(2013-03-21) [This is a rush transcript. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated.] This is my first press briefing in the capacity of newly appointed Spokesman. It is indeed a privilege and also a responsibility. I look forward to maintaining a close contact with you all. Before I open the floor let me add that the President of Pakistan is in Ashgabat today. He is visiting Turkmenistan to attend the Nauruz celebrations organized by the government of Turkmenistan. One important dividend of such gatherings is the bilateral contact that the President is able to have. He has already met with the Presidents of Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. I believe there is a meeting planned with the President of Iran today. With that, I would like to open the floor if any one has any questions which I will be happy to answer. Question It is a matter of honor for us that you have taken over as Spokesman. As you also hold the portfolio of AS (UN&EC), there was a briefing to the diplomats about the upcoming elections. Can you tell us, what kind of questions and concerns the diplomatic community has about the elections in Pakistan and which organization so far, like EU, has shown interest to send observer to Pakistan? Answer This subject has also been dealt with in our press release. The diplomats were mostly interested in procedure. There were no concerns; we have all gone through this experience in 2008. The elections at that time were observed by many foreign observers. This time, four Ministries/Agencies came together, namely ECP, MoFA, MoI and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, to put together a simple procedure. The government of Pakistan has expressed its commitment that it would facilitate free, fair and transparent elections. EU has already approached us and we have initiated the process which is well under way. We have also been approached informally by others. Question Drone strikes have been declared illegal by UN as well. What would be the next step of Pakistan after this? Answer You are aware that a UN Special Rapporteur recently visited Pakistan for discussions with us. The Special Rapporteur understood and appreciated Pakistan’s perspective that drone strikes are counterproductive, against international law and violate Pakistan’s sovereignty. There is also a debate going on in the world as to what extent the drone attacks are productive. The report of UN Special Rapporteur will be presented in the General Assembly in October 2013 and there will be further discussion on this issue. Our bilateral discussion with US on this issue is also going on and we have conveyed them our point of view at every level. Question What is update on killing of five Pakistanis in South Africa? Secondly after the LOC incidents, where do Pak-India relations stand today? Answer Yesterday when we learnt of this incident, we immediately contacted Pakistan Mission in South Africa. The Mission has raised the issue with the local government for investigations. The Mission is also facilitating the transportation of dead bodies to Pakistan. We would remain in contact with the South African government to make sure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice. Regarding your second question, I would say that Pakistan remains fully committed to good neighbourly and peaceful relations with India. We have refrained from casting allegations; we have always tried to use the established diplomatic channels to find solutions to any problem that may arise. Even on LOC violations, Pakistan had demonstrated a responsible behavior. We believe that the dialogue process should continue uninterrupted and the two countries should work together to bring peace and prosperity to both countries and to our region. Question Have we received any request from India for talks on water issue? We are still waiting for formal reply from Ministry of Water. I think the dialogue would be held in Islamabad. Secondly, do you know the reason why these Pakistanis in South Africa were attacked and do you have their names? Answer Let me start with the second question. We have the names. All of them except one are from Chakwal, one is from Sheikhupura. My colleague will give you the names as received from our Mission. As for the nature of crime, it is too early to reach a conclusion. Investigations are underway. The police has apprehended one person. One of the injured Pakistanis is stable and that should also help the investigations. It appears to be an arson attack but we are waiting for further details. On your second question, the relations between Pakistan and India on water issues are first and foremost governed by the Indus Water Treaty, for which both countries have commissioners who remain in contact. Wullar Barrage issue is part of the composite dialogue. Secretary Water & Power leads our side on these talks. As soon as the dates for the next round of talks are fixed, the dialogue will take place. Question Pakistan has taken a number of initiatives to facilitate the political stability in Afghanistan but we see that there is still an ambiguity about political process taking roots in that country. There are also tensions between President Karzai and NATO over the nature of war being fought in Afghanistan. Is it a matter of concern for Pakistan? Answer One of the dividends of the last few years is the regional focus that we have brought in our foreign policy. With Afghanistan, we are convinced that stable and peaceful Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan and the region. We do and will continue to do every possible thing within our means to facilitate the process of bringing peace and stability in the region. We do note the statements made, but for us the important thing is that relations with Afghanistan should remain on a positive trajectory. We are also committed to the process that was initiated by the visit of High Peace Council which included the element of support to the reconciliation process. We are facilitating reconciliation and will continue our positive contributions. Question Pakistan has proposed strategic partnership agreement with Afghanistan; I would like to know the status of that agreement? Secondly, regarding the international observers coming to Pakistan to observe the elections, have we received any request from South Asian largest democracy i.e. India? Answer On strategic partnership agreement, it is important for the record that the proposal was initiated by Afghanistan, and Pakistan has positively responded to it. We remain hopeful that there would be progress on this idea. We regard it as an initiative that can contribute to building trust and bringing peace in the region. Regarding your second question, we have not received any application from India on this account. Question What is the agenda of upcoming meeting between Pakistan and Afghanistan planned on March 25, 2013? Answer I do not have exact information on this. I will get back to you later. Question You have said that the President is visiting Ashgabat. Mr. Rehman Malik is also accompanying the President of Pakistan. In what capacity is he accompanying the President of Pakistan in this visit? Answer I do not have the exact composition or status of delegates accompanying the President. I need to check and get back to you. Question The drone attacks started during Musharaf era and he concluded the formal agreement with US. He is coming back to Pakistan on March 24, 2013. Do you plan to litigate him on this issue? Answer This is not the realm of spokesman of Foreign Office. Our policy on drone strikes is clear and consistent. These are illegal, counterproductive and violate the sovereignty of Pakistan. Question Would you agree that international community specially US is interested in good relations between Pakistan and India for stability in Afghanistan because 2014 is just on the corner. I am wondering if Pakistan and India have given some special focus on situation on Afghanistan. What is happening on that front? Answer We wish to see peace in the region. We have a bilateral track with India and one with Afghanistan. We continue to work in earnest for promoting bilateral relations with our neighbors in the larger interest of durable peace in our region. There is an overarching guiding principle for inter-state relations. No country’s territory should be used for any hostile action against the other country. Pakistan follows that and expects that our neighbors would do the same. Question Do you have any update about Moulana Faqir Muhammad? Answer I do not have any update on that. I believe he remains in the custody of Afghan governm