Pakistan will continue working to maintain close relations with the United States regardless of which political party holds power in Washington, following the Democrats’ sweeping victory in the US midterm elections.
The Foreign Office said on Friday that Pakistan considers the United States an important partner and intends to maintain engagement across the political divide. The statement signals that Islamabad’s approach to Washington will remain guided by long-term strategic and economic interests rather than changes in political leadership.
“We have maintained excellent relations with all governments, irrespective of who is in power, and this will continue,” Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said during his weekly briefing.
He identified trade, investment, security, counterterrorism and mineral-sector investment as key areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Pakistan Reaffirms Role in US-Iran Mediation
The briefing also focused on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed escalation in the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, amid concerns about possible fresh military action against Tehran.
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Responding to questions about prospects for renewed US-Iran negotiations, Haider said Pakistan had provided all possible facilitation in its capacity as an honest mediator.
He described the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a significant diplomatic achievement, saying Pakistan had brought two countries to the negotiating table after 47 years without direct engagement.
“The fact that we were able to bring the two countries, which had not even been talking to each other for the past 47 years, to the same table for discussions, culminating in the successful signing of the Islamabad MoU, is a testament to Pakistan’s commitment to building peace and promoting peace and stability in our region,” he said.
Haider stressed that Pakistan would continue supporting diplomatic engagement, adding that lasting peace could only be achieved through political dialogue rather than military confrontation.
Asked whether there was an opportunity to secure a permanent end to the conflict, he said mediation remained an ongoing process. Pakistan, Qatar and other regional countries were actively contributing to diplomatic efforts.
Foreign Office Identifies Israel as Potential Spoiler
When asked about possible actors undermining the diplomatic process, the spokesperson identified Israel as one of the potential spoilers.
“Well, you have mentioned one name yourself. There could be others, but I am sure that peace in the region is certainly not in Israel’s interest,” he said.
Pakistani-Linked LNG Carrier Hit Near Strait of Hormuz
The spokesperson also confirmed that a Pakistani-linked liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier had been struck by projectiles while travelling through the Persian Gulf near the Strait of Hormuz. All 25 crew members remained safe.
He identified the vessel as Al Maida, registered in the Marshall Islands, operated by QatarEnergy and carrying LNG destined for Karachi.
According to the Foreign Office, the vessel was hit last Friday night while travelling eastbound through international waters. Its crew included Pakistani nationals and members of other nationalities.
The incident caused a small fire on board, but no crew members were injured. The vessel subsequently returned safely to Qatar.
“The concerned Pakistani authorities are coordinating with the relevant parties to establish further details of the incident,” Haider said.
No Clear Explanation for Pakistan-Iran Border Disruption
The spokesperson declined to provide a specific explanation for the continuing disruption of cross-border trade between Pakistan and Iran, which has affected traders and transporters following the closure of border crossings.
Initially, Haider said the Foreign Office would seek an update from the Ministry of Commerce. However, after the ministry referred journalists back to the Foreign Office, he said: “My comment is that I have nothing further to add on this matter.”
He clarified that Pakistan had not imposed a general ban on land travel by Pakistani pilgrims to Iran. However, recent security concerns and clashes along the border had disrupted their movement.
US Proposal on Afghan Deportations Under Review
The Foreign Office also confirmed that Pakistan was examining a reported US proposal to deport Afghan nationals through Pakistani territory.
Haider said the matter remained under consideration and that authorities were consulting relevant stakeholders to assess all aspects before reaching an arrangement.
“The matter is currently under consideration, and all relevant aspects are being carefully examined in consultation with the concerned stakeholders. We are hopeful that a mutually agreeable way forward will be reached,” he said.
Clarifying reports that Afghan refugees were expected to arrive in Pakistan by air, he said he had not confirmed that the individuals were arriving or had already reached the country.
Pakistan Issues Thousands of Visas to Indian Religious Pilgrims
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to facilitate Indian religious pilgrims despite strained relations between the two neighbouring countries.
Haider said Pakistan issued 9,318 visas to Indian religious pilgrims in 2025, including 9,070 to Sikh pilgrims and 248 to Hindu pilgrims. During the first half of 2026, Pakistan issued another 4,002 visas to Sikh pilgrims.
“Pakistan welcomes pilgrims of all faiths and recognizes the deep spiritual significance that visits to religious sites hold for devotees and their families,” he said.
Preparations were also underway to receive Sikh pilgrims for the 557th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji at Nankana Sahib later this month.
Pakistan Says Kartarpur Corridor Remains Open
The spokesperson said the Kartarpur Corridor remained open from Pakistan’s side, although India had suspended pilgrim movement through the crossing since May 2025.
He said Pakistan remained ready to facilitate visa-free visits by up to 5,000 pilgrims daily under the 2019 agreement. However, the resumption of movement depended on India’s decision.
“It is now for India to decide whether it allows Indian Sikhs to undertake this religious pilgrimage to Kartarpur Sahib,” he said.
Haider added that Pakistan had not imposed a visa ban on Indian nationals and would continue facilitating visits to religious sites under existing arrangements.
