ISLAMABAD, 10 October, 2026 (Ghufran): Pakistan has confirmed that the United States and Iran are holding discussions on seven points, with Washington having also conveyed its position on Tehran’s proposals, the Foreign Office said on Saturday. Speaking at his weekly media briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said direct contacts between Washington and Tehran had resulted from Pakistan’s mediation efforts. He said a memorandum of understanding was already in place between Islamabad and the parties, with some of the points under discussion aligning with its provisions. The spokesperson said Pakistan and other key countries were working to help resolve the US-Iran conflict. He added that Islamabad wanted direct engagement between the two sides, a reduction in tensions and a negotiated settlement, reaffirming Pakistan’s readiness to resume mediation if required. Pakistan Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia: The spokesperson said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. He stressed that the sanctity of the two holy mosques must be protected under all circumstances and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and protection. Pakistan Raises Concerns Over Terrorism from Afghanistan: Khan said terrorism originating from Afghanistan posed a serious threat to neighbouring countries, particularly Pakistan. He said Islamabad had conveyed its concerns during the Moscow Format meeting. According to the spokesperson, the Afghan Taliban delegation had declined to maintain the position on terrorism reflected in the previous Moscow Format declaration. He stressed that terrorism emanating from Afghanistan was not merely a matter of statements but a national security concern for Pakistan. Khan added that it was too early to say whether Pakistan would participate in the next Moscow Format meeting. Pakistan Rejects India’s Mapping of Disputed Kashmir: The spokesperson rejected India’s attempts to incorporate disputed areas of Jammu and Kashmir into its maps, describing the unilateral action as legally invalid and contrary to relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. He said such actions could neither alter the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir nor undermine the Kashmiri people’s inalienable right to self-determination. Pakistan Protests Killing of Two Citizens: Khan further said two Pakistani citizens were killed by India’s Border Security Force on October 2. He said Pakistan had summoned India’s chargé d’affaires to the Foreign Office on October 3 to lodge a formal protest. Islamabad called for an immediate, transparent and credible investigation, appropriate legal and disciplinary action against those responsible, and the sharing of the investigation’s findings. Pakistan also urged India to exercise restraint and take effective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.