In a detailed press briefing on Friday, Foreign Office spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan provided key updates on Pakistan’s evolving diplomatic posture, firmly rejecting speculation about military alliances and reiterating the country’s commitment to principled international engagement.
Addressing recent conjecture, the spokesperson dismissed reports of Pakistan joining any military alliance with regional powers such as China, Russia, Türkiye, Bangladesh, or Afghanistan, categorically stating, “No military alliance is in the works.”
He also rebuffed rumors about Pakistan’s participation in the Abraham Accords, reaffirming Islamabad’s long-standing support for a two-state solution and full Palestinian statehood. The ambassador reiterated that Pakistan’s foreign policy remains rooted in international law, multilateralism, and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
Highlighting Pakistan’s enhanced global profile, Ambassador Khan announced that Pakistan will assume the rotating Presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in July. This role will include three major high-level events, all to be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar:
- July 22: Open debate on “Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes.”
- July 23: Quarterly debate on the Palestine question.
- July 24: Briefing on UN cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
“These meetings reflect Pakistan’s desire to act as a bridge between the Security Council and the wider UN membership,” said Khan.
In response to queries about a trilateral initiative with China and Bangladesh, the spokesperson clarified that the collaboration is purely developmental in nature. He dismissed claims about a SAARC alternative as baseless, though he lamented the stalling of the SAARC Summit due to the actions of “one member”—a veiled reference to India—and reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to host the next summit.
Addressing recent military visits to Bangladesh, including areas housing Rohingya refugees, he said these were part of routine diplomatic and humanitarian engagement, with no shift in Pakistan’s policy on the Rohingya crisis.
On the Indus Waters Treaty dispute, Khan welcomed the Supplemental Award issued by the Court of Arbitration on June 27, relating to the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects. He said the court’s decision reaffirmed its jurisdiction and discredited India’s attempts to suspend treaty proceedings. Pakistan sees the award as a vindication of its legal and moral position, and urged India to resume its obligations under the treaty.
Finally, Khan dismissed India’s rejection of the award as legally untenable, adding that technical follow-ups are underway through Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources.
Overall, the briefing painted a picture of a more assertive yet diplomatically principled Pakistan, one committed to international law, regional cooperation, and a multilateral world order—while firmly rejecting any shifts toward bloc politics or controversial normalization deals.
