In a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi addressed recent security concerns and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to constructive engagement, dialogue, and diplomatic solutions for regional peace. He also addressed “misleading international media reports” which cast Pakistan in a negative light.
🔴LIVE: Spokesperson’s Weekly Press Briefing 14-05-2026 at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad https://t.co/xnfpwECQmO
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 14, 2026
Rebuttal of CBS News Report
Andrabi vehemently refuted a CBS News report alleging that Pakistan secretly allowed Iranian military aircraft to park on its airfields. He described the report as “misleading, speculative, and disconnected from factual context.” He clarified that the aircraft in question arrived during a ceasefire period to support diplomatic engagement related to the Islamabad Talks, specifically for the movement of diplomatic and administrative personnel, and had no connection to any military contingency.
Diplomatic Engagements for Regional Stability
Highlighting Pakistan’s active role in regional diplomacy, Andrabi detailed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent telephone conversations with the leaders of Qatar and Azerbaijan, focusing on the evolving regional situation and Pakistan’s ongoing peace efforts. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has also been actively engaged in regional diplomacy and has had conversations with foreign ministers from Singapore, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Austria, and China.
Key Discussion Points
- Iran-US Engagement: Discussions centered on Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate Iran-US engagement for peace and stability.
- Maritime Security: Coordination on maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, was a key focus. Pakistan agreed with Saudi Arabia on the importance of safeguarding maritime security, including in the Strait of Hormuz, and to maintain close coordination.
- Chinese Support: China expressed full support for Pakistan’s constructive mediation role, contrary to reports suggesting Beijing had urged Pakistan to “do more.”
Response to Bannu Terrorist Attack
The briefing also addressed the recent terrorist attack on a police post in Bannu. Andrabi stated that the Afghan chargé d’affaires in Islamabad was summoned, and a strong demarche was delivered. Pakistan condemned the attack, which resulted in the martyrdom of 15 police personnel and injuries to several others. Preliminary investigations indicated that the attack was orchestrated by terrorists operating from Afghan soil. Pakistan urged Afghan authorities to take immediate, concrete, and verifiable action against terrorist groups, including ISKP and others operating from the region.
Commitment to National Security
Andrabi emphasized Pakistan’s firm commitment to national security and its continued efforts to decisively eliminate all terrorist network facilitators and enablers threatening the country’s peace and stability.
Vigilance Along the LoC
On security developments along the Line of Control and incidents in Kishtwar, he said the situation involves both human rights and security dimensions, adding that Pakistani forces remain vigilant along the LoC.
Critical Analysis
Pakistan’s strong rebuttal of the CBS News report indicates a growing concern over its international image and the need to counter what it perceives as biased reporting. The emphasis on diplomatic efforts and regional stability reflects a desire to position itself as a key player in de-escalating tensions. The mention of positive calls for dialogue emerging in India signal cautious optimism, however, it remains to be seen how these calls will translate into tangible actions. The strong response to the Bannu terrorist attack, including summoning the Afghan chargé d’affaires, shows Pakistan’s increasing frustration with cross-border terrorism and its demand for concrete action from Afghanistan. Overall, the press briefing indicates Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, while addressing security challenges and safeguarding its national interests.
