ISLAMABAD – In a packed weekly media briefing held on April 10, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan outlined a flurry of diplomatic activities, reaffirmed its position on critical regional matters, and addressed a wide array of queries from national and international journalists.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif embarked on an official visit to Belarus at the invitation of President Aleksandr Lukashenko, accompanied by a high-level delegation including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The visit marks a continuation of growing bilateral engagements, with several agreements expected to be signed, reflecting a deepening Pakistan-Belarus partnership.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also engaged in multiple high-level diplomatic conversations over the week. His calls with officials from Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia focused on bilateral cooperation and regional issues. A significant dialogue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio centered on enhancing trade, especially in critical minerals, and addressing regional security concerns, including the situation in Afghanistan and leftover US military equipment in the region.
In another key development, Senator Dar met with Azerbaijan’s Minister for Economy Mikayil Jabbarov. The discussions reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to boost trade and investment, particularly in energy, infrastructure, green energy, and IT sectors. Anticipation surrounds the forthcoming visit of Azerbaijan’s President to Pakistan, during which further agreements are expected to be signed.
Pakistan also took part in political consultations in Jordan, led by Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch. The talks covered regional developments in South Asia and the Middle East, including Palestine and Pakistan-Jordan bilateral relations. Additionally, Pakistan held consultations with France to review progress under the Bilateral Roadmap for Cooperation and exchange views on global affairs.
The Foreign Office confirmed that under the directive of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan sent a humanitarian consignment to Myanmar comprising 35 tons of relief goods for earthquake victims.
Pakistan once again voiced strong condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza, citing over 50,000 Palestinian deaths and the recent killing of 15 emergency and civil defense workers. The government called on the international community to hold Israel accountable and support the upcoming high-level conference in June 2025 for a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian issue.
On Kashmir, Pakistan criticized India’s continued restrictions on religious practices in IIOJK, including the barring of Eid prayers in key Srinagar sites, labeling it a violation of religious freedoms.
Pakistan also announced participation in the Fourth Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye, and fielded questions on its evolving policy on Afghan refugee repatriation, US tariff developments, and concerns regarding student visas and aid programs. While reaffirming sovereignty over its borders, the Foreign Office emphasized humane treatment and phased repatriation processes, engaging with UN agencies where needed.
Further queries covered the UAE’s new visa policy, developments in US-Pakistan parliamentary ties, and concerns over the safety of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan. Officials promised to investigate incidents and maintain strategic partnerships.
In response to media speculation, Pakistan clarified its non-involvement in the reactivation of Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan and declined to comment on reported US diplomatic operations there, maintaining that such matters are bilateral between Afghanistan and the United States.
The briefing also addressed concerns over recent US sanctions, Pakistan’s response to discontinued student exchange programs, and the country’s emphasis on enhancing trade over aid with Washington. Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, international cooperation, and protecting national interests across diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian fronts.