Islamabad says participation in ‘good faith’; Trump meeting possible on sidelines
ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Foreign Office on Thursday confirmed the attendance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar at the Gaza Board of Peace meeting, saying they are participating in good faith.
Earlier, sources told The Express Tribune that Sharif is set to travel to Washington next week to attend the inaugural Board of Peace summit, as Pakistan intensified diplomatic outreach on Wednesday with Dar holding separate telephone conversations with his Turkish and Iranian counterparts amid evolving regional developments.
The sources said there is also a possibility of a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Trump at the White House on the sidelines of the summit.
Pakistan’s participation reflects what officials describe as a cautious but proactive diplomatic posture as the country navigates shifting geopolitical alignments. They say Islamabad intends to use the platform to reiterate its stance on key international issues, including support for Palestinian self-determination, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and a sustainable political solution based on international law.
Besides the Gaza peace plan, the prime minister is likely to discuss Iran-US tensions with President Trump, as Pakistan is among regional countries engaged with relevant players to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking at the Foreign Office briefing today, spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said of Israel’s presence at the forum: “The Israeli Prime Minister’s decision to participate in the Gaza Board of Peace is their own. We do not comment on their decision.”
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“We have never announced a visit by the Prime Minister to Munich, Germany. It is regrettable to politicise cricket or use it as a tool. Our decision not to play against India was to ensure the game is not weaponised. India intended to use cricket as a weapon against Bangladesh,” he said.
Andrabi confirmed that the President of Uzbekistan visited Pakistan following an invitation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “Pakistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to raise bilateral trade to two billion dollars,” he said, adding that the preferential trade agreement between the two countries has been further expanded.
He also noted that the President of Kazakhstan recently visited Pakistan and met both the prime minister and the president. “Security and defence matters were discussed, and both countries agreed to conduct joint military exercises,” he said, adding that the two sides agreed to increase bilateral trade to one billion dollars.
Andrabi said Finance Minister Ishaq Dar held talks with the Economic Minister of Azerbaijan and held two discussions with the Iranian foreign minister.
Turning to defence matters, the spokesperson said former Army Chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa suffered an injury after a fall at his residence. “He is currently undergoing treatment at CMH,” Andrabi said.
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On legal and regional security matters, Andrabi confirmed that Pakistan’s legal team attended hearings at the International Arbitration Court in The Hague. “India was invited to participate under the Indus Waters Treaty, and its participation is mandatory,” he said, adding that Pakistan reaffirmed both parties must adhere to the treaty.
Commenting on India, he said it was regrettable that the killings of Muslims by mobs had been ignored. He said that last year, 55 Muslims lost their lives, and local authorities often turned a blind eye. Andrabi called on the Indian government to conduct independent investigations and bring those responsible to justice.
He also cited UN 1267 Sanctions Committee reports, saying the de facto Afghan administration is supporting TTP operations against Pakistan. “The report confirmed the free movement of TTP in Afghanistan and their actions against Pakistan,” he said, also pointing to collaboration among groups including Qatna al-Hindustan, Qatna al-Khawarij and BLA.
Andrabi added, “We have previously appreciated the role of the United States in the 90-hour war with India. We shot down Indian fighter jets, confirmed by the manufacturers. Any future aggression from India will be met with a strong response.”
He said the ISIS mastermind is present in Afghanistan and assisting operations against Pakistan, and that Pakistan has also noted India’s Ministry of External Affairs statement on the Islamabad blast, which he said emphasised justifications over facts.
Clarifying territorial issues, Andrabi said, “Pakistan and India’s internationally recognised map is available on the United Nations website.”
On economic matters, he said, “The United Arab Emirates raised the matter of rolling over the loan. We can assure that, through Ishaq Dar’s positive efforts, the UAE agreed to roll over the loan.”
The spokesperson added that Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s statement is detailed and that diplomacy continues even amid skirmishes and war. “We do not want Afghan territory to be used against Pakistan.”
On Iran recognising Afghanistan, Andrabi said, “We are not aware of Iran’s decision to recognise Afghanistan. However, it is any country’s prerogative whether to recognise another country or not.”
