Pakistan confirms US-Iran discussions, condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia –

On Saturday, Pakistan acknowledged the United States and Iran are talking on seven areas and Washington has communicated its viewpoint on offers from Tehran.

“Direct contacts between the two countries are the result of Pakistan’s mediation efforts,” said Sajjad Haider Khan, spokesperson of the Foreign Office, during his weekly media conference in Islamabad.

He said there was already a memorandum of understanding between Islamabad and the parties and some of the items under consideration were in line with it.

Pakistan and other significant countries were contributing to attempts to resolve the US-Iran crisis, the spokesperson added.

He also said Pakistan desired direct contact between Washington and Tehran, de-escalation of tensions and a peaceful settlement of the conflict. He added Islamabad was ready to resume its mediation efforts if required.

Pakistan denounces attacks by Houthi on Saudi Arabia

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has harshly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, the spokeswoman stated.

He said the sanctity of the two holy mosques should be preserved at all costs. He said Pakistan supports Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and protection.

Pakistan raises alarm over terrorism from Afghanistan

Terrorism emerging from Afghanistan posed a severe threat to its neighbors, particularly Pakistan, Khan stated.

He said Pakistan shared its worries over terrorism from Afghanistan during the Moscow Format meeting.

The Afghan Taliban delegation refused to maintain the position on terrorism as it was in the previous proclamation of the Moscow Format,” the spokesperson said.

He said for Pakistan terrorism coming from Afghanistan was not a matter of rhetoric but a problem of national security.