ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday rejected claims that Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited Iran as an envoy of US President Donald Trump or the United States (US), describing them as “misleading and factually incorrect”.
“The claims by certain quarters that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir COAS & CDF of Pakistan visited Iran as the Envoy of President Trump or the US are misleading and factually incorrect,” said Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi in his weekly briefing.
He said the Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visit to Tehran was taken purely in the context as a mediator and the backdrop of Pakistan’s ongoing role as a mediator.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi called the claims “misleading and factually incorrect”.
The Chief of Army Staff Munir visit to Tehran on August 24 came as Pakistan continued efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran.
Munir met Iranian leaders to discuss regional de-escalation, break the military stalemate and explore a negotiated settlement, Andrabi said.
The visit also aimed to support efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, he added.
According to Andrabi, Iranian leaders appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to reduce tensions and seek a peaceful resolution.
Pakistan has remained actively engaged with regional countries to help resolve the crisis in the Middle East and Gulf, the spokesperson said.
Dar Steps Up Diplomatic Outreach
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has maintained close contact with regional counterparts as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.
🚨⚠️The claims by certain quarters that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir COAS & CDF of Pakistan visited Iran as the Envoy of President Trump or the U.S. are misleading and factually incorrect.
The COAS & CDF visit was taken purely in the context as a mediator and the backdrop of… pic.twitter.com/K3XuWThNwH
— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) August 27, 2026
Dar held three phone calls with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on August 17, 19 and 25. They discussed regional developments and stressed dialogue and diplomacy.
Dar also spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on August 14 and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on August 24.
The talks covered bilateral ties, regional developments and the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, Andrabi said.
Pakistan will continue diplomatic engagement and support efforts to revive peace talks, the spokesperson added.
Shehbaz to Attend SCO Summit
Andrabi also announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Bishkek for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Heads of State Summit from August 31 to September 1.
Pakistan will assume the SCO chairmanship for a one-year term after the summit.
Islamabad will host the SCO summit in 2027, which will be the main event of Pakistan’s chairmanship, Andrabi said.
Shehbaz is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with Kyrgyz leaders during the visit.
Dar Discusses Maritime Security in London
Meanwhile, Dar is in London on an official visit focused on Pakistan-UK relations, regional and international developments, maritime security and Commonwealth engagement.
He met International Maritime Organisation Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and sought urgent action for the safe release of 10 Pakistani seafarers held captive by Somali pirates aboard the MV Honor.
The two sides also discussed maritime security, regulatory reforms and Pakistan-IMO cooperation.
Dar separately met British parliamentarians of Pakistani origin. Their talks covered Pakistan-UK relations, the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, Pakistan’s peace efforts in the Middle East, the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
He also met Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. They discussed youth development, climate resilience, economic development and intra-Commonwealth trade.
Dar also briefed her on Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate peace between the United States and Iran.
Before travelling to London, Dar spoke by phone with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov.
The discussions covered regional and international security, multilateral cooperation, bilateral ties and preparations for the SCO summit.
Pakistan-Syria Ties
Andrabi also highlighted Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani’s visit to Pakistan from August 19 to 20.
He described it as the first visit by a Syrian foreign minister since the formation of Syria’s new government.
Pakistan and Syria reviewed bilateral relations and agreed to strengthen institutional cooperation.
Pakistan also reaffirmed its support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, as well as peace and stability in the Middle East.
Pakistan Joins Islamic Countries on Regional Issues
The spokesperson said Pakistan had joined other Arab and Islamic countries in issuing statements on regional developments over the past two weeks.
He referred to a joint statement by eight Islamic countries on August 16. The countries condemned Israel’s rejection of a roadmap to implement a US comprehensive plan for Gaza and its rejection of Palestinian statehood.
They called for immediate implementation of the plan, an end to the war and progress towards a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.
On August 22, Pakistan joined 10 other Islamic countries in condemning Israeli strikes on military sites in northwestern Syria.
The countries described the strikes as a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
