The Foreign Office has firmly denied reports of a visit by the United States vice president or any high-level delegation to Islamabad while reiterating Pakistan’s willingness to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Thursday.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said during a weekly briefing in Islamabad that there is no confirmed information regarding the arrival of any United States delegation. He added that Pakistan hopes to have the honour of providing a platform for meaningful negotiations between the United States and Iran.
The spokesperson said Pakistan is satisfied that both countries trust its role but emphasised that no final details have emerged regarding the participation, timing or format of any potential talks. He clarified that Pakistan’s role in the process would remain that of a facilitator, while decisions on negotiations would be made by the concerned parties.
Highlighting ongoing diplomacy, Andrabi said Pakistan maintains important relations with the United States and remains in continuous contact with its leadership to help reduce regional tensions. He noted that Islamabad has condemned attacks by Iran against Gulf states as well as earlier strikes on Iran, stressing the need for restraint on all sides.
He reiterated that a comprehensive and lasting solution to any conflict can only be achieved through dialogue, adding that the principles of the United Nations Charter also emphasise peaceful resolution of disputes.
The spokesperson revealed that foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt have supported the idea of holding Iran-United States talks in Islamabad. He said active diplomacy for peace in the Middle East continued in Islamabad last week, including bilateral engagements between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and his counterparts.
These leaders also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and discussed ways to end the ongoing conflict, while emphasising the importance of unity within the Muslim world.
The spokesperson further welcomed Iran’s decision to allow 20 Pakistani-flagged vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a positive step that should be appreciated.
He also confirmed that Ishaq Dar visited China on the invitation of his Chinese counterpart and that both countries issued a five-point agenda aimed at ending the Iran-United States conflict.
Andrabi said Pakistan continues its efforts to promote peace in the region, warning that the ongoing tensions in the Middle East are dangerous and require urgent diplomatic attention.
He said efforts are underway at the diplomatic level to prevent further escalation in the conflict involving the United States and Iran. He noted that foreign ministers from various countries are actively engaged in attempts to de-escalate the situation.
Andrabi added that the prime minister and foreign minister of Pakistan are in continuous contact with their counterparts in regional countries as part of coordinated efforts to restore stability.
Highlighting ongoing diplomatic engagements, he said the deputy prime minister’s recent visit to China holds particular importance in the current context, noting that both countries share a strategic partnership and are closely aligned on regional and global issues.
The spokesperson further stated that the Muslim world is determined to play its role in reducing tensions and restoring stability in the region.
Referring to recent diplomatic developments, Andrabi described the emergence of a five-point consensus following talks between Pakistani and Chinese foreign ministers as a significant milestone in efforts to promote peace and stability.
He also welcomed Iran’s decision to allow 20 Pakistani-flagged vessels to pass, terming it a positive step that reflects cooperation and goodwill at a time of heightened regional tensions.
Andrabi said Pakistan remains in close contact with the leadership of the United States and is actively engaged in sustained diplomatic consultations aimed at reducing tensions and paving the way for meaningful negotiations in the Middle East.
He said Pakistan is working to create a conducive environment for de-escalation and dialogue, adding that the next phase of diplomatic efforts would focus on substantive negotiations among relevant stakeholders.
Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement, the spokesperson said Islamabad recently hosted key regional ministers from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt and facilitated the exchange of messages between Washington and Tehran.
He added that both Iran and the United States have expressed confidence in Pakistan’s role and appreciated its facilitation efforts. Pakistan has also offered to host and facilitate negotiations as part of its broader diplomatic outreach.
—Indian propaganda rejected—
Responding to questions, Andrabi said Indian propaganda targeting Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts is ongoing, warning against misinformation and fake news circulating on the issue.
Andarbi added that fake news from India is continuing on Pakistan's diplomacy in the Iran-US war, and the statement attributed to the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson has also been misrepresented.
Regarding this, a clarification was also issued by the Iranian Foreign Ministry. He said, "Be careful of these fake news people and liars.
—Pak-Afghan dialogue in Uramqi—
On Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, the spokesperson confirmed that talks are currently under way in Urumqi, where Pakistan has sent a delegation for dialogue with the Afghan Taliban under Chinese mediation. He said the objective of the talks is to end cross-border terrorism and ensure peace.
The FO spokesperson confirmed that discussions regarding Pakistan and Afghanistan were also held during the China visit of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, underscoring the importance of regional coordination. He added the meeting in Urumqi follows the recent visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Beijing, where he held discussions with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
He stressed that Pakistan expects the Afghan side to take concrete and verifiable action against militant groups operating from its territory. The talks, described as working-level engagements, are ongoing, with the Pakistani delegation still present in China.
China has been actively facilitating dialogue between the two neighbours, as tensions persist following renewed clashes after a temporary ceasefire. Pakistan maintains that the responsibility to end hostilities lies with Afghanistan, while diplomatic efforts continue to seek a durable resolution.
He said the country is being represented by senior government officials, though details regarding the full composition of the delegation have not yet been disclosed.
LIVE: Spokesperson's Weekly Press Briefing 02-04-2026 at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad https://t.co/2CIL4Nphhm
Reporter Babar Shahzad Turk