Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan on Tuesday strongly rejected a report by an American media outlet alleging that Islamabad had allowed Iranian military aircraft to remain at a Pakistani airbase during ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the Middle East conflict.
In a statement, the Foreign Office termed the report by CBS News “misleading and sensationalised”, saying such narratives appeared aimed at undermining regional peace and stability efforts.
The report had claimed that multiple Iranian aircraft, including an RC-130 reconnaissance plane, arrived at Nur Khan Air Base following the ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump earlier this year.
Rejecting the allegations, the FO clarified that aircraft from both Iran and the United States had arrived in Pakistan after the ceasefire solely to facilitate the movement of diplomatic personnel, security teams and administrative staff associated with the Islamabad peace talks process.
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It said some aircraft and support personnel remained temporarily in Pakistan in anticipation of future diplomatic engagements and negotiations.
The Foreign Office further explained that visits by Iranian officials, including the Iranian foreign minister, were facilitated through existing logistical and administrative arrangements and had no connection to any military contingency or strategic deployment.
“The Iranian aircraft currently parked in Pakistan arrived during the ceasefire period and bear no linkage whatsoever to any military contingency or preservation arrangement,” the statement said.
The FO reiterated that Pakistan had consistently acted as an impartial and constructive facilitator focused on dialogue, de-escalation and regional peace.
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It added that Pakistan remained committed to supporting all sincere diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting stability in the region.
The controversy emerged amid continued diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan, Iran, the United States and Gulf countries following recent tensions and ceasefire negotiations in the Middle East.
