(2016-09-01) Opening Remarks Bismillah IrRehman NirRahim Assalaam Alaikum I wish to share with the distinguished media representatives here that Prime Minister has written a letter to the UN Secretary General yesterday in response to the latter's letter and in continuation of his earlier letter regarding the blatant human rights violations of hapless Kashmiris in IOK at the hands of Indian Occupation Forces. The Prime Minister welcomed UNSG's call for making efforts to avoid further violence and thanked for recognizing Pakistan's commitment to the peaceful resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute. UNSG has been apprised of the constantly deteriorating situation in IOK, curfew, media blockade and grave human rights violations of Kashmiris. Highlighting the casualties, injuries and the plight of the eye victims due to the use of pellet guns, the Prime Minister has called for sending a fact-finding mission to IOK to investigate violations of international humanitarian laws and human rights laws. The Prime Minister mentioned that while AJK cannot be compared in terms of the grim tragic situation of human rights in IOK, AJK remains open to any UN Missions for a visit (as it has always facilitated the UNMOGIP, foreign diplomats and tourists). The letter called Prime Minister Modi's unwarranted remarks on Balochistan in complete contravention of the UN Charter and an attempt to divert attention of the International Community from the atrocities being carried out by the Indian Security Forces in IOK. Prime Minister also welcomed the Secretary General's offer of his good offices for eventual resolution Kashmir dispute, which is the main bone of contention between India and Pakistan. You are already aware of the visit of Prime Minister's 22 Special Envoys to various capitals, shortly, to sensitize the Governments and the Human Rights Organizations in those countries on the continued grave violations of human rights of Kashmiris in IOK. The Speaker National Assembly has also written to his Counterparts across the globe, effectively taking up the issue of Kashmir and the ongoing human rights violations in IOK. Many more substantive steps are being taken to constantly highlight the longstanding issue of Kashmir and the plight of innocent Kashmiris in IOK. Pakistan will effectively take up the Kashmir issue at the upcoming 71st Session of UN General Assembly and the OIC meetings on the sidelines. Members of the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) are also undertaking activities to underline the issue of Kashmir and sufferings of the Kashmiris in IOK. Now the Floor is open for Questions Question As you just mentioned, what are Pakistan's expectations from the 22 special envoys of the Prime Minister to internationally highlight the issue of Kashmir? Also, what is Pakistan's reaction to the trilateral arrangements set up by US, India and Afghanistan? (Amjad Ali - PTV) Supplementary Question As you mentioned about the 22 Parliamentarians as Special Envoys, my questions is: what different approach will be taken by them, especially in comparison with our carrier diplomats, High Commissioners and Ambassador? (Shamaila Andleeb - APP) Answer The Special Envoys will highlight the grave human rights violations in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir by the Indian occupation forces. They will call upon the international community to: Urge the Indian government to immediately stop the ongoing bloodshed in the IoK. Call for accountability for killings of innocent people through fair, independent and impartial investigation under the UN auspices. Ensure the realization of the right to self determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions. As to your question specifically, this is the political level. We are talking about the elected Representatives who actually represent the people who have elected them. It is a very different category, a very different channel and I would say it is a straight channel directly to the elected representatives of that country, to whom they are approaching. The idea is to convey the voice of Kashmiris, who have been suppressed and brutalized, straight away to the elected representatives of those countries. Regarding your second question, we have seen the announcement by Secretary Kerry in his press briefing about the proposal to set up trilateral talks between the US, India and Afghanistan. We are not sure as to what is the need for it, what this proposed arrangement hopes to achieve, what would be its parameters and modalities? As for peace in Afghanistan, I reiterate that peace in Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan and the region. Pakistan remains committed to the efforts towards achieving peace through an Afghan owned and Afghan led processes such as QCG, Heart of Asia, etc. Question Please refer to the reopening of Chaman friendship gate, would you like to share the details of what arrangements and agreements which led to the reopening of this gate? (Zarghoon Shah- GEO TV) Answer There have been number of meetings which took place in the past 10 to 11 days but the flag meeting that took place yesterday at the Dosti gate Chaman border resulted in the opening of the gate. Afghan Government's statement condemning the incident of 18 August was appreciated by Pakistan side and it was decided to open the gate from 1st September as a gesture of goodwill. Both sides agreed: (1) to a coordination meeting every month, with the first one to take place on 5th September; (2) to respect each other's flags, leaders, documents, etc.; and (3) at the meeting visa / passport issue will also be discussed. Question Indian Congress leader Mani Shankar Iyer suggests political solution of the Kashmir issue as Kashmiris' struggle cannot be suppressed through sheer use of force. Similarly, Prem Shankar Jha has also said that Kashmir is slipping away and the Government is clueless how to control it. Your comments. Secondly, Mr. John Kerry casts serious aspersions against Pakistan, what is your take on it? He says that the unrest in Afghanistan and India is due to the militants in Pakistan. (Shahid Maitla - ARY News) Answer As to your first question, I have seen the both articles. These are very candid articles by Mani Shankar Iyer and Prem Shankar Jha. These are the people who actually who went to IoK and they saw the ground situation there and they came back with their own assessment of the ground situation. Indian brutalities have been condemned internationally, even within India by politicians, academia, human rights organizations and media. The Indian government should listen to these voices, calling for an end to the bloodshed and respecting the fundamental human rights of innocent Kashmiri people including the right to self determination. As to your second question, you have to see his full statement. The major part of his statement in which his thrust was that Pakistan has come a long way. Pakistan has done quite lot of work and achieved success. He referred in so many ways that and he also recognized Pakistan's sacrifices. Now, in the context of this particular issue, I reiterate that Pakistan is determined to take on the menace of terrorism. Mr. John Kerry also mentioned that it is not the job of just one country. This menace cannot be handled by a single country; we will all have to work together. This is what we have been also saying. He was referring to non-state actors, who are present in most countries. We all know that how these non-state actors actually inflict harm on the innocent people across the globe. The phenomenon of terrorism is not specific to a particular country but it is a global phenomenon. Yes, Pakistan is the among the most affected countries by this menace. We have taken it up the fight against terrorism and are determined to eliminate it. You know about the successes we have made since the Zarb-e-Azb started. These successes and sacrifices of Pakistan has been acknowledged by the leadership of many countries, including the US at various levels and many a times. The most recent example besides Mr. John Kerry's statement, who acknowledged the sacrifices of Pakistan but also during the recent visit of Senator John McCain, who was accompanied by a number of Senators and Congressmen. They visited those areas, which according to their perception were infested and then you know how they appreciated and recognized Pakistan's success, commitment and sacrifices. When he went back, Senator McCain wrote a very comprehensive article on Pakistan's contribution and achievement in counter-terrorism. So, we have to keep all this in mind. Question There has been a Defence Agreement between US and India. What is reaction of Pakistan on it and how this agreement will impact our region? (Khawaja Nayaar Iqbal - Kashmir Post) Answer It is an agreement between two sovereign countries. We hope it contributes to peace and stability in the region. Pakistan would like to see that such arrangements do not contribute to polarizing the region by disturbing the strategic balance in South Asia and escalating the arms buildup. Question Indian External Affairs Minister Ms. Sushma Swaraj recently, ruled out any type of engagement with Pakistan, like peace talks. She said that this will not happen until and unless Pakistan brings those who are involved in the Pathankot attack. Mr. John Kerry also asks Pakistan to join other countries in fight against terrorism. So, what's your take on this issue? (Muddasir Hussain - Khyber News) Answer I think this question has been asked earlier also. We have said this earlier and it is not just Pakistan's view. It is view of the most of the countries that dialogue is the best way to resolve issues between countries. Prime Minister's policy of peaceful neighbourhood envisages amicable settlement of issues such as Kashmir that is between India and Pakistan. You know that the main issue between the two countries is Kashmir so; we need to talk about Kashmir. We have said earlier also that we will not accept any preconditions for talks. We condemned Pathankot incident, we sent our team to India for investigation and whatever intelligence and information that have been gathered by this team is being assessed from the legal angle. So once this assessment is completed we will be able to say something about it. I have said earlier also that whenever India is ready, Pakistan will be ready to engage India through dialogue and definitely we will like to talk about Kashmir because it is the main issue between the two countries and it is also the longstanding issue on the agenda of United Nations Security Council. Question Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has said that attack on American University in Kabul was organized and orchestrated from Pakistan. How does Pakistan respond to this allegation? (Tariq Mahmood - Daily SAMMA) Answer We have condemned the attack on American University in strongest terms. You may recall that following the telephone conversation between President Ashraf Ghani and COAS, Pakistan authorities had undertaken a combing operation. The investigations revealed that the telephone numbers in question belonged to Afghan telecom companies and calls were made from inside the Afghan territory. Pakistan believes in the need of continued cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism, as terrorism remains a common threat. In this context I would refer to the ISPR's press release. Question Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sartaj Aziz reportedly shown his disarray over the US reaction on the gross human rights violations in IoK. What are the expectations of Pakistan from US which simply expressed concern and has not condemned the atrocities in IoK? Secondly, Indian is going to launch a Balochi language radio service. Obviously, its target is Pakistan and especially, Balochistan. What is your take on it? (Syed Mohsin Raza - Daily Asas) Supplementary Question According to credible media reports, Balochistan solidarity day was observed in the Foreign Ministry of Afghanistan in Kabul, in which fiery speeches were made against Pakistan. Your comments. (Zarghoon Shah - GEO TV) Answer We do not comment on the statements made by our Parliamentarians or Ministers. You have his statement with you already. I think as far as Kashmir issue is concerned, our principled position is very clear. The second aspect is the grave human rights violations, which are going on in IoK and it has taken a toll on more than hundred thousand Kashmiris in the indigenous self-determination movement. These are matters of concerns to us and it should be a matter of concern to the entire international community. International community has a role to play, which they should play. UN has a responsibility to resolve this issue because it is a long outstanding issue on the agenda of UNSC with unimplemented Resolutions. With regard to launching of the radio service, I have seen the reports. I am not going to comment on media reports. But I am going to touch upon the particular aspect of Balochistan, which is being used by India. We all need to understand that India is desperately making all efforts to divert international community's attention from the atrocities, which are being perpetrated by the Indian forces in IoK on the helpless and innocent Kashmiris. In the last 54 days these have taken a toll of around 90 innocent Kashmiris. The most gruesome angle of this is the loss of eye sight due to the use of pallet guns by the Indian occupation forces on the Kashmiri kids, young men and women. This has inflicted harm to more than 570 people by now. I will draw your attention to a very revealing article written by Ellan Barry in NYTimes. You must read that. It reflects very comprehensively as what actual situation is on ground in this particular matter. How life time misery has been inflicted through callous and brutal use of pallet guns on innocent Kashmiris. In my opening remarks I mentioned that Prime Minister in his letter to the UN Secretary General also highlighted, with reference to the statement of Mr. Modi on Balochistan, that India is trying to deflect attention from the grave situation in IOK and that the reference is in contravention of the UN Charter. Question In your opening remarks, you have said that important Session of UN General Assembly is going to take place in which Pakistan will take up the issue of Kashmir. There will also be meetings on the sidelines. Our Prime Minister and Indian Prime Minister will also be there. Is there any chance of official or unofficial contacts between the two leaders? Is there any pressure from international community on both leaders to start talks? Also, is there any chance of meeting of the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif with the UN Secretary General? (Naveed Akbar - Dunya Newspaper) Answer It is a very normal thing that whenever there is a big event there are always events on the sidelines. And the bilateral meetings between the leadership of various countries also take place. Regarding the meeting you mentioned is not on cards. However, meeting with the UN Secretary General may take place. I am not really aware of that at the moment. Question You are referring about Mr. John Kerry's comment, there has been some sort of do more syndrome. Whenever they talk about terrorism and Pakistan, they say that you have done well but you need to do more. Something similar yesterday, they said it again. In the meetings held between US and Pakistan, do you also raise the issue that US needs to do more in Afghanistan? (Javed Rana - Press TV) Answer The short answer to your question is that all matters of mutual concern are taken up during these meetings. Question Is Pakistan successful in drawing the attention of international community towards atrocities in Kashmir? Or further efforts are required to achieve this objective like sending of Prime Minister's special envoys to different countries and what will be the role of Foreign Office in this regard? (Asghar Ali Mubarak - Daily Mail Islamabad) Answer We are making these efforts as a matter of commitment. Commitment for helping Kashmiris politically, morally and diplomatically in their efforts or movement towards self-determination. We have in the past highlighted this issue with the view to resolve it and with a view to end the Indian brutalities and sufferings of innocent Kashmiris. In the current phase, which is going on, during the last 54 days, Kashmiris, specially the youngsters, are on the streets despite all restrictions and efforts to deter them. Despite media blackout in IoK, the voice has reached to the international community. International community itself has responded and you have to understand that you cannot ignore various segments in every society. It's not just all about the governments, there are international organizations and civil society members. We are aware that in a number of countries these human rights organizations have raised their voice on what is going on in IoK. I have also referred and somebody also referred in his question that even within the India there are voices who have actually questioned India's brute use of force and the plight of Kashmiris in IoK. Highlighting the Kashmir issue is an ongoing effort, which we will continue till the resolution of Kashmir dispute. We will continue till the justice is delivered to the people of IoK. Question Recently, in an interview to BBC, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Mr. Sartaj Aziz mentioned that Hussain Haqqani is the only obstacle in the way of Pakistan's lobbying in US. Do you have any plan to reengage Mr. Haqqani for such purpose like lobbying as one person is blocking the whole country? (Anwar Abbas - Waqat News) Answer I would again say that we don't comment on the statements of our Adviser or Ministers and Parliamentarians. Secondly, we are fully mindful of those elements who are working against the interest of Pakistan. We pursue policy whereby we are constantly engaging the countries in pursuit of our national interest. I don't know which particular aspect you are referring to; there are many aspects of relationship between the countries. It's not just one dimensional relationship between Pakistan and any country. The relationship is always multi-facet and diverse. There are usually different mechanisms to interact in different fields. Especially, as you referred to the US, we have well established mechanisms already in place and we continue to engage constructively with the view to achieve our short, medium and long term objectives through close cooperation. Question My question is regarding Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia, some of them recently said to BBC that they are not receiving their wages and neither allowed to return. Would you comment on this? (Khuda-e-Noor Nasir - BBC) Supplementary Question BBC has also reported that Government of India is taking this issue very hardly and Pakistan is taking this issue very softly. Your comments. (Abid Khursheed - ATV) Answer First of all, I think Pakistan has made a lot of efforts and continues to do for the welfare and betterment of its people, who are in that difficult situation. Many nationals of other countries are in same situation, and our workers admitted that Pakistan Embassy has more than the others. Secondly, this is absolutely incorrect to say that they are not being allowed to return. I have said that on record that Saudi government has given assurance to the Government of Pakistan and to our Ambassador at various levels, that they are there to help these people. Labor Ministry of Saudi Arabia has established their offices and desks in all these companies, where these people are in difficult situation due company's financial difficulties. They are helping these people to file their claims of dues with the Saudi Courts. I have said this earlier that all those whose visas have expired, they don’t have to worry. Have you heard of one single person belonging to these companies who has been arrested? It is very irresponsible that these reports are being issued in complete isolation and in complete disregard of what I have said from this podium, which is an official word. And I think you should rely on the official word rather than random calls. Our Embassy over there has done its best. Even Pakistani Community has come to assist Embassy to meet the requirements of these people. Of course, the numbers is so large that no one country's Embassy has that kind of budget to meet all the demands of these people. What we could do was to make arrangements for their sustenance. If there is a medical requirement, we got it done by their employers. If there was requirement for constant food supply we got it done that too by their respective employers. Where the food was not available in the remote locations, the companies were paying 200 Riyals per month per one person for the ration. If these people contacted and said we did not get 200 Riyals, we have provided that money to those people in those camps and we have been providing them with a food a number of times. Whatever we could do, we did that and shall continue to do. Secondly, somebody mentioned about India. The Indians are going back. Any Pakistani staying there is doing that on his own wish. Because they say that they will stay there until their dues are settled by the companies. We can't force them against their wish. Whenever they want to return they will be facilitated by us and Saudi government has also given us this assurance. Saudi government has also said that if somebody gets a job in some other company, they are flexible to transfer them. We understand that they are in very difficult situation. There is no denial to that. But if they are staying there for their own reasons; there is no compulsion on them. Many people have sued these companies. Those companies have said that people will have to wait till the courts settle their cases. Question Would you like to pay tribute to your senior colleague and ex-Spokesperson of Pakistan, who has been elected President of Azad Kashmir? Do you think on a lighter note that any bureaucrat can plead Kashmir issue better than a politician? (Abid Khursheed - ATV) Answer We are the functionaries and implement the policies of the Government. Question Heart of Asia is a very important forum and all countries mutually agreed on it. Why the joint declaration of this process was not properly implemented? What are the reasons behind it, is it because of disinterest of some countries included in this process? Is there any plan of next meeting of the Heart of Asia? (Majid Jarral – News One) Answer I have noted your question unfortunately; I don’t have information at the moment, as to when the next meeting of Heart of Asia will take place. I think Heart of Asia process is meant to assist Afghanistan achieve economic and security stability. All the 14 members of the Heart of Asia are engaged in seeing peace and security in Afghanistan. That country is in a state of war for the last 37 years. We have seen that world’s most strong economies and military powers were there for last 15 years. They tried to achieve some sort of solution to the problems of that country but you know what the outcome is. Pakistan whole heartedly supports the Heart of Asia process and also the process which is Afghan led and Afghan owned, for example QCG. We remain committed to see peace and security in Afghanistan as we feel that it is in our interest and in the interest of entire region. Question With the reference to the letter which has been sent to UK Government by Pakistan regarding Altaf Hussain, is any reply of it has been received? Secondly, whether is there any plan to move similar reference against Brahamdagh Bugti? (Salman Rao - Television News Network) Answer You may direct this question to the Ministry of Interior as it falls in their domain. Question According to media reports, India is set to introduce new weapons instead of pellet guns after causing the damage to the eyes of 570 innocent Kashmiris. Your comments please. (Sohail - Dawn News) Answer I think this question was asked earlier also that they are going to introduce new weapons. The Indian decision is an acknowledgement of the heinous criminal acts, committed by the Indian forces, resulting in the loss of innocent lives and thousands of injuries including eye injuries to more than 570 Kashmiris due to the use of pellet guns. We call upon India to immediately end the bloodshed of innocent Kashmiris in IOK.