[This is a rush transcript. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated] Bismillah IrRehman NirRahim Assalaam-o-Alaikum Foreign Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi participated in the 17th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Member States of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on the invitation of Prime Minister of Tajikistan H.E. Mr. Qohir Rasulzoda. He conveyed the greetings of Prime Minster, Imran Khan to all the leaders participating in the meeting. This was the second CHG meeting attended by Pakistan after becoming a full member of SCO in June last year. The Council of the Heads of the Government exchanged views on the emerging economic situation in the region and beyond and held in-depth discussions on economic integration, regional connectivity and peace and security. The Foreign Minister in his address to the Council highlighted the importance of SCO as a vital platform to achieve the objectives of peace, security and stability across Eurasia. He underscored the need of upholding peace in an increasingly tense international environment. While speaking about economic development through regional connectivity, Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In the context of SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) the Foreign Minister highlighted Pakistan's commitment in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He offered to SCO member states the sharing of expertise gained in fighting terrorism. The Foreign Minister also expressed Pakistan's full support for peace and stability in Afghanistan and assured full cooperation for SCO's initiative in this regard. Now some highlights from Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where Indian atrocities against innocent Kashmiris have intensified. Indian occupation forces, during the so called search and cordon operations martyred seven (7) persons including a PhD scholar Dr Manan Bashir Wani (26-year old), Ashiq Hussain Zarger, Shabbir Ahmad Dar (40-year-old), Tariq Ahmad Ganie, Mehraj Bangroo, Faiz Mushtaq, Waza and Rayees Habibullah in Kupwara, Pulwama, Shopian and Srinagar areas of Indian occupied territory. The Indian occupation forces have imposed strict restrictions in Lolab and Kupwara towns to prevent people from staging demonstrations against the killing of Dr Wani, who hailed from Tikipora. The recent pictures and videos on social media, of the Indian brutalities unleashed on innocent Kashmiris, continue to be a stark reminder of the real inhumane face of India in IOK. The Indian occupation forces continue massacring innocent Kashmiris with impunity. We urge the international community, especially the champions of human rights, to urge India to immediately halt the human rights atrocities in IOK. The Legislative Assembly of AJK passed a resolution in its sitting of 25 - 28 September strongly condemning the Indian Army Chief's statement about the so-called surgical strikes. Expressing disappointment at the cancellation by India, of the meeting of both Foreign Ministers, the Assembly termed it a negative gesture, which is counter-productive to efforts for normalizing relations between both countries. The AJK Assembly also expressed its firm resolution and staunch support of the Kashmiri people to the armed forces of Pakistan against Indian aggression. It further condemned the gross human rights violations of Indian occupation forces against innocent Kashmiris in IOK and underscored the Indian practice of enhanced ceasefire violations at the LoC and the WB to divert the attention of the international community from the atrocities in IOK. The Foreign Minister of Iran Mr. Javad Zarif called Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to discuss the situation arising following abduction of Iranian guards near the Pakistan-Iran border point of Mirjaveh, on 16 October 2018. The Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed his serious concern on the incident. He also briefed Mr. Zarif about the active efforts launched by the Pakistan law enforcement agencies to ascertain the whereabouts of the missing Iranian guards, in coordination with the Iranian military and intelligence counterparts. It was noted that the two Directors General (Military Operations) were in close contact through hotline to coordinate the search and rescue efforts including enhanced air surveillance and troops deployment in the border area where the incident took place. Foreign Minister, Qureshi said that such incidents are the handy work of our common enemies unhappy with the existing close, friendly relations between Pakistan and Iran. Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment of not allowing anyone succeed in such malicious efforts, Mr. Qureshi noted that Pakistan and Iran have traditionally shared a 'border of peace and friendship' which would be maintained in the same spirit. Thanking the Foreign Minister, Mr. Javad Zarif underscored Iran's desire to overcome all hurdles jointly with Pakistan in maintaining complete peace along the Pak-Iran border. On a positive note, we are happy to see reports of a Khanewal engineering student who has invented a motorbike powered by air. This discovery has the potential to offer an environment friendly economical means of transport showcasing the rich intellectual and innovative potential of Pakistan and its people. The floor is now open for questions Question: Yesterday the Prime Minister has stated that the Government may not go to the IMF. Is there any hope that friendly countries like China will assist us? Secondly, Zaireen visiting Iraq for Chehlum related events, have faced problems. Has Pakistan taken up this issue with Iraqi side? How would you like to comment? (Mr. Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch) Answer: Your first question pertains to the M/O Finance. The management of Zaireen visiting Iran and Iraq is being dealt with at the highest level. The Prime Minister has directed the Ministry of Interior to facilitate the Zaireen. Minister of State for Interior has recently visited Quetta with his team, alongwith a representative of MOFA, to personally oversee the facilities available for Zaireen at Pak-Iran border. He also held meetings with the representatives of various community organizations and government officials in this regard. Our Missions are also in touch with authorities on this issue. Question: Reportedly the US envoy, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad held meetings with Taliban in Qatar and Afghan leadership in Afghanistan to discuss the peace prospects in Afghanistan. The FM has also been briefed during his brief stop-over in Doha and had also met Taliban. How would you like to comment? (Mr. Mateen Haider, GTV & Mr. Shahid Maitla - Bol News) Supplementary Questions: Has Pakistan played any role in US-Taliban meeting in Qatar and will it do so in the future? (Mr. Mohsin Raza Khan, Daily Asas Publication) Reportedly, the friendship gate at the Pak-Afghan border in Chaman has been closed for indefinite period due to the differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan on border fencing. Exchange of cross border firing has also been reported in the media. How do you see this situation? Secondly, considering the situation in Afghanistan, do you think that the CASA-1000 project will be feasible? (Mr. Faisal Raza Khan- 92 News) Answer: You are aware that it has been long held position of Pakistan that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and the most viable way forward is an Afghan led, Afghan owned political process. We are pleased that other important actors are also arriving at the same conclusion and are exploring possibilities of initiating a peace and reconciliation process. We welcome efforts for a negotiated settlement of the Afghan conflict and will extend all possible support for any such efforts. Pakistan wishes to see peace and stability returning to Afghanistan which is an important neighbor and a brotherly country. Pakistan is building border management infrastructure along Pak-Afghan border with a view to interdict the cross-border movement of terrorists, smugglers and other undesired elements while facilitating legitimate trade and travel between the two countries. Our efforts, so far, have been successful in denying terrorist freedom of movement across Pak-Afghan border. We will continue this endeavor and complete our border management project in the stipulated time period. We would like Afghanistan to take similar steps on its side of the border to fully address the issue which has not only affected the security and stability of Afghanistan but also its neighbors and the regional countries. Pakistan would be ready to share its know-how and extend material support to Afghanistan in this regard. Regarding Chaman border crossing, it remains open. Pakistan remains committed to ensure the flow of bilateral trade and people to people exchanges. Regarding CASA-1000 and other energy and gas pipeline projects, I must say that they are win-win projects involving, Pakistan, Afghanistan and other partner countries. These projects will bring shared prosperity and economic development to all involved countries. Question: Reportedly, Afghan Government with the financial and technical support of India had planned construction of 12 reservoirs on the Kabul River that would generate 2400 megawatts of electricity, which may drastically affect the agriculture sector in Peshawar valley. Is Pak planning to have some kind of legal arrangement for the judicious distribution of water between the two countries to avoid any conflict in future? Your comments please? Reportedly, US officials have stated that the US will pressurize Pakistan to attain its objectives in Afghanistan. What kind of pressure do you think the US is applying and what are the objectives for which Pakistan is kept under duress by the US? Do you think Pakistan is under pressure from the US? (Mr. Shaukat paracha, Aaj News) Answer: Pakistan is the upper riparian as well as lower riparian when it comes to Kunar and Kabul rivers. Although at the moment, we do not have any legal instrument that regulates sharing of waters between our two countries; Pakistan and Afghanistan remain engaged for optimal utilization of the available water resources. We believe that water resources must be used in a manner that benefits both the countries and in line with the international law, norms and best practices for water sharing between the upper and lower riparian. Regarding your second question, Pakistan has been reiterating that it supports an Afghan owned, Afghan led peace process for end of conflict in Afghanistan. We are not and will not be affected by any pressure. Question: Is there any possibility of cancelling of the LNG deal between Qatar and Pakistan, as it has been reported in sections of the media? Secondly, would you please confirm whether the Foreign Minister of Qatar will be visiting Pakistan? (Mr.Kausar Lodhi - Prime TV) Answer: Your first question pertains to Ministry of Petroleum. I will check and revert regarding the visit of Foreign Minister of Qatar. Question: Reportedly, a meeting is scheduled to be held in Pakistan under the umbrella of APAPPS. Please confirm? (Mr. Ali Hussain - Business Recorder) Answer: I will get back to you on this. Question: Reportedly, the US forces want to exit Afghanistan. What will be Pakistan's reaction in that scenario? (Mr. Khawaja Nayyar- Daily Kashmir Post) Answer: Pakistan has been reiterating that the US forces should stay in Afghanistan till the achievement of complete peace and stability. I would like to draw your attention to the chaos in the aftermath of the withdrawal of USSR in the late 1980s. The region cannot afford anything similar, at this time. Question : Reportedly, the FATF delegation is in Pakistan. Would you like to update? (Mr. Khalid Azeem-Samaa Tv) Answer: The question pertains to the Ministry of Finance Question: Reportedly, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to negotiate a free trade agreement (FTA) for trade liberalization and increasing the volume of trade between the two countries. When is the agreement going to be finalized and how can Pak benefit from it? (Mr. Majid Jarral- News One) Supplementary Questions: Do you think defence relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would be affected in view of the recent statements by the US against Saudi Arabia,? (Mr. Majid Jarral- News One) Has Pakistan condemned the incident involving missing Washington Post's journalist Mr. Jamal Khashogi? (Mr. Anwar Abbass -Waqat News) Answer: (Based on updates after the briefing) - Regarding the question on FTA, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia do not have a Free Trade Agreement, because under the GCC Charter, no GCC Country can enter into an FTA with a non-member country. However, during the recent visit of a high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia, the Saudi side expressed interest in increasing imports from Pakistan. Both sides agreed to offer greater market access to each others' products by lowering tariffs on reciprocity. Both sides also agreed to reduce visa fees for businessmen for boosting bilateral trade relations. Regarding your second question however, I would not like to comment on the bilateral relations between two countries. Regarding Jamal Khashogi incident, we have already issued a statement. Question: The Indian Ministry of External Affairs' Spokesman rejected your comment of reported use of chemical weapons in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The MEA issued a strong statement on the subject. Do you have any comments? (Mr. Bashir Chaudhry - 24 News) Answer: We have seen the MEA's reaction. Our comments were made after serious concerns were expressed by Kashmiri circles. It is a fact that IoK's Human Rights Commission has asked the local administration to investigate the matter in view of the reports of use of chemicals in the ammunition and mutilation of bodies in Bandipora. It is also a fact that reports of use of weapons with chemical agents by Indian security forces in IoK have appeared before as well. We had earlier also called for thorough and independent investigations into such reports. We reiterate our call. The UN Commission of Inquiry as envisaged in the OHCHR report may also look into it provided India is not shy of permitting their visit. There is a litany of unspeakable crimes being perpetrated by the Indian security forces in IoK, as documented by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in his latest report. We hope that India would act responsibly and not use chemicals in the ammunition against those who are engaged in a legitimate struggle for self-determination. Question: Reportedly, China and India are planning to train the Afghan diplomats. Your comments? (Mr. Shahid Maitla - Bol News ) Answer: Pakistan also has training programs for Afghan diplomats and officials, which run from time to time. Question: Will Pakistan's policy on the Jammu & Kashmir dispute change under the new government, as Pakistan and India have not been able to find a solution even after the passage of so many years? (Mr. Arif Chaudhry-Metro News) Answer: Pakistan's position on the Jammu & Kashmir dispute remains consistent. We continue to support the resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute according to the will and wishes of the Kashmiris, in line with the various UN Security Council Resolutions. Let me underline the fact that the Jammu & Kashmir dispute remains unresolved because India is not honoring the commitments of its forefathers who took the dispute to the UNSC. You have seen in the recent past that we have conveyed to India, Pakistan's readiness to negotiate all outstanding issues i.e. the Jammu & Kashmir dispute, Sir Creek, Siachen, terrorism etc. India first responded positively and then went a step back. Our position on the Jammu & Kashmir dispute remains as consistent as it was seventy years before. Question: You have clearly stated that Pakistan is in not in favor of US forces exiting Afghanistan at this moment, while the Taliban want the US to exit as soon as possible. Who has given the mandate to the allied forces to invade and stay in Afghanistan? (Mr. Mazhar Iqbal-Public TV) Supplementary Question: Do you think that by taking this position Pakistan is inviting the ire of the Taliban, who are fighting against US forces in Afghanistan? Are you in favor of the US invasion of a sovereign country? Secondly, we are also fencing the border with Afghanistan. Do you think we are afraid of the Taliban? (Mr. Abbas-Daily Domestic News) Answer: We are not afraid of anyone. The allied forces are in Afghanistan under the mandate of the UN Security Council which is renewed every year. The objective of the allied forces in Afghanistan is to achieve and maintain peace and stability. We are of the opinion that until and unless this objective is achieved, the allied forces should stay in Afghanistan. Regarding the second question, you must have seen the reports that Taliban are now talking directly with the US. Question: Reportedly, the Indian Government is trying to close PIA operation in India and has already started the process of freezing PIA bank offices in India. There are reports that the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has ironically withheld security clearance for PIA, which has been operational in India since more than 40 years. Your comments please? (Mr. Tariq Mehmood-Hum News) Answer: PIA has been facing problems with regularization of its accounts in India - The matter is currently sub-judice in the Delhi court - the court was informed at the last hearing that the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has refused security clearance. PIA is pursuing the case in the court. Our High Commission in New Delhi is extending full cooperation to PIA. Despite repeated requests, the Indian Government has also refused to extend the visa of PIA manager's family forcing them to return to Pakistan. We have underscored to the Indian side the need for facilitating smooth operation of PIA in line with its obligations under the Air Services Agreement between India & Pakistan. Failure to do so would be a setback not only for the airline and people to people contacts but also bilateral relations. We expect the matter to be resolved amicably. Question: The rapist and murderer of Zainab was charged, convicted, sentenced and hanged by Pakistan yesterday, in less than 10 months. Sadly, in the rape and brutal murder of Asifa, the 8-year-old Kashmiri girl where the accused include an Indian priest of the temple where she was raped and Indian police officers appears to have been buried by the Indian Government. (Ms. Rashida Siyal-Ab Tak News) Answer: Alhumdulillah, the murderer and rapist of Zainab was hanged yesterday. It was essential, not only for her family, but for the whole society to ensure effective deterrence of such abominable crimes. You would recall that the body of Asifa, the 8 year old child in IOK was found on 17 January 2018. She had been brutally raped and strangulated to death. Forensic evidence suggested that she had been held for several days by Sanji Ram, the priest of the temple where this heinous act took place. It also revealed that she had been raped multiple times by different men, and strangled to death, as well as hit in the head with a heavy stone. Vaginal swabs matched with the DNA of the accused as did some other samples. Hair strands found in the temple where Asifa was raped matched that of the girl and the accused. The lack of progress in the heinous rape and murder of Asifa despite strong statements by the highest circles in India and in the face of strong forensic evidence is sadly incomprehensible. Documented public displays of sitting senior members of the incumbent Government chanting slogans in support of the rapists and communalizing rape and brutal murder of an innocent child defies any and all standards of humanity and basic decency. Even in death, poor Asifa could not find peace and her parents were forced to bury her in another village due to threats from right wing Hindu activists. Innocent children are the future of humanity and need to be protected irrespective of politics, religion, caste, creed or nationality. We hope the Indian judicial system will award effective punishment commensurate with the heinous crime to the accused. Question: The Chinese ambassador in his interview to the WION TV has clearly stated that Pakistan and China are considering the extension of CPEC to Afghanistan. How would you like to comment? (Mr. Anas Malik - Wion TV) Answer: CPEC is originally between Pakistan and China. However, both countries, after mutual agreement have been discussing investments to and from various countries, in projects related to CPEC, especially the SEZs. Question: India has been elected to the Human Rights Council despite the atrocities beibng committed by the Indian occupation forces in IoK. Is this likely to affect Pakistan's position on the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in HRC? (Mr. Shabbir Wagra - PTV) Supplementary Question: Reportedly India got 183 votes in the HRC election. Do you think that Pakistan has lobbied effectively against India and why has Pakistan not been successful? (Mr. Fida Hussain - Radio News Network) Answer: We have been highlighting and will continue to highlight the Indian atrocities in IoK and the human rights violations against minorities in India. Question: Recently, the Foreign Minister visited Dushanbe and attended the SCO meeting. Reportedly, the CASA-1000 pipeline was also discussed. Would you like to elaborate the progress of the CASA-1000 project? (Mr. Shabbir Wagra - PTV) Answer: During the Foreign Minister's visit to Dushanbe to attend the SCO Heads of Government Meeting, he called on the Tajik Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda. Among other things, implementation of CASA-1000 was also discussed. Both the leaders stressed on fast-tracking the implementation of the project. Both the leaders also underscored that CASA-1000 project will not only develop an energy corridor in Central Asia but also bring peace and socio-economic prosperity of the region. Question: On the economic front, Pakistan is in a state of war the dollar rate has gone very high which has put extra burden on the people of Pakistan. Secondly would you clarify the matter of kidnapping of Iranian border guards near the Pak-Iran border? (Mr. Salman Hashmi - Forensic eye) Answer: On Iranian issue I have talked at length. Your first question pertains to Ministry of Finance. I will only say that Pakistan will come out of the ongoing financial difficulties soon. We should remain steadfast and should not fear any adversity. Supplementary Question: You have stressed that Pakistan will soon come out of the ongoing financial difficulties and we need not fear any adversity. Would you like to repeat it? (Mr. Shahid ur Rehman - Kyodo news) Answer: I am confident that we shall come out of our financial problems soon. You can mark my words. Question: If India under article 370 of its constitution can grant constitutional status to Indian occupied Jammu & Kashmir why cannot Pakistan grant the same status and rights to the people of Gilgit Baltistan? (Mr. Fida Hussain - Radio News Network) Answer: You are all familiar with the giant steps that Pakistan has taken to empower the people of GB & AJK. There is no comparison between the situation in IOK and AJK. The Indian occupation forces are indulging in a brutal killing spree employing pellet guns and using human shields with impunity. Their draconian laws, use of harassment and rape as a tool of war, in their attempts to suppress innocent Kashmiris is an open secret also validated by the recent OHCHR Report. Question: President Donald Trump signed an executive order wherein the US sanctioned Iran and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. The US has also moved away from the JCPOA. How do you see these developments? (Mr. Faisal Raza-92 News ) Answer: Pakistan has been reiterating that it is in favor of JCPOA and all the countries should abide by the said agreement, which is the only way forward. Question: Reportedly, Pakistan Navy is no longer participating in the Anti-piracy Task Force due to a decision by the US to cut fuel subsidies for Pakistani patrol boats. Can you please confirm? (Asim Rana - ARY News) Supplementary Question: Pakistan has left the Anti Piracy Task Force but remains a part of Combined Military Task Force. Your comments? (Mr. Faisal Raza - 92 News) Answer: Yes, this is correct. However, one of the ships of Pakistan Navy continues to be in associated support of the Coalition Maritime Forces (CMF). You can get further information/details from Pakistan Navy. Question: Reference the call by the Chinese Minister of International Development on the Prime Minister, it has been reported that the Minister has pledged to support Pakistan to fight against corruption. Can you please provide some details? (Ms. Shomaila Andleeb - APP) Answer: The question pertains to NAB/FIA. Pakistan is cooperating with China in devising ways and means to root out corruption. Question: Reportedly some Israeli and Pakistani officials have secretly met. Would you like to comment? (Syed Mohsin raza- Daily Asas) Answer: I don't have any such information. Question: Regarding the disciplinary cases against various officers of MOFA, that you mentioned two weeks ago, is there any update? (Mr. Matin Haider- GTV) Answer: There is no update in the matter. Question: Reportedly, India has apprehended three Kashmiris for allegedly supporting the 'Sikh for Justice Movement' and Khalistan. How would you like to comment? (Mr. Zahid Farooq Malik- Daily Metro) Answer: Pakistan has been condemning and highlighting the indiscriminate Indian atrocities and human rights violations in Jammu & Kashmir. India continues to harass and oppress innocent Kashmiris by labeling them as 'terrorist', 'militants' and now as you mention supporters of this movement in an attempt to justify its atrocities. Question: Is the Malaysian Prime Minister scheduled to visit Pakistan? Please confirm? (Mr. Ali Hussain -Business Recorder) Answer: I don't have any information.