ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office has strongly dismissed a report published by a US-based media outlet regarding the alleged presence of Iranian aircraft at Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, describing the claims as “misleading and sensationalised”.
In an official statement, the Foreign Office said Pakistan categorically rejected the report aired by CBS News, asserting that the narrative was speculative and appeared designed to undermine ongoing efforts aimed at maintaining regional peace and stability.
According to the Foreign Office, several aircraft from both Iran and the United States arrived in Pakistan during the ceasefire period and the initial phase of the Islamabad Talks. These aircraft were used to facilitate the movement of diplomatic personnel, security officials and administrative teams associated with the talks process.
The statement further explained that after the first round of discussions concluded, some aircraft and support staff temporarily remained in Pakistan in anticipation of future rounds of negotiations and diplomatic engagement.
Although formal negotiations have yet to resume, the Foreign Office said high-level diplomatic contacts have continued between the relevant parties. In this context, visits by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Islamabad were facilitated under the already established logistical and administrative arrangements.
The Foreign Office clarified that the Iranian aircraft currently stationed in Pakistan had arrived during the ceasefire period and had absolutely no connection to any military contingency, strategic deployment or preservation arrangement.
It stressed that any assertions suggesting otherwise were entirely speculative, misleading and disconnected from the actual facts surrounding the situation.
The statement reiterated that Pakistan has consistently maintained an impartial, constructive and responsible role in supporting dialogue and de-escalation efforts in the region.
In line with this approach, the Foreign Office said Pakistan had provided routine logistical and administrative assistance whenever necessary, while also maintaining transparency and regular communication with all concerned stakeholders.
Concluding the statement, the Foreign Office reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting all genuine initiatives aimed at encouraging dialogue, lowering tensions and promoting regional as well as global peace, stability and security.