Describes the CBS report as ‘misleading, speculative and divorced from factual context’
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ spokesman Tahir Andrabi speaks at the FO’s weekly press briefing. SCREEN GRAB
ISLAMABAD:
Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi said Thursday that Pakistan remains committed to constructive engagement, dialogue and diplomatic solutions for regional peace, while rejecting “misleading international media reports” and addressing recent security concerns.
At a weekly press briefing, he said Pakistan continues to believe that “constructive partnership and sincere dialogue are essential to promote peace and shared prosperity for all.”
The spokesman said Pakistan “categorically rejected CBS News report … describing it as misleading, speculative and divorced from actual context.”
đź”´LIVE: Spokesperson’s weekly press briefing 14-05-2026 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) 14 May 2026
Andrabi clarified that the aircraft in question arrived “during the ceasefire period … to support diplomatic engagement related to Islamabad talks”, including the movement of diplomatic and administrative personnel. He added that the plane “had no connection to any military contingency at all.”
He also referred to remarks by US Senator Lindsey Graham, who said that Pakistan’s response was issued after CBS report and fully clarified his position despite time differences.
The statement comes after one CBS News Report published on Monday claimed that Pakistan, despite positioning itself as a diplomatic conduit between Iran and the US, “quietly allowed Iranian military aircraft to park at its airfields, potentially protecting them from US airstrikes.” The claims were made in reference to US officials who allegedly retained knowledge of the matter, the news agency said.
Andrabi said Pakistan remains committed to “the principles of diplomacy, dialogue and sovereign equality of respect for the sovereignty and territorial independence of all states.”
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Describing the latest diplomatic activity, the spokesman said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held telephone talks with the leaders of Qatar and Azerbaijan over the past week.
Andrabi said the discussions focused on “development of the regional situation and ongoing peace efforts by Pakistan to promote peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.” The prime minister also extended best wishes to Azerbaijan’s leadership for the upcoming World Urban Forum.
The spokesman said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar remained actively engaged in regional diplomacy.
Andrabi noted that the UN Secretary-General’s envoy for the Middle East conflict, Jan Arnaud, met the DPM this week and “conveyed the Secretary-General’s deep appreciation for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting regional peace and stability.”
He added that Pakistan had “highlighted its ongoing engagements with all relevant parties to promote dialogue and de-escalation”, while expressing gratitude for the UN’s support.
The spokesman further said Dar held several phone calls with foreign ministers across the region, including Singapore, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Austria and China.
He said the discussions included Pakistan’s efforts on “Iran-US engagement for peace and stability” and maritime security coordination, including the Strait of Hormuz.
After a call to Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, both sides agreed on “the importance of protecting maritime security, including in the Strait of Hormuz,” and maintaining close coordination.
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After a conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both sides reaffirmed support for diplomacy and stressed “the importance of a durable ceasefire and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”
Reacting to media reports on the China call, the spokesman rejected claims that Beijing had urged Pakistan to “do more” in mediation efforts. He said: “I want to note that such reports somewhat misrepresent the call, both in letter and spirit.”
He added that the conversation was held in “traditional warmth and cordiality” and that China had expressed “full support for Pakistan’s constructive mediation role.”
The briefing also addressed the recent terrorist attack on a police post in Bannu. The spokesman said the Afghan chargĂ© d’affaires in Islamabad was summoned and a strong demarche was delivered.
Pakistan condemned the attack on Fateh Khel police which resulted in the martyrdom of 15 policemen and injuries to several others.
He said preliminary investigations indicated the attack was “orchestrated by terrorists originating 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.
The spokesman concluded that Pakistan remains firmly committed to national security and will continue efforts to “resolutely eliminate all terrorist network facilitators and enablers that threaten the country’s peace and stability.”
On regional diplomacy, he said Pakistan is observing calls for dialogue emerging in India and sees them as a positive development while awaiting a constructive response from New Delhi. He added that there is no confirmation of any track-two or backchannel engagement at this time.
Regarding 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.
