Pakistan's civil and military leadership stepped in to facilitate dialogue between the United States and Iran to prevent a wider regional conflict and promote stability across the Muslim world, security sources said during an extensive interaction with media representatives on Tuesday.
Describing the diplomatic effort as one of the most sensitive and complex initiatives undertaken by Pakistan in recent years, the sources said the country's motives were neither political nor transactional but centred on regional stability, peace and preventing a conflict that could have engulfed the region.
According to the sources, Pakistan worked closely with key regional and international stakeholders and played a responsible mediating role to help avert what they described as a potentially devastating war.
The sources credited the country's civil and military leadership, particularly Field Marshal Asim Munir, for pursuing sustained diplomatic engagement aimed at reducing tensions and encouraging dialogue.
The sources said this was a war won by FM Asim Munir through sincerity, competence, brilliance and Allah’s Blessings for the greater good of humanity without actually being fought, which is the pinnacle of strategy.
"Pakistan's objective was to prevent a conflict that could have had serious consequences for the region and the wider Muslim Ummah," the sources said.
They described the diplomatic effort as a strategic success achieved through consultation, coordination and quiet engagement rather than public diplomacy.
The sources said Pakistan deliberately avoided what they termed "headline diplomacy" and instead pursued discreet engagement with all relevant parties, arguing that sensitive negotiations required confidentiality, caution and responsibility.
According to the sources, the process involved extensive consultations with friendly countries and regional stakeholders, many of whom shared concerns that a broader conflict could destabilise the region and damage already fragile economies.
The sources paid tribute to the leadership of Muslim countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, for demonstrating restraint, patience and leadership during the period of heightened tensions.
They said the collective efforts of Pakistan and its partners helped prevent a situation that could have pitted Muslim countries against one another and threatened regional peace.
While welcoming the emerging US-Iran understanding as a positive development for regional and international stability, the sources declined to discuss details of the diplomatic process.
"As a responsible mediator, Pakistan cannot comment on the substance of the talks or future developments," the sources said, adding that confidentiality remained essential to the success of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The sources also cautioned that opponents of regional reconciliation would continue attempts to undermine peace initiatives but expressed confidence that Pakistan and its partners would continue pursuing dialogue and stability.
Responding to questions about Pakistan's military diplomacy, the sources said defence and security cooperation with friendly countries should not be viewed through a narrow lens, arguing that such relationships form part of broader diplomatic engagement based on national interests and regional stability.
Pakistan seeks dialogue with Afghanistan
The sources said Pakistan wanted to resolve all outstanding issues with Afghanistan through dialogue and diplomacy, stressing that a stable Afghanistan was essential for regional peace and security.
At the same time, the sources expressed concern over the presence of terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory, describing them as a threat to both regional and global security.
According to the sources, Pakistan's campaign against terrorism was not only in its national interest but also contributed to international security efforts.
Providing operational details, the sources said security forces had conducted 32,092 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across the country between January 1 and June 15, 2026.
Of these, 5,710 intelligence-based operations were carried out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 24,718 in Balochistan, according to the sources.
The sources said 1,402 terrorism incidents had been reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 748 in Balochistan during the same period.
They added that 1,861 terrorists had been killed in intelligence-based operations, while 640 people had embraced martyrdom in terrorism-related incidents.
Despite these challenges, the sources said Pakistan remained committed to resolving issues with Afghanistan through engagement and dialogue rather than confrontation.
AJK situation
Turning to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the sources alleged that recent protests initially organised around issues such as flour prices, electricity tariffs and public rights had evolved into a broader political campaign.
According to the sources, efforts were first made to gain public sympathy through demands relating to electricity and public rights, but they alleged that a wider agenda existed behind the protests.
The sources maintained that Pakistan's democratic system encouraged dialogue and negotiations and claimed that the democratic framework in AJK was robust and functioning.
They rejected allegations that the state had blocked roads in the region, asserting that road blockades had been established by what they described as an "anarchist group."
The sources further alleged that members of the group had taken up arms against the state and said the so-called Joint Action Committee had gradually been exposed before the public.
"We know what the anarchist group is planning in Azad Kashmir and who is directing them," the sources said.
They added that the real situation was becoming clearer to the people of AJK and stressed that the state was not acting in haste while dealing with developments in the region.
The sources described AJK as a politically active region and said the people of Indian-administered Kashmir continued to express support for Pakistan.
Defence budget and security challenges
Discussing the federal budget, the sources said the allocation of Rs3 trillion for defence had been determined largely in line with inflationary requirements.
According to the sources, more than 80 percent of defence spending is allocated to petroleum products, rations, construction, maintenance and repair of infrastructure and operational needs.
They contrasted Pakistan's defence allocation with India's military spending, saying New Delhi's defence budget was approximately $93 billion.
The sources said Pakistan's armed forces faced both conventional and non-conventional threats and therefore required adequate resources to maintain operational readiness.
Indus Waters Treaty
The sources reiterated that Pakistan's position on the Indus Waters Treaty remained clear and said India could not unilaterally suspend or terminate the agreement under international law.
"Pakistan will go to any extent to protect its interests," the sources said.
They added that Pakistan knew how to safeguard its national interests and would do so whenever required.
The sources said the country's armed forces remained fully prepared to defend Pakistan's sovereignty and interests.
Balochistan security and development
Addressing the situation in Balochistan, the sources alleged that India was sponsoring terrorist organisations operating in the province and claimed that several foreign intelligence agencies were also supporting militant groups.
According to the sources, hostile elements did not want to see Balochistan develop and prosper.
The sources said the state's policy regarding Balochistan was clear and focused on sustainable development and long-term stability.
They said development projects were being implemented at the district level and efforts were underway to improve economic opportunities and public services throughout the province.
The sources also alleged that women in Balochistan were being targeted through honey-trapping operations by hostile elements.
Rejecting allegations of political interference, the sources said the state did not decide who became chief minister in Balochistan.
May 9 violence and domestic politics
Commenting on the May 9 riots, the sources said the issue was not a personal matter but a challenge faced by the entire nation.
They said individuals avoiding legal proceedings were encountering increasing difficulties and maintained that political groups whose leaders remained in hiding were struggling to function effectively.
The sources said Pakistan would continue pursuing peace, stability and development while protecting its national interests through diplomatic, political and security measures.
Reporter: Ahmed Mansoor