Pakistan links Iran trade prospects to sanctions relief
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• FO expects technical talks to resume on Tuesday
• Hopes Hormuz tensions will ease with diplomatic progress
• Urges Afghanistan to prevent terrorism emanating from its soil
• Says govt pursuing release of crew members from hijacked tanker
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday expressed optimism over ongoing high-level technical talks between Iran and the United States, saying progress in trade and economic cooperation with Iran would be linked to the easing of international sanctions on Tehran.
Addressing the weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the pathway towards sanctions relief for Iran had already been initiated through talks held in Buergenstock, Switzerland.
He described the process as a positive development and expressed the hope that the negotiations would produce constructive results as they moved forward.
Responding to a question, the spokesman said there had been a temporary pause in technical-level discussions between Iran and the United States and that the talks would resume next Tuesday, in the presence of a Pakistani delegation.
He said the continuation of dialogue between the two sides was itself an encouraging sign.
“It is a very positive development that both parties are engaged in talks and remain at the negotiating table,” he remarked.
Commenting on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the spokesman said tensions were likely to ease as diplomatic efforts progressed. However, he noted that a complete return to normal operations in the strategically important waterway could take some time due to operational requirements.
On a question regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz, the spokesperson said Pakistan supported the initiatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council and believed in regional ownership of regional issues.
He stressed the importance of respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states in the region.
Discussing the recent visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan, Mr Andrabi said the two sides held extensive discussions on a range of issues, including expansion of trade, investment and economic cooperation.
He noted that progress in bilateral economic projects and trade expansion would move forward alongside the lifting of sanctions imposed on Iran.
“The overall progress of economic projects and opening up of trade with Iran will take place simultaneously with the lifting of sanctions by the United States,” he said.
Responding to a query regarding a proposed financing package of $300 billion for Iran, Mr Andrabi said the matter was expected to be discussed during the ongoing technical-level talks in Switzerland.
On Afghanistan, the spokesperson said Pakistan had implemented most of its commitments related to bilateral engagement and that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had personally monitored the process, but certain developments later created difficulties for diplomatic efforts. He reiterated Pakistan’s position that Afghan territory should not be used for terrorist activities against Pakistan. “If diplomacy is to move forward, the starting point should be a clear assurance from Afghanistan that its soil will not be used for terrorism against Pakistan,” he said.
Andrabi acknowledged China’s constructive role in facilitating understanding between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He said Pakistan would continue to work closely with China to promote regional peace and cooperation.
“Our engagement on Afghanistan continues, and the simple solution is for the Afghan side to uphold its commitments under international law,” he added.
Replying to a query regarding Pakistan’s representation at the funeral of the late Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, the spokesperson said no final decision had yet been made regarding who would attend the funeral on behalf of Pakistan.
Giving details on the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed by the US and Iran, the spokesperson said Pakistan and Qatar had hosted the first high-level committee meeting in Switzerland on June 21, attended by senior representatives from Pakistan, the US, Iran and Qatar.
He said the parties agreed on a roadmap to reach a final agreement within 60 days, establish political oversight and technical working groups, create direct communication channels to prevent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, and set up a de-confliction mechanism involving Lebanon.
He said a technical-level meeting followed on June 22, with Pakistan and Qatar continuing their mediation efforts.
The Foreign Office welcomed international recognition of Pakistan’s role in promoting dialogue, peace and de-escalation, while also appreciating the responsible conduct of Pakistani media in maintaining confidentiality during the mediation process.
The spokesperson said Deputy PM Ishaq Dar attended the fourth R-4 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Cairo on June 21 alongside counterparts from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.
The group reviewed progress on the Islamabad MoU and discussed regional peace and security issues. Dar also continued extensive diplomatic engagements with foreign ministers from several countries, including Switzerland, Turkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, Italy, Canada, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Iran and Uzbekistan.
Regarding the hijacking of the oil tanker MT Honour 25 off Somalia, carrying 10 Pakistani crew members among the hostages, the spokesperson said Pakistan was pursuing diplomatic and humanitarian efforts for their safe release through engagement with Somali authorities and international partners.
On Palestine, he said Pakistan had joined eight Islamic-Arab countries in condemning escalating violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and attacks on mosques near Ramallah.
The spokesperson also announced that Pakistan had facilitated the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals, including rescued fishermen and crew members detained after maritime incidents, in coordination with Iranian, US and UK authorities.
Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2026
