Pakistan is actively asserting its diplomatic footprint on the global stage, said Foreign Office Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan during a comprehensive weekly briefing on Friday, outlining the country’s key international engagements and policy directions.
Ambassador Shafqat said Pakistan has assumed the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for July, calling it a moment of “deep responsibility and purpose.”
He said Pakistan’s leadership will be guided by the UN Charter, multilateralism, and international law.
Under its UNSC presidency, Pakistan will host two major high-level events: An open debate on July 22 on "Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes" and a briefing on July 24 on “UN Cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)”.
In addition, Pakistan will preside over the quarterly open debate on the Palestine issue on July 23, with all meetings chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
“These meetings reflect Pakistan’s intent to serve as a bridge between the Council and the broader UN membership,” the spokesperson said.
Highlighting regional diplomacy, Ambassador Shafqat announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is leading Pakistan’s delegation to the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, where he will present Pakistan’s vision on regional connectivity, trade, climate resilience, and sustainable development in line with ECO Vision 2025. Bilateral meetings with ECO leaders are also on the Prime Minister’s agenda.
On multilateral engagement, Pakistan achieved another milestone as Ambassador Kamran Akhtar was elected President of the 53rd Session of the UNIDO Industrial Development Board—a first for Pakistan. “This is global recognition of Pakistan’s constructive engagement and commitment to sustainable industrial development,” he said.
The spokesperson also hailed a Supplemental Award issued on June 27 by the Court of Arbitration in the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric dispute, which reaffirmed the court’s jurisdiction despite India’s unilateral objections. “This vindicates Pakistan’s legal and moral stance,” he said, urging India to return to full compliance with the Indus Waters Treaty.
Addressing humanitarian concerns, the FO confirmed that Pakistan and India exchanged prisoner lists on July 1, as per the 2008 Agreement on Consular Access. Pakistan shared a list of 246 Indian prisoners, while India provided details of 463 Pakistani nationals. Ambassador Shafqat called for the immediate release of those who have completed their sentences, especially those with verified nationalities or in vulnerable health.
He also expressed serious concern over the declining health of senior Kashmiri leader Shabbir Ahmed Shah, diagnosed with prostate cancer while imprisoned in India’s Tihar Jail for over eight years. “His condition requires urgent care. We urge India to release him on humanitarian grounds,” he said.
Ambassador Shafqat said Pakistan's foreign policy remains rooted in diplomacy, cooperation, and international law, even amid growing regional and global challenges. “We remain committed to pursuing justice, peace, and humanitarian values in all our engagements,” he added.