Pakistan rebukes Jaishankar's remarks as 'megaphone theatrics'

The Foreign Office on Thursday strongly condemned remarks made by Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar regarding Pakistan's mediatory role in the current conflict between the United States and Israel, terming them undiplomatic and "megaphone theatrics". According to Indian media reports on Wednesday, Jaishankar had said that New Delhi would not position itself as a "Dalaal (broker) nation" in global geopolitics. He added that there was "nothing new" about Pakistan's role, saying the country had been "used" by the United States since 1981. The statement came in response to opposition concerns over Pakistan's role in facilitating indirect talks between the United States and Iran amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Responding to a question about the remarks during his weekly press briefing today, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said such remarks reflected a "deep sense of frustration". "Such undiplomatic rhetoric betrays the essence of frustration. When arguments run thin, invective appears to fill the gap," he said. The spokesperson added that Pakistan did not subscribe to what he described as "megaphone theatrics". "Our approach is anchored in restraint and decorum, not in rhetorical excesses," he said. Jaishankar, who is widely regarded as a seasoned diplomat, drew widespread criticism for his remarks not only from Pakistan but also from India, with critics terming them a reflection of deep frustration over what they described as Pakistan's diplomatic win in the Middle East conflict. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that Jaishankar saw himself as "a hi-fi dalal" (a high-end middleman), adding that the remarks reflected the minister's personal frustration. Former caretaker foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jilani said the Indian external affairs minister's choice of language "reflects a sick mindset". "Reducing diplomacy to name-calling may serve domestic politics, but it does little to advance peace," he added. Pakistan is quietly making preparations for a potential high-stakes meeting between the US and Iran in the federal capital, in what could mark a significant diplomatic opening aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, The diplomatic activity follows a series of conflicting signals from Tehran. Iran initially denied any direct or indirect engagement with Washington but later acknowledged receiving a 15-point proposal from the United States through Pakistani intermediaries. Pakistan's role as a potential mediator stems from its longstanding ties with both Tehran and Washington, as well as its strategic positioning in the region. Officials say Islamabad has been actively facilitating backchannel communication between the two sides. According to CNN, officials in the administration of US President Donald Trump are working to arrange a meeting in Pakistan as early as this weekend to explore a possible off-ramp to the war. The report suggests Vice President JD Vance could travel to Pakistan, alongside other top officials, although plans remain subject to change.