Islamabad, September 23, 2025 – The 14th meeting of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs was held today under the chairpersonship of Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar. The Committee reviewed ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening trade and connectivity with the Central Asian States, as well as matters related to Pakistan’s recent diplomatic engagements at the global and regional levels.

The meeting was attended by Committee Members Mr. Muhammad Khan Daha, Ms. Nuzhat Sadiq, Ms. Shaista Pervaiz, Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Ms. Ayesha Nazir, Ms. Shazia Marri, Mr. Isphanyar M. Bhandara, and Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar.

 

During the briefing on regional connectivity, the Committee was informed about potential trade and transit routes and how they could enable Pakistan to achieve its objective of becoming a long-term regional connectivity hub, provided certain operational challenges are addressed. While commenting on the briefing, the Chair observed that, although some geopolitical realities cannot be changed, consistency in policy and decision-making can strengthen Pakistan's position as a credible trade and transit partner. The Committee further underscored the importance of prioritizing projects based on their viability.

 

On the agenda of high-level inbound and outbound diplomatic engagements, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) briefed the Committee that Pakistan has witnessed a noticeable increase in its diplomatic outreach, despite prevailing global uncertainties. Recent regional developments have strengthened the trust of partner countries in Pakistan, reaffirming its role in regional and international affairs. The Committee, among other matters, welcomed the mutual defence and security cooperation agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, expressing confidence that it would further strengthen bilateral relations.