FO Dismisses Meeting Speculation, Reiterates Dialogue Readiness with India

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) has refuted claims regarding a potential meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the upcoming SCO Summit in China.

During the weekly media briefing, FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan restated Pakistan’s commitment to comprehensive discussions with India, despite recent missile incidents initiated by New Delhi.

“While India prefers to confine discussions to terrorism, we seek comprehensive dialogue encompassing all issues, including terrorism. We possess detailed evidence of India’s involvement in terrorist activities against Pakistan, which would be a key point during the composite dialogue,” the spokesperson stated.

He addressed remarks by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who had expressed Pakistan’s readiness for collective dialogue with India, a stance also held during the ceasefire brokering.

Regarding potential mediation by friendly nations, the spokesperson welcomed such efforts, affirming Pakistan’s readiness for comprehensive dialogue and support for any initiatives aligning with its objectives.

China’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability were highlighted, referencing Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s remarks at the Foreign Office, emphasizing South Asia’s development potential and the shared interests in regional peace and prosperity.

In New Delhi, the Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in combating terrorism at the Delhi conference on the SCO Summit 2025, stating, “Pakistan is a victim of terrorism.”

Addressing questions about China’s warming relations with India, the spokesperson emphasized the enduring Pakistan-China relationship built on decades of trust and cooperation, asserting its resilience against external influences.

He underscored counterterrorism cooperation as a crucial aspect of Pakistan-China collaboration, highlighting China’s steadfast support and partnership in addressing terrorism-related challenges.

Amid reports of ongoing harassment of Pakistani diplomats in India, Pakistan reiterated its commitment to dignified treatment of diplomats and adherence to international treaties and a mutually agreed code of conduct.

Concerning terrorist attacks from TTP elements based in Afghanistan, Pakistan reiterated its call for Afghan authorities to address the issue of terrorist sanctuaries, emphasizing its importance in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations and trilateral cooperation with China.

Pakistan expressed concern over India’s increasing arms buildup and its potential impact on regional stability, citing hostile rhetoric and Islamophobia. The spokesperson stated that while Pakistan is capable of defending its sovereignty, it views the international community’s indifference to India’s military advancements as a perilous trend.

Commenting on India’s Agni missile test, Pakistan expressed concern over India’s growing intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities, deeming it a threat to regional and global peace and security. Concerns were also raised regarding the selective application of Export Control Regulations enabling India’s destabilizing advancements.

Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining full spectrum deterrence for national security and regional peace.

Regarding reports of anti-Taliban figures gathering in Pakistan, the spokesperson clarified that the event was organized by a think tank and does not represent the state’s position. He emphasized the openness of the event, dismissing concerns and social media sensationalism.

Regarding a possible visit by the US Secretary of State, the spokesperson stated that there are no plans for a visit in October, but high-level visits are always being discussed between friendly countries.

DPM Ishaq Dar will visit Bangladesh on August 23-24 to discuss bilateral relations and regional and international issues with Bangladeshi leaders, including Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Adviser for Foreign Affairs, Md Touhid Hossain.