Pakistan’s Foreign Office has said that Israel’s expansionist policies are a major cause of ongoing crises in the Middle East, affecting not only Palestine but also Syria, Lebanon and other neighbouring countries.
Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said Israel’s expansionist actions were contributing to instability across the region.
Speaking on other regional and international matters, the spokesperson described the Makkah Alliance as an initiative aimed at promoting peace and stability rather than targeting any particular country.
On Pakistan-US relations, he said Islamabad maintained strong ties with Washington regardless of which political party was in power in the United States.
He added that Pakistan would continue cooperation with the US in trade, investment, security and counterterrorism.
Visas for Indian Citizens
Addressing questions about visas for Indian nationals, the spokesperson clarified that Pakistan had not suspended visa issuance to Indian citizens.
He said there would be no restriction on issuing a visa to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann if he wished to visit Pakistan.
According to the spokesperson, Pakistan issued more than 9,000 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims last year and over 4,000 during the current year.
He also said India had suspended the movement of pilgrims through the Kartarpur Corridor since May 2025.
Pakistan remains ready to welcome Sikh pilgrims and provide them with facilities once the restrictions are lifted, he added.
The spokesperson said Pakistan had established the Kartarpur Corridor despite the suspension of bilateral dialogue and invested billions of rupees in the project to facilitate Sikh pilgrims visiting their holy site.
SCO Meeting
Regarding the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, the spokesperson confirmed that Pakistan had received an invitation to attend the gathering scheduled to take place in New Delhi from November 20 to 22.
He said a final decision on Pakistan’s participation would be taken by the country’s leadership following institutional consultations.
