Latest news with #FO
Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PIA special flight repatriates 121 stranded Pakistanis from Iran via Baku
A second special repatriation flight operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) safely brought home 121 Pakistani nationals stranded in Iran, the national flag carrier said in a statement on Friday. Flight PK-7160 arrived in Lahore from Baku, Azerbaijan, at 3:40 PM, concluding a coordinated evacuation effort in response to the closure of Iranian airspace. 268 Pakistanis repatriated from Basra successfully: FO With direct air travel suspended, the stranded passengers had travelled overland from Iran to Baku, where arrangements were made for their return to Pakistan. The Pakistani embassies in Tehran and Baku played a pivotal role in facilitating the cross-border movement and coordination required for the repatriation process. Evacuation of Pakistanis in Iran, Iraq: Dar directs PIA to coordinate closely with MOFA The special flight was operated on the directives of the Government of Pakistan. PIA stated that, even in challenging circumstances, it remained committed to national service by prioritizing the safe return of citizens, a reflection of its longstanding tradition of operating in the national interest.
Business Recorder
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
EU and Pakistan hold talks on global, regional peace and strategic stability
The EU and Pakistan engaged on Friday in a comprehensive exchange of views on issues related to international and regional peace, security, and strategic stability. The fifth round of the Pakistan -European Union Dialogue on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament was convened in Islamabad on 12 June, said the Foreign Office (FO) in a press release today. Ambassador Tahir Andrabi, Additional Foreign Secretary for Arms Control, Disarmament, and International Security (ACDIS), led the Pakistani delegation, while Ambassador Stephan Klement, EU Special Envoy for Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, headed the European Union delegation, added the press release. The two sides discussed various dimensions of disarmament and non-proliferation, 'with particular reference to the agenda of the UN General Assembly's First Committee, the Conference on Disarmament and various International Disarmament Conventions, including the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)'. EU-Pakistan Forum put on hold 'In addition, the Dialogue reviewed recent trends in export controls and assessed the implications of Emerging Technologies on global security,' said the FO. The Pakistan–EU Dialogue on Non-Proliferation and Disarmament is an integral part of the broader engagement between the European Union and Pakistan. The FO said that the two sides recognized it as a vital platform for constructive engagement on security and stability and on arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation issues.
Business Recorder
14 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and Syria: Pakistanis advised to avoid travel
ISLAMABAD: In order to ensure safety and security, Pakistani nationals are advised to avoid travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Iraq, the Republic of Lebanon, and the Syrian Arab Republic until the situation improves and normalised, said the Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson in a statement on Thursday. Furthermore, all Pakistani nationals residing in these countries are strongly advised to exercise utmost caution, remain vigilant, restrict non-essential movement, and maintain regular contact with the respective embassies of Pakistan through the following contact details, the spokesperson added. Pakistan Missions in Iran emergency contact numbers: Embassy of Pakistan in Iran Tehran +98-21-66-9413-88/89/90/91 (landline) +98-21-66-9448-88/90 (landline) +98 9100 607 658 (mobile) Zahidan +98 54 33 22 3389 (landline) +98 99129 45346 (mobile) Mashhad +98 910 762 5302 Embassy of Pakistan in Baghdad, Iraq Cell/Whatsapp: +964(0)7839800899 +964(0)7834950183 +964(0)7834950311 Email: [email protected] Embassy of Pakistan in Beirut, Lebanon Cell/Whatsapp: +961-81669488 +961-81815104 Email: [email protected] Embassy of Pakistan in Damascus, Syria Cell/Whatsapp: +963983538186 Landline +963116132696 Email: [email protected] Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Israel's attack on Iran violates international law: FO
ISLAMABAD: Expressing Pakistan's unambiguous stance, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson strongly condemned the Israel's attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities, calling them a sheer violation of international law. 'Pakistan strongly condemns unjustified and illegitimate aggression by Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Israeli military strikes violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran and clearly contravene the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law. Iran has the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.' Pakistan stands in resolute solidarity with the people of Iran and unequivocally denounces these blatant provocations, which constitute a grave danger and a serious threat to the peace, security, and stability of the entire region and beyond, with serious implications. Dar tells Senate: Pakistan, other OIC member states slam Israeli aggression against Iran FO Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan stated this while speaking at a weekly media briefing on Thursday. He; however, dismissed the reports of regime change in Iran, terming them speculative and rumors. To a query, he asserted that no requests have so for been made by Iran regarding security assistance or hosting refugees in case of prolonged conflict between Iran and Israel. 'Pakistan strongly advocates for diplomatic solutions and wishes Iran to engage constructively,' he remarked. On the IAEA resolution concerning Iran, Ambassador Khan said Pakistan abstained from voting. 'Pakistan firmly supports diplomacy to de-escalate the Iran-Israel conflict, which poses a serious threat to regional and global security.' Responding to questions regarding Field Marshal Asim Munir's meeting with US President Donald J Trump in the White House, Ambassador Shafqat chose to not go into the details saying, the ISPR statement covers all aspects and is self-explanatory. Reaffirming the robust ties between Pakistan and the United States, Field Marshal appreciated the role played by President Trump in defusing recent tensions with eastern neighbour and facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India. The FO spokesperson highlighted that India has been involved in state-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan and globally. He stated that efforts are being made to evacuate Pakistanis from conflict zones are ongoing, with estimated 3,000 citizens have been successfully repatriated via Taftan, Baku, and Baghdad. With regard to recent conflict in May, the spokesperson asserted that Pakistan took measured actions in response to Indian provocations and aggressions, in line with international law. Islamabad continues to emphasise peaceful resolutions, particularly regarding the Kashmir dispute, he added. He announced that Pakistan is fully prepared to welcome and host Sikh pilgrims for Guru Arjun Dev Gee celebrations. However, the spokesperson added that no visa applications have been submitted to the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi for Guru Arjan Dev Gee's anniversary. Pakistan reiterates its commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and diplomacy, stressing that even a courteous acknowledgment from a leader like President Trump holds significance. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
No refugee or military aid request from Iran: FO
Listen to article The Foreign Office on Thursday clarified that Iran has not sought any military assistance from Pakistan nor made any request to relocate Iranian refugees to Pakistani territory, amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv. Speaking at the weekly press briefing, FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan confirmed that no formal request had been received from Iran for defence cooperation or refugee support. 'We have not received any specific request for military support from Iran,' he said, adding, 'There has also been no communication regarding the hosting of Iranian refugees.' The spokesperson noted that around 3,000 Pakistani nationals have returned from Iran in recent weeks, facilitated by Pakistani diplomatic missions. 'We are grateful for the assistance provided by Iranian authorities and commend the hard work of our consulates in Zahedan and Mashhad, as well as our embassy in Tehran. We have a sizable Pakistani community in Iran… So anyone who wants to come, he or she is being assisted to move to Pakistani side,' he added. Read More; Israel says Khamenei 'cannot continue to exist' after missile strikes Expressing serious concern over escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel, Khan warned of wider regional implications. 'What is happening in Iran is a very serious issue. It imperils the entire regional and global security structure and impacts us deeply. The immediate priority is to find an amicable resolution and halt Israeli aggression,' he said. He reiterated Pakistan's long-standing position on the issue, condemning Israeli actions and voicing unequivocal support for Iran. 'Pakistan's position on Iran is clear and consistent. We strongly condemn Israeli aggression and offer our full moral support to the Iranian people,' he said. 'Israel's actions violate Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Under the UN Charter, Iran has the right to defend itself,' he added. When asked whether Pakistan is attempting to remain neutral in the unfolding Iran-Israel conflict, the spokesperson responded firmly. 'Our support for Iran is fundamental, unequivocal and unambiguous. It is inconceivable for any Pakistani — or the government — to side with Israel. We support diplomacy. We want this madness, this attack and this aggression against Iran to end' he stated. Commenting on Israeli strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, Khan termed them a "blatant violation" of international laws and IAEA safeguards. Also Read: Trump hosts Gen Asim in unprecedented White House meet In response to a question about Field Marshal Asim Munir's recent interaction with US President Donald Trump — in which the latter reportedly remarked that Pakistanis "understand Iran better" — the spokesperson said such comments carry diplomatic weight. 'Courtesy is fundamental to human interaction, especially in diplomacy. These words are positive,' he said. 'And it is true — Pakistan has deep historical, cultural, and linguistic ties with Iran.' Regarding speculation that the United States may be seeking Pakistan's assistance in the Middle East, similar to its role during the Afghanistan conflict, the FO dismissed any such notion. 'There is no special favour being asked or extended,' Khan said. 'Pakistan and the US enjoy a broad, multifaceted relationship. We engage on regional and security issues within the framework of mutual cooperation and friendship.' Separately, the Foreign Office also condemned recent regulatory changes introduced by India in the Ladakh region, calling them a violation of international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan called on India to immediately roll back the measures. 'We support all efforts aimed at achieving a negotiated resolution to ongoing hostilities and regional disputes,' the spokesperson concluded.
