Foreign Office Spokesperson Weekly Briefing – Key Highlights

Islamabad: Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi held the weekly media briefing today.

He said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is visiting Azerbaijan to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss regional cooperation.

The spokesperson confirmed that talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban are ongoing in Istanbul. He reiterated that Pakistan’s clear stance is that Afghan soil must not be used against Pakistan.

Pakistan has shared evidence-based demands with the mediators, who are now holding discussions with the Afghan Taliban on these issues. According to the spokesperson, the mediators fully supported Pakistan’s position during the talks.

The spokesperson also stated that President Asif Zardari delivered a key address at the Doha Conference, where he highlighted Pakistan’s firm stance on the Kashmir issue. The President also met with global leaders and heads of state during his visit to Doha.

Commenting on regional matters, the Foreign Office reiterated that Pakistan will not accept any violation of the Indus Waters Treaty, emphasizing that water is a matter of Pakistan’s survival.

He added that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar visited Istanbul on November 3, where he discussed bilateral and regional issues with Turkish officials.