(2013-08-16) [This is a rush transcript. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated] There are no opening remarks. The floor is open for Questions. Question My question is regarding situation along the LoC, what does India want to achieve out of that and what is her objective? Answer Pakistan has expressed its deep concern over the tensions along the LoC and we have been communicating our concern to the Indian government. It is our hope that in the larger interest of peace in the region as envisioned by our leadership, tensions along the LoC will be reduced, and ceasefire will be respected by the Indian side. Question Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has accused Pakistan for allowing its soil to be used for anti Indian activities. What do you have to say about that? Secondly, what is on the agenda of the upcoming visit of Afghan President to Pakistan and what do we want to achieve out of this visit? Answer It’s not for me to make a comment on the statement of the Indian Prime Minister. But I can explain our position on this matter. We have always expressed our firm conviction that Pakistan does not allow its territory to be used for terrorism anywhere in the world. Pakistan itself being a victim of terrorism is cooperating with international community to fight the common enemy of terrorism. The present government is fully committed to this goal, and is in the process of formulating a comprehensive counter terrorism strategy. On your second question, there will be a substantive agenda for talks with the President of Afghanistan when he visits Pakistan later this month. Pakistan and Afghanistan have an important and wide ranging relationship, from political issues to trade and commerce, people to people exchanges, Afghan refugees, to Pakistan’s participation in reconstruction projects in Afghanistan. The regional situation and post 2014 situation in Afghanistan will also be discussed during the visit. Exact dates of the visit are being worked out. Question After the mounting of tensions between Pakistan and India along LoC, the Indian media is trying to make public sentiments against Pakistan. In an article in one of the Indian newspaper, they have directly alleged the ISI for hiring some assassins to kill Indian Ambassador in Kabul. Do you think, this is something that a journalist can do at his own or there is some agenda behind this? Answer I have seen that article. Normally we do not respond to such opinion articles. The allegations made in that article are most ludicrous. They represent an attempt to malign Pakistan and its national security institutions. We also see such notions being advanced with the aim of creating misunderstanding with our Afghan brothers. We have no doubt that these designs will fail. Question In the tensions between Pakistan and India, is Pakistan still making arrangements for the meeting between the two Prime Ministers in New York next month? Secondly, SCO is scheduled next month. What are the preparations and who will represent Pakistan? Answer It is the stated policy of the present government articulated by the Prime Minister himself that Pakistan will continue to pursue a policy of restraint and responsibility and we will also continue to pursue the policy of talks and dialogue to address all issues of mutual interest. The anticipated meeting between the Prime Minister of Pakistan and India along the sidelines of the UN General Assembly next month would be one such opportunity for talks at the highest level. Should that meeting take place, as indicated by the Prime Minister it would be a useful opportunity to engage in a constructive dialogue to discuss steps to further build trust and consolidate this relationship. This approach is in keeping with the larger vision that our Prime Minister has articulated for our country and the region i.e. we need peace in our neighborhood in order to create the space needed to concentrate our energies on the welfare of the people of Pakistan. On SCO meeting that you have referred to, the Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs is likely to represent Pakistan. Shanghai Cooperation Organization is an important organization that we believe can play a useful role. Pakistan remains engaged with the Organization. Question What is our position on granting MFN status to India because the deadline to grant the status was February 2013? There is no stated policy by this government. What do you think? Answer For the grant of MFN status there are certain issues to be addressed by both countries, such ascreating a consensus among stakeholders within Pakistan and persuading the Indian government to remove non tariff barriers. As soon as the dialogue resumes, all these issues will be discussed in order to move towards a normal trading relationship between the two countries. Question Regarding the visit of the UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon, he said that drone strikes should only be used for gathering intelligence. At the same time, he also said that efforts should be made so that minimum causalities occur because of the drone strikes. These two statements do not agree with each other especially with regard to Pakistan’s stance on drone issues? What do you think? Answer The statement of the UN Secretary General, available on the UN website, was very clear. He said that the use of drone strikes must be subject to international law, including international humanitarian law. I don’t see any contradiction that you mentioned. Pakistan has also a similar position. We believe that the drone strikes violate our sovereignty and international law and they are also counter-productive. This issue was raised by the Prime Minster in his talks with the UN Secretary General. Overall, I must add here, that the visit of the UN Secretary General was very successful and productive. The visit reflected an acknowledgement of the high profile that Pakistan enjoys within the international community. Pakistan as the largest contributing country is helping further the cause of international peace and security. We are also working actively on the development, climate change, energy and many other issues on the UN agenda. The participation of the UN Secretary General in our Independence Day flag hoisting ceremony added to our celebrations of the auspicious day. Question We have been hearing about the US trying to defuse tensions between Pakistan and India. Are the leaders of the two countries directly talking to each other or diplomats are speaking to each other to defuse the situation? Answer We have the necessary channels open with India, including the diplomatic and military channels. Pakistan wants tensions free relations with India. It is part of the vision that our Prime Minister has articulated for our country and the region. We will continue to pursue the policy of restraint, responsibility and dialogue. We believe that through constructive engagement and uninterrupted dialogue tensions can be reduced and relations improved. Question One of the members of Afghan High Peace Council has said that Afghan Government would ask Pakistan and Qatar governments to change the place of talks with Taliban to Saudi Arabia or Turkey. Did the Afghan Government consult with you on this issue and what Pakistan can do for the negotiation between Taliban and Afghan Government? Answer Pakistan has taken a principled stance of fully supporting the Afghan peace and reconciliation process. It was in that context that we also supported the Doha talks. Pakistan further believes the reconciliation process must be led by Afghans themselves. It has to be an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process. We will facilitate in whatever manner we can. We have a genuine interest in seeing lasting peace in Afghanistan since peace in Afghanistan will usher peace in our region. Question What is the role of OIC over the situation in Egypt? Answer If I recall correctly the OIC Secretary General has expressed regret for the victims of the current events in Egypt and called on all parties to exercise restraint and to return to dialogue in order to forge national consensus and bring social peace. You may find further details on OIC website. Pakistan is a member of OIC. In our national capacity, we have expressed our deep concern over the use of force which has resulted in loss of hundreds of innocent lives in Egypt. As a friend and a well- wisher of the people of Egypt, Pakistan urges all parties to exercise restraint and to respect the fundamental rights of the fraternal people of that great country. The political prisoners must be released to ensure that the legal and constitutional issues can be addressed through dialogue among all parties, in an inclusive and peaceful manner, to enable the country to successfully return to democracy as early as possible. It is the earnest hope of the Government and people of Pakistan that the brotherly people of Egypt would be able to overcome their current challenges, in a manner that ensures sustained democracy, political stability, and economic development, while ensuring peace and well-being of the people. ******************