Pakistan on Friday expressed willingness to accept any international assistance, including from the United States, to help resolve the long-standing Kashmir dispute. Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said, “We welcome help not only from the US but any country which can help stabilise the situation and move towards resolution of the Kashmir dispute, which is at the heart of peace and security in South Asia.”

Khan’s remarks came in response to questions about Washington’s interest in the Kashmir issue. He clarified that while Pakistan prefers diplomatic engagement, progress also depends on India’s willingness to initiate dialogue. “Our overall diplomatic position is well known. We want to take the route of diplomacy, but it is the Indian side which has to make up its mind,” he added, noting that there are no ongoing bilateral talks apart from routine diplomatic contact.

India has consistently opposed third-party mediation on the Kashmir issue, referring to the 1972 Simla Agreement, which emphasizes bilateral resolution. New Delhi maintains that talks with Islamabad will focus solely on the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the issue of cross-border terrorism.

Addressing regional security, Khan said Pakistan has repeatedly highlighted the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, particularly in areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He also dismissed claims of a secret agreement with the US involving mineral extraction, calling such reports “baseless” and affirming that any foreign investment in the sector follows transparent mechanisms.

Khan further denied allegations of Pakistani involvement in the Ukraine conflict, stating that Islamabad has not received any formal communication from Kyiv regarding the matter.