Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan on Thursday said that there is no official information regarding any Pakistanis traveling to Israel, adding that the matter is under review and further comments will be made once the situation becomes clear.
Addressing the weekly media briefing in Islamabad, the spokesperson stated that Pakistan’s policy towards Israel remains unchanged.
"Some reports have surfaced on social media regarding Pakistanis traveling to Israel, but the Foreign Office has no knowledge of this," he said.
Pakistan-US visa speculations
Responding to questions about reported US travel restrictions on Pakistanis, Khan dismissed the claims, calling them "media speculation." He reiterated that there has been no official communication from Washington regarding any new visa restrictions.
"The Foreign Office and the US State Department have both termed these reports speculative," he said, adding that Pakistan and the US continue to engage on multiple fronts.
"Pak-US relations are strong and multifaceted, spanning several decades," he noted.
The spokesperson also clarified that recent meetings with US diplomats were routine and not linked to any restrictions.
Afghanistan and Torkham border situation
Commenting on Pakistan’s ties with Afghanistan, Khan said that summoning the Afghan charge d’affaires was a "routine diplomatic matter" and should not be seen as unusual.
He confirmed that the Torkham border crossing was reopened on Wednesday, with pedestrian movement set to resume from Friday.
"The border will remain open until April 15, and efforts are underway to find a permanent solution to the issue," he stated.
Khan added that Pakistan had demanded a halt to construction on the Afghan side of the border, a demand which had now been accepted.
Condemnation of Israeli strikes
The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and the West Bank. "Israel’s attacks violate the ceasefire, and Pakistan remains committed to supporting a two-state solution," he said.
Khan also criticized India for not condemning the recent attack on the Jafar Express. "India’s involvement in terrorism inside Pakistan is well-documented," he said.
Pakistan’s Defense and Regional Security
Addressing concerns over national security, the spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan’s missile and defense systems are in "safe and strong hands."
"Our defense strategy is based on deterrence, and our missile capabilities exist solely for the defense of Pakistan," he asserted.
Speaking on tensions in the Middle East, he noted the escalation in Yemen following recent airstrikes on Sanaa and retaliatory actions by the Houthis. "Pakistan supports the peace process for Yemen," he said.
The spokesperson also urged the international community to ensure that Afghan soil is not used as a safe haven for terrorists.
Other diplomatic affairs
On reports of Pakistanis arrested in Spain, Khan confirmed that Pakistan’s consulate was in touch with Spanish authorities to gather details.
Regarding Pakistan’s potential membership in the BRICS Development Bank, he clarified that the process for joining the bank differs from that of the BRICS grouping itself.
He further stated that Pakistan continues to advise all parties involved in the Syria and Lebanon conflict to exercise restraint.
Fact-finding committee on social media speculations
The spokesperson also announced that a fact-finding committee had been established to investigate various rumors circulating on social media, particularly those involving Foreign Office officials.
"Pakistan’s Foreign Office officers are not involved in human trafficking, and the allegations being spread online are baseless," he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During the meeting, the premier expressed gratitude for the kingdom’s continued support to Pakistan, Khan added.
