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Last Updated:May 14, 2026, 23:44 IST
Pakistan also said that its role as a pivotal diplomatic bridge between Tehran and Washington remains intact

RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said India should always be ready to engage in dialogue. File image
Following the weekly press briefing by Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Thursday, Islamabad has officially signalled a cautious welcome to what it describes as “positive developments" emanating from India. Addressing a range of geopolitical flashpoints—from the ongoing Iran–US mediation to the landmark visit of President Donald Trump to Beijing—the Foreign Office spokesperson outlined a vision of “sanity prevailing" in South Asian diplomacy.
Pakistan Reacts to RSS Dialogue Overture
In a notable shift in rhetoric, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson described recent calls for dialogue within India—specifically from the leadership of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—as a “positive development". Responding to queries regarding a “change of heart in New Delhi", the spokesperson expressed hope that the “warmongering and belligerence" of recent years would fade.
“The voices within India calling for dialogue are obviously a positive development. We hope that sanity will prevail," the spokesperson stated. However, Islamabad remains in a “wait and watch" mode, noting that while public overtures from influential Indian organisations are welcome, Pakistan is awaiting a formal, official reaction from the Indian government before committing to a renewed peace process.
The Iran-US Mediation: ‘The Clock Has Not Stopped’
Pakistan confirmed its role as a pivotal diplomatic bridge between Tehran and Washington remains intact. Following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s confirmation that a fresh set of Iranian proposals had been received, the Foreign Office clarified that these messages were “swiftly relayed" to the United States.
Despite reports of minor ceasefire violations, the spokesperson characterised the current peace process as “holding on". Rejecting “misleading" reports regarding the presence of Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Airbase, the ministry clarified that such movements were strictly for logistical and administrative support related to the ongoing Islamatad Talks, rather than military preservation.
The Trump-Xi Summit and the China Pivot
As US President Donald Trump concludes his historic visit to China, Islamabad is keenly monitoring the fallout. Pakistan reaffirmed its “firm and steadfast" commitment to the One-China Principle, specifically supporting Beijing’s decision to exclude Taiwan from the upcoming World Health Assembly (WHA).
On the domestic front, the spokesperson dismissed suggestions that China was asking Pakistan to “do more" regarding mediation. Instead, the ministry highlighted the “traditional warmth" of a recent call between Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, emphasising a shared five-point plan for regional stability.
Security Concerns: Bannu and the Afghan Border
The briefing took a sombre turn as the ministry addressed the May 9 terrorist attack on a police post in Bannu, which resulted in the deaths of 15 soldiers. Pakistan issued a strong demarche to the Afghan Charge d’Affaires, providing evidence that the attack was orchestrated from Afghan soil. Islamabad has urged Kabul to take “verifiable action" against groups such as Fitna-al-Khawarij and ISKP to prevent further cross-border instability.
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