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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has invited Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to visit Pakistan at the earliest during a telephone conversation focused on strengthening bilateral ties and discussing the evolving regional situation. According to the Foreign Office, the two foreign ministers held detailed discussions on a wide range of issues of mutual interest. They reviewed the current state of Pakistan-Iran relations and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close diplomatic engagement and cooperation. During the conversation, Dar extended a formal invitation to his Iranian counterpart to undertake an early visit to Pakistan. The proposed visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both countries to further enhance political dialogue and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The two leaders also exchanged views on recent regional and international developments. Their discussions covered issues affecting peace, security and stability in the region, as both countries continue to coordinate on important diplomatic matters. Special attention was given to the deteriorating situation in occupied East Jerusalem. The foreign ministers expressed concern over the rising tensions and discussed the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories. They emphasized the need for continued diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and promote regional stability. The telephone contact reflects the regular high-level engagement between Islamabad and Tehran as both governments continue consultations on regional affairs and bilateral cooperation. Pakistan and Iran share close historical, cultural and economic ties, and both countries have maintained regular diplomatic contacts to strengthen cooperation in political, economic and security sectors. Officials said the two sides agreed to remain in close contact on matters of mutual concern and continue consultations on regional and international issues. They also reaffirmed their commitment to promoting stronger bilateral relations through sustained dialogue and high-level exchanges.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has rejected claims by the Afghan Taliban that weapons are being smuggled from Pakistan into Afghanistan, calling the allegation baseless and contrary to established facts. In a statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the allegation appeared to be an attempt to divert international attention from the more serious security concerns emerging from Afghan territory. The ministry said Afghanistan already possesses a large quantity of modern weapons and military equipment left behind after the withdrawal of US and allied forces. According to the ministry, the value of the abandoned military equipment has been estimated at around $7.2 billion. Pakistan also pointed to Afghanistan’s large stockpiles of Soviet-era weapons. These weapons, it said, accumulated during decades of conflict in the country and remain another major source of arms available on Afghan soil. The ministry argued that attributing such weapons to Pakistan was misleading. It said the claim could shift attention away from the presence of militant groups operating from Afghanistan. Pakistan has repeatedly raised concerns over militant activity originating from Afghan territory. Islamabad maintains that terrorist groups continue to find shelter and operational space there. The ministry said these groups were allegedly using Afghan territory to plan, support and carry out attacks against Pakistan. It urged the Afghan Taliban authorities to focus on addressing militant safe havens instead of making what Pakistan described as unsupported allegations against Islamabad. “Afghan Taliban” authorities, according to the statement, should take effective measures against terrorist groups operating from their territory. Pakistan also called on Afghan authorities to honour their commitments and ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorism against Pakistan or any other country. The latest statement comes amid continued tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over security and cross-border militancy. Islamabad has repeatedly demanded concrete action against groups that it says are involved in attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistan has also stressed that the issue should be addressed through practical measures rather than accusations. The ministry maintained that Afghanistan’s existing weapons stockpiles and the continued presence of militant groups are important factors in the regional security situation. It said efforts to blame Pakistan for the presence of weapons in Afghanistan should not distract the international community from addressing terrorism and militant activity based in the region.