Pakistan sought regional peace, not publicity, in US-Iran mediation, security officials say

Pakistan’s role in facilitating the recent understanding between the United States and Iran was driven solely by the objective of promoting regional peace and stability, with senior security officials saying the country had no interest in “headline diplomacy”.

During a briefing with journalists, top security officials said Pakistan had been handling the US-Iran issue as a highly complex diplomatic matter and had fulfilled all the responsibilities expected of a credible mediator.

The remarks came after US President Donald Trump announced that Washington and Tehran had signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East, a development described by Islamabad as a major diplomatic breakthrough.

Security officials said Pakistan’s efforts were guided by the objective of reducing regional tensions rather than seeking international recognition. They added that the country’s contribution to the diplomatic process was gradually being acknowledged by the international community.

According to the officials, Field Marshal Asim Munir’s sole interest throughout the process was ensuring peace and stability in the region. They cautioned, however, that certain elements were still attempting to undermine the understandings reached between the parties.

The officials also said countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates deserved recognition for their contributions to de-escalation efforts.

They noted that Pakistan’s ability to maintain separate and balanced relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United States enabled it to engage constructively with all sides during the mediation process.

Addressing regional security issues, the officials reiterated Pakistan’s desire to maintain positive relations with Afghanistan. They said 862 militants were killed in Operation Ghazab lil-Haq in Afghanistan, while 999 militants were eliminated in operations conducted inside Pakistan.

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Discussing the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the officials said the government had directed shopkeepers to reopen their businesses, but alleged that members of the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee blocked roads and threatened traders attempting to resume commercial activity.

They said the banned organisation was becoming increasingly exposed and that the matter would be addressed in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

On defence spending, the officials said Rs300 billion had been allocated in the federal budget, representing a 17% increase compared to the previous year. They noted that a significant portion of the allocation would be consumed by mandatory expenditures, leaving limited resources for development projects.

The officials also described terrorism as Pakistan’s primary internal security challenge, adding that modern warfare increasingly relied on advanced technology. They said both the military and political leadership recognised the financial constraints facing the country’s defence sector.