing discussions on bilateral issues where India has stated its willingness to reopen its Embassy in Kabul and resume its relations with Afghanistan. Secondly, what information do you have on last night’s airstrikes on the capital of Afghanistan conducted by Pakistan?
Spokesperson: About the first question, our position on Afghanistan’s bilateral relations with any other country remains that it is a matter between those two countries. Afghanistan is a sovereign, independent country, and we do not have any particular comment to offer on it. We follow the regional developments, and our request to Afghanistan, while respecting their sovereign right to pursue the foreign policy they desire for their country, has been that the Afghan territory should not be allowed to be used against Pakistan.
Secondly, the question you are referring to, we have also seen the media reports, and the matter is going to be discussed at length in the press conference of DG ISPR, but I can broadly, explain our principled position on this issue. Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of its people. Our security forces and law enforcement agencies conduct targeted operations in border regions to safeguard our citizens from terrorist threats, particularly those posed by groups such as Fitna al Khwarij or the TTP. These operations are meticulously planned based on credible and actionable intelligence and executed with precision.
Pakistan respects the sovereignty of Afghanistan, and remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation with our neighbor to address the shared challenges of terrorism. Pakistan has consistently prioritized diplomacy, even in the face of persistent threats emanating from terrorist hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. We urge the Afghan authorities to ensure that their territory is not used as a launch pad for terrorist activities against Pakistan. Groups like TTP represent a common threat to the peace and stability of our region, necessitating collective action to counter their malignant influence.
We remain dedicated to resolving challenges through dialogue and constructive engagement. Pakistan believes that both nations share a mutual interest in combating terrorism and restoring stability. We believe that Afghanistan should be able to reclaim its sovereignty and security and terrorist groups like TTP need to be combated robustly.
(Adnan Aamir, Nikkei Asia): A few days ago, it was reported by a global media outlet that Pakistan was proposing to build a new port in Pasni, with the help of US investment. What is your official comment on this? And can such a proposal be floated officially to the US?
Spokesperson: First of all, various commercial proposals remain under discussion, and it is not an official thing for us to comment on as no official position or initiative has been taken by the Government of Pakistan. Our efforts in pursuing positive relations with the United States are based on mutual respect. Pakistan is not and does not wish to be part of any bloc politics. Our priority is to stabilize our economy and ensure our security.
(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): I have two questions. Firstly, Ambassador Sadiq Khan met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi where they also discussed terrorism, so, what is the stance of the Afghan side after we have provided them with evidence on cross-border terrorism? Secondly, when President Trump announced his 20 point-peace plan, we saw that the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, in his briefing, initially took credit but refused to own Trump’s peace plan the very next day. However, now that the Plan is in place, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister has reverted to his initial position, what was the reason behind this constant change of stance? Is the lag in information exchange to be blamed for this?
Spokesperson: About the first question, question of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan is a constant part of all our interactions and dialogues, at multiple levels, with the Kabul authorities. We have been impressing upon the seriousness of this issue and from the Prime Minister to the level of senior officials, we have articulated our position very clearly and firmly.
About the second question, I think this is your reading of the whole situation, which I may not agree with. But for us, the most important point is that the eight Islamic Arab countries, joined together with the US to launch a process, and we are seeing its fruit. We hope it is sustainable and we have welcomed it. Palestinians have welcomed it. All Arab and Islamic countries have welcomed it, and we hope the ceasefire is established and it is sustainable, it is permanent, which leads to a permanent solution of the conflict based on the principle of the two-state solution.
(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Yesterday, in his address to the National Assembly, the Defense Minister disclosed that a high-level Pakistani delegation is scheduled to visit Kabul to discuss terror related issues. Can you share the details on the composition of this delegation?
Spokesperson: I am sorry, I will have to check from the Ministry of Defense. I do not have specific information on this, but let me check.
(Shaukat Piracha, Aaj News): I have two questions. Firstly, referring back to the speeches by the Prime Minister to the Cabinet and the Defense Minister to the National Assembly, it seems clear that Pakistan will now not spare anything emanating from Afghanistan because the Prime Minister has said that ‘enough is enough’. So, what message has Pakistan conveyed to Afghanistan via the airstrikes on Kabul by our security agencies to secure our own people as it is not situated on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan? My second question is how disappointed is Pakistan over President Donald Trump not being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize since Pakistan was the first to nominate President Trump for the Prize at the state level?
Spokesperson: About the first question, I have already articulated our position on terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, and as I mentioned, this question is being addressed right now in the press conference, with more specific details, by DG ISPR, but from the standpoint of our principal position, I will particularly reiterate that Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of its people.
About the second question, we made a decision to nominte President Donald Trump for Noble Peace Prize keeping in view the clear and very important and positive role played by the United States in the de-escalation of tensions between Pakistan and India in May, leading to the ceasefire. It is unambiguous, and it is clear for everyone to see, except for those who do not want to see. So based on that, we feel President Trump played a very important role, and that is why we nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize. So, what happens after that, I am not in a position to comment on it.
(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): I have two questions. My first question is on Afghanistan, during the Moscow Format and the Quadripartite Dialog which preceded it, Pakistan stressed that the international community should increase the provision of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and also stated that the Afghan government should not use it for other purposes. What does this reflect? Do you confirm that the Afghan government is using humanitarian assistance for terrorism and other purposes?
Secondly, what is the current status of consular access for Mr. Asif Merchant, Mr. Pahalwan and three to four other Pakistanis? Why is it that despite having good relations with the US, the US is still not granting consular access to these Pakistanis? As it has been more than a year now.
Spokesperson: About the first question, I will not get into speculative discussion as our words are clear. You can interpret them by calling for “efficient utilization” I am not going to comment beyond that.
For your second question, I will just give you some information on the two cases you have referred to, but please remember that consular access, at times, hinges on the willingness of the person requesting for the consular access. I will check on the specifics of these cases but this is the broad information which I can share with you.
On 4th March 2024, Muhammad Pahalwan was indicted on charges by the US judicial system. On 5th June 2025, he was convicted and his sentencing is scheduled soon. If he is sentenced to further incarceration, he will serve his time in the US federal prison. Otherwise, he will be deported, and the Pakistan Mission in Washington DC will try to facilitate it.
In similar cases, eight other individuals, Pakistani mariners involved with Mr. Pahalwan have already been issued Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) by our embassy. About the Asif Merchant case, US federal authorities indicted Asif Merchant in August 2024 on charges including attempted commission of an act of terrorism. He remains in US Federal detention and with the next court appearance scheduled in the future.
(Aijaz Ahmed, GNN News): Yesterday, the Minister of defense has made a claim in the National Assembly that Afghanistan demanded 10 billion rupees to hand over terrorists of TTP. What Foreign Office has to comment on this?
Spokesperson: I don’t think he said it this way. He said that Afghan side asked for 10 billion rupees for relocating the terrorists. We asked them for if they could guarantee to ensure that they would not attack Pakistan from the new location. The Afghan side however, did not have an answer to this query. So, actually this is what was stated by the Defense Minister.
(Tahir Khan, NNI): First question is that Muttaqi is visiting India and he was scheduled to visit Pakistan as well in the first week of August, but that was postponed. We heard from people here that US had opposed the said visit during the UN Security Council meeting, and the visit didn’t occur. India, according to some people here, had withdrawn its application for the visit. But now Mutaqqi is visiting India for six days and will also be visiting Darul Uloom Deoband. So, what about his visit to Pakistan? Have we stepped back or have we surrendered to the US, will we follow what they tell us?
Secondly, you are a diplomat. Pakistan and Afghanistan have Embassies in each other’s countries and the diplomatic channels are open. So, do you think that use of force can solve the problem, and by firing missiles at Afghan capital Kabul, are we not complicating things further or are we going towards a solution? If Pakistan did this, though you did not confirm it, but something has definitely happened. Is this our frustration, or we are disappointed because of which Pakistan is using force.
Spokesperson: Sir, both questions are slightly speculative. Regarding your first question, this was addressed in an earlier briefing, where I conveyed our position that dates of the visits were not confirmed. But you had some other proof, also, that there was an invitation for a dinner. I remarked that people can make mistakes in issuing invitations before confirmation. The visit was not confirmed, and we said that there were technical details to be worked out, and as soon as they were worked out, the schedules would be finalized. This is part of the regular interaction between two countries, and it won’t be out of the ordinary for the Afghan Foreign Minister to visit Pakistan. Our Foreign Minister/Deputy Prime Minister has visited Afghanistan. So, in the fullness of time, we hope that the visit should take place. About the second question, a philosophical one on what is use of force, how it is used in international politics or in diplomacy. That’s a topic for another day, but I’ll again refer you to the statement I have already read on this subject.
(Mohammed M. A. Elakkad, Russia State News Agency): Sir, Pakistan was one of the eight Islamic and Arab countries who participated in making the deal, a Trump proposal regarding Gaza. And yesterday, there was a conference held in Paris, France regarding this issue. And there was no news about Pakistan’s participation in this conference. Is there any reason behind that?
Spokesperson: We are not in every meeting. Frankly speaking, we are not supposed to be in every meeting. But what I mean is that we are part of the process which led, and ultimately contributed to the ceasefire. This is what I can say on this.
