Pakistan says it will follow 'all applicable' sanctions regimes on Iran

Pakistan has clarified its position on new United States sanctions against Iran, saying it will adhere to “all applicable sanctions regimes” in accordance with international and domestic law, after earlier Foreign Office remarks on the issue were taken “out of context”, Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said at his weekly press briefing on Thursday.

“Pakistan is a responsible member of the international community and adheres, and shall continue to adhere, to all applicable sanctions regimes in accordance with international and domestic laws,” Khan said, according to Dawn (source).

The clarification follows the FO’s 17 September briefing, at which officials said Pakistan had taken note of new US measures concerning Iranian airlines, including Mahan Air, and was examining them with stakeholders. The impact on Pakistan-Iran trade was being evaluated with the Ministry of Commerce, Hum English reported (source).

Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s role as a mediator between Iran and the United States, urging both sides “to exercise restraint, resolve outstanding issues through dialogue and diplomacy, and honour their respective commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” (source).

He added that “Pakistan highly values its enduring and multi-faceted strategic partnership with the United States” (source).

The briefing came after Washington announced sanctions against 13 individuals and entities, including one based in Pakistan, alleging they helped Iran procure weapons, Dawn reported (source).