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.
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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.
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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.
