Pakistan’s Foreign Policy Updates: US, UAE, OIC, and Kashmir Stance
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry highlights diplomatic engagements with the US, UAE, Denmark, and Azerbaijan, condemns Israel’s Gaza blockade, and reaffirms its stance on Kashmir at the weekly briefing.
ISLAMABAD, March 6, 2025 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) held its weekly press briefing today, covering Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements, regional developments, and the country’s stance on pressing international issues.
Pakistan Strengthens Diplomatic Engagements
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar engaged in discussions with multiple global counterparts:
- US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz conveyed President Donald Trump’s appreciation for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to counterterrorism cooperation and welcomed the withdrawal of US military equipment left in Afghanistan.
- UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan exchanged Ramadan greetings and reviewed the outcomes of the recent UAE Crown Prince’s visit to Pakistan.
- Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister discussed enhancing trade and investment ties through public-private partnerships.
- Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister agreed to accelerate trade and investment agreements following the Azerbaijani Prime Minister’s visit to Pakistan.
Pakistan-Italy Bilateral Political Consultations
On February 28, Pakistan and Italy held the sixth round of Bilateral Political Consultations in Rome. Led by Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch and Italy’s Secretary General Ricardo Guariglia, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to economic, agricultural, defense, and higher education cooperation while coordinating efforts on international and regional issues, including within the UN.
Pakistan Condemns Israel’s Gaza Blockade
Pakistan strongly condemned Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza during Ramadan, calling it a violation of international law and an act of collective punishment.
The Foreign Ministry urged the international community to ensure unrestricted aid access and hold Israel accountable for its humanitarian violations.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s Stance on Kashmir
Pakistan rejected statements made by India’s External Affairs Minister at Chatham House, London, on March 5, calling them misrepresentative of ground realities and international law.
- Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized disputed territory, and UN Security Council resolutions mandate a plebiscite to determine its status.
- Pakistan dismissed Indian claims on Azad Jammu and Kashmir, urging India to vacate occupied territories and pursue a peaceful resolution per UN resolutions.
- Economic measures cannot substitute the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.
Pakistan’s Participation in OIC’s Extraordinary Session on Palestine
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is currently in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to attend the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers’ Extraordinary Session addressing Israel’s aggression in Palestine.
At the session, Pakistan will:
- Reaffirm support for Palestine and advocate for Israel’s withdrawal from all occupied territories, including Jerusalem.
- Reject forced displacement of Palestinians and call for a sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
