Islamabad MoU, Lucerne summit between US and Iran reaffirm faith in dialogue, diplomacy: FO

Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Lucerne Summit reinforced “our faith in dialogue and diplomacy as the most effective means for peaceful settlement of disputes and conflicts”.

He made these remarks during a weekly media briefing in Islamabad, where he recalled Pakistan’s efforts for peace between the US and Iran in recent days.

Pakistan has been leading the peace efforts since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran in late February, setting off a war and global fuel crisis as Tehran took measures to disrupt traffic in the Strait of Hormuz — a vital maritime corridor for the supply of oil and gas.

The latest major developments pertaining to Pakistan’s efforts for de-escalation are the signing of the Islamabad MoU on June 18 — a 14-point accord aimed at ending the war — and key direct talks between the US and Iran, dubbed the Lake Lucerne Summit, held in Switzerland over the weekend.

Pakistan’s efforts have been acknowledged world over, which Andrabi also noted during his briefing.

Pakistan welcomed the “positive recognition and encouraging remarks from various countries, partners and members of the international community regarding our constructive role in promoting regional peace, dialogue and de-escalation efforts”, he said.

“Such recognition reflects the international community’s trust in Pakistan, as well as Pakistan’s commitment to advancing dialogue, peace, security and stability across the region and beyond,” he added.

The FO spokesperson said Pakistan extended its “sincere appreciation” to all countries and partners who expressed support for its peace efforts.

Moreover, he acknowledged the “responsible and constructive role” of Pakistan’s media throughout the peace process.

“Pakistan’s media demonstrated professionalism and maturity by respecting the strict requirements of confidentiality, discretion and trust that are indispensable to any credible facilitator,” he said.

Elaborating on the specifics of points agreed on after talks in Switzerland, he said the US and Iran reached an understanding on various aspects of the implementation of the Islamabad MoU.

He added that it was agreed that a high-level committee would be established for political oversight for mediation; the two sides had agreed on a roadmap towards reaching a final peace deal in 60 days; communication lines were to be established between the parties to avoid incidents of miscommunication and ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz; and a de-confliction cell was to be set up between the US, Iran and the Lebanese government.

Moreover, technical teams from mediators Pakistan and Qatar would remain engaged with technical teams from the US and Iran in the coming weeks for the effective implementation of the Islamabad MoU, he said.

Efforts for release of seamen held hostage by Somali pirates

The FO spokesperson also detailed efforts for the release of 11 Pakistani seafarers who have been held hostage by Somali pirates since April.

The seamen were taken hostage when armed pirates hijacked the MT Honour 25 off the southeastern coast of Somalia on April 21. There were 11 Pakistanis among the vessel’s crew, who remain in the pirates’ captivity.

Throughout this time, their families have been running from pillar to post to get them back home, but they have only run into walls.

Addressing the matter, Andrabi said the government had launched a “sustained diplomatic and overall political campaign” to free the hostages.

“We have taken significant efforts in this regard,” he assured, adding that the government’s priority at this stage was “diplomatic and humanitarian endeavours to secure” the seamen’s safe release.

Andrabi said the FO remained engaged with the Somali authorities at multiple levels, and technical teams from Pakistan’s embassy in Djibouti had been visiting Somalia for “talks with relevant stakeholders”.

He said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had also spoken with the Somali foreign minister while senior officials from the Somalian foreign ministry had separately been engaged for the hostages’ release.

“This is a difficult issue,” he remarked, adding that an interministerial meeting had been held internally to coordinate the government’s response.

It was decided at the meeting to pursue negotiations and humanitarian channels as a primary means of securing the release of the seafarers while maintaining close engagement with the families of the hostages, he said.

Andrabi said Pakistan was also “exploring the assistance of friendly countries”, relevant interlocutors and local NGOs, as well as human rights activist Ansar Burney.

“These efforts continue, and we will continue to update you on this matter. This is an issue which is very close to our hearts because of the involvement of families, and we can understand their pain. But, as I said, the release is a difficult situation which is being addressed,” he said.