(2016-03-03) [This is a rush transcript. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated.] Opening Remarks As you are aware, this week Pakistan and the United States held the 6th Round of Ministerial Level Strategic Dialogue in Washington. Adviser to the Prime Minister, Mr. Sartaj Aziz and Secretary of State Senator John Kerry, led their respective sides. A Joint Statement, comprehensively reflecting on the outcome of various segments of the Dialogue, has been issued and available on the Ministry's website. The Prime Minister's visit to the US in October last gave fresh impetus and direction to the multi-dimensional relationship between Pakistan and the US. The 5th and 6th rounds of Strategic Dialogue mechanism will be effectively used in taking the relationship to the next level in diverse fields. The spirit behind the dialogue, particularly of the 6th round was encapsulated in the sentiments expressed by Senator John Kerry. "Expanding and deepening our relationship has long been a personal commitment of mine. Kerry-Lugar-Berman Act was aimed at lasting cooperation between the US and Pakistan, between businesses and universities and citizens. The strategic dialogue is totally in keeping with this kind of broad-based partnership and designed to advance it." Condemning the terrorist attacks in Pakistan, he said: "We will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Pakistan and the Pakistani people in their brave fight against violent extremism." Major emphasis, inter alia was on expanding trade and accelerating economic growth, and concrete initiatives in the fields of science & technology and education. 7th round of the Ministerial Dialogue will take place in 2017. Now the Floor is open for Questions Question The Indian Defence Minister again stated day before yesterday that the Pathankot incident had state support and patronage from Pakistan. Your comments please.(Naveed Saddique - SAMAA) Answer Pakistan believes that all nations need to cooperate with each other to defeat the menace of terrorism. Pakistan condemned the incident. Prime Minister called to assure cooperation. Pakistan took all necessary measures on the basis of preliminary information provided by India regarding Pathankot terrorist attack. JIT has been formed and modalities are being worked out for the visit of the team to India. Cooperation and understanding is the need of the hour. Blame game is unfortunate and unhelpful. Question You read out a part of Secretary Kerry's statement regarding the Pakistan-US Strategic Dialogue but there were other parts of his statement regarding our nuclear program. It is my impression that Pakistan had gone into the dialogue expecting cooperation, but instead, more pressure was exerted on Pakistan. We had gone to expect cooperation in the energy sector to fulfill our energy needs, but instead we were asked to reduce our nuclear material. Your comments. (Bashir Chaudhry - Channel 24) Supplementary Question Pakistan is a non-NATO strategic ally of the United States and we are also their frontline partner in combating terrorism. Some of the remarks during the dialogue reflected deep-rooted apprehensions, bad taste and bad relations between the two countries. Your comments. (Mohsin Raza - Such TV) Answer Pakistan's nuclear deterrence is to deter any aggression against Pakistan's territorial integrity. It is for the defence of Pakistan and its people. As a responsible nuclear state, Pakistan has invested in ensuring nuclear safety, nuclear security and robust command and control system. Question When the Prime Minister visited the United States last time, it was clearly stated by Pakistan that the nuclear issue will not be discussed. How come Pakistan's nuclear program has been discussed under the strategic dialogue? Secondly, this is regarding the MQM leader in London where he has been detained on charges of money laundering and murder of Dr. Imran Farooq. Has there been any communication between the two governments on this issue? Answer Regarding your second question, such matters are dealt with by the Ministry of Interior. As to your first question, Pakistan and the United States discuss all issues bilaterally, including the nuclear issue. If you look at the press release issued before the Advisor's departure for Washington, it shows in detail various strands of the strategic dialogue.The Prime Minister will also attend the forthcoming Nuclear Security Summit in Washington in March, which will be the fourth of its kind. We have always underscored and worked to ensure that the world community recognizes that Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state and that the mainstreaming of Pakistan's nuclear program through inclusion in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is the right step. Pakistan is an energy deficient country and civil nuclear technology is among the sources to bridge the gap. As for your specific query, the Adviser has comprehensively responded in this regard. Question Yesterday, the Indian Consulate in Jalalabad was attacked. What is Pakistan's response to this attack? (Muddasir Hussain - Khyber News) Answer Our position on terrorist attacks around the world is very clear. We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. However, I don't have the details of the incident you are referring to. Question Adviser Sartaj Aziz in a statement said that some Taliban leaders live in Pakistan. Who are those leaders and will Pakistan talk to them regarding the expected Afghan Government-Taliban talks? The first week of March is here and is there any progress on the talks? (Rabia Peer - VOA Radio) Answer You need to see things in their correct prospective. I will not comment on the Adviser's statement. Question Mr. Sartaj Aziz in his interview to an Indian channel had mentioned about a letter from the Foreign Secretary to his Indian Counterpart seeking evidence on Mumbai attacks. Can you share the details of that letter and why India is reluctant to share evidence? (ShaukatParacha - Aaj TV) Answer The Foreign Secretary had written to the Indian Foreign Secretary regarding evidence required for the Mumbai trials. These are those pieces of evidence, which Pakistan had asked for earlier also. This issue was also discussed during the meeting between the Adviser and the Indian External Affairs Minister on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia Conference in December 2015. Additional evidence from India is awaited, which is required to conclude the trial. Question Conflict Armament Research, an EU entity, in its February 2016 Report has named India as a major supplier of weapons to the terrorist organization Daesh in Syria, which indicates linkages between India and Daesh. How Pakistan sees presence of Daesh on its Eastern and Western borders? Secondly, what is the latest position on the Foreign Secretary level talks between Pakistan and India? (Khawaja Nayar Iqbal - Kashmir Post) Answer I have seen the report you are referring to. As you may be aware, the UN Security Council resolution 2253 creates an obligation for all Member States to prevent direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of arms to Daesh. Regarding the Foreign Secretary level talks, the dates are being finalized. Question Recently, Pakistan lifted embargoes on Iran. I want to ask when these embargoes were imposed and why this news was hidden by the Foreign Office and other concerned agencies. Secondly, there are reports that some arrests have been made in Pakistan regarding the Pathankot incident. Would you share any details regarding this? (Anwar Abbas - Waqt News) Answer As far as the second part of your question is concerned, I had answered this question last time also. For details regarding the investigation, kindly contact Ministry of Interior. I draw your attention to a press release and the document we issued in the context, which has necessary details. Question Is there any date yet for talks between the Afghan Government and the Taliban which are expected to take place in the first week of March? Is the venue Islamabad or Murree? (MateenHaider - Dawn News) Answer At the last meeting in Kabul on 23 February, Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) countries had agreed to continue joint efforts for direct peace talks between Afghan Government and Taliban Groups expected to take place by first week of March. It is a shared responsibility of all the 4 countries. So far, we do not have any confirmation of the dates of the talks. The efforts are on. As soon as this information is available we will share with you. Regarding the venue,you would have seen the joint press release of the fourth QCG meeting in Kabul in which all four participating countries have welcomed Pakistan's offer to host the talks. Question It is reported that President Hassan Rohani might be visiting Pakistan at the end of this month to push forward the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline as sanctions have been lifted. Can you share details regarding this? (Zarghoon Shah - Geo TV) Answer I responded to the question last time also. The Prime Minister paid a bilateral visit to Iran and hadextended invitation to the Iranian President to visit Pakistan. A return visit of their leadership is contemplated. Reducing the energy deficit in Pakistan is one of the key priorities of the present Government. As for the IP Gas-pipeline project, you may seek details from the M/o Petroleum & Natural Resources. Question The Advisor's address to the US Foreign Relations Committee is not on the website. Kindly circulate it. Secondly, last night the UN Security Council imposed sanctions on North Korea and North Korea fired six missiles today. What is your reaction on this? (Shahid Rehman - Japanese News Agency Kyodo) Answer Regarding the Advisor's address to the US Foreign Relations Committee, I will look into it and once available would post it on the website. However, a press release was issued which contains salient points. As far as your second question is concerned, we have made our position very clear last time too. The earlier press releases amply reflect our views on the issue [[Every country has the right to peaceful uses of outer space. However, in this case we have noted that the launch is in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, which require DPRK to refrain from such actions. We have persistently maintained that DPRK should abide by all its international obligations and all parties should avoid actions that the detrimental to the objective of the establishment of a nuclear weapons free Korean Peninsula within the framework of Six Party Talks]]. Question There was a report that the High Peace Council in Kabul is suggesting to expand the Quadrilateral Group to include India, Iran and Russia. Did Afghanistan consult the other three members of the Quadrilateral Group? (Jamal Ismail - Alhayat Newspaper London) Answer The Quadrilateral process is continuing satisfactorily and progressing well. The process started in December and four rounds have already been held by now. All the four countries have expressed their satisfaction with the quadrilateral process. Question Some media reports are suggesting that Pope Francis has accepted the invitation of Prime Minister to visit Pakistan. Can you confirm this please? (Amjad Ali - PTV) Answer I don't have details. The Prime Minister's invitation was delivered by two political leaders to Pope Francis. However, I need to confirm that and check the exact details. Question Yesterday the Helmand Police Chief said that the Taliban's Quetta Shura is in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan and they are creating unrest. What is the reaction of Government of Pakistan on this statement? (Amber Shamsi - BBC) Answer I have not seen that statement. I think I can respond to you regarding what Pakistan feels about Afghanistan. We firmly believe and remain committed topeace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and their prosperity and progress. I believe that the Quadrilateral Process is a manifestation of what Pakistan and like-minded countries want for Afghanistan,which is durable peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Let me also reiterate that peace in Afghanistan is essential for peace and stability in the region. Any threat to peace in Afghanistan affects Pakistan most. Peace and stability in Afghanistan is in Pakistan's interest. Question President Ghani announced after the two blasts in Kabul and Kunar that no dialogue is possible with those killing Afghan people, apparently referring to the Taliban. How will it impact the prospects of reconciliation process under QCG?(Sheeba - Daily SAMAA) Answer Pakistan strongly condemned the two terrorist attacks, which took precious lives of innocent people. Pakistan also condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. All countries in the QCG are making endeavours to promote reconciliation with a view to ending violence in Afghanistan and establishing lasting peace there. Question Yesterday, the Indian Foreign Secretary was quoted saying that their priority is to first manage terror not talks. Its implied meaning could be that India has now linked Foreign secretary level talks with the outcome of the investigations of the Pathankot incident. What is the reaction of Pakistan to his statement?(ShaukatParacha - Aaj TV) Answer I have already responded to a similar question which was asked regarding the statement of the Indian Defence Minister. We have taken all necessary steps with regard to the Pathankot incident. Our Prime Minister assured full cooperation and I think this is what we are doing. I also want to draw your attention to the Indian High Commissioner's policy statement that the two things are not linked. The two sides are working on the dates of the Foreign Secretary-level talks. Question Russian Ambassador in an interview to Radio FM-99 said that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Russia has come down to $400 million dollars from $600 million. What is the reason behind this and what steps are being taken by the Government to increase the bilateral trade? Secondly, on 28 February 2016, Mr. Mujahid Mansoori in an article in Daily "Jang" has written with reference to the Wall Street Journal that last year 5 billion dollars were sent to India from Pakistan. If this news is correct, please let us know that who were the senders of such a huge amount?(Fida Hussain - Radio News Network) Answer Regarding the volume of trade it would be better if you contact Ministry of Commerce & Trade because they will be able to provide you exact statistics. I think such data is also available on their website. There is eagerness on both sides to increase the bilateral trade and enhance bilateral ties in diverse fields. As for your other query, I will not comment on media reports. Question Mr. Spokesperson do you know someone named Aafia Siddiqui? Do you remember her? It seems that the Government of Pakistan has forgotten that case and thrown it into the dustbin. The issue of Aafia Siddiqui has not been taken up properly since this Government came into office. Whyhas this issue has been forgotten? (Shahzad Malik - IBC News) Answer The government has not forgotten the case at all. We take it up with the United States. Our Embassy in Washington extends consular assistance to her. You may be aware that there is a case going on in the court over here. Question The Pakistan Cricket Team is about to leave for India on 19 March 2016 to participate in the T20 World Cup. However, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh has made public his inability to provide security to the Pakistani Cricket Team. Has Pakistan taken up this matter on the diplomatic front to ensure the safety for our Cricket Team? Secondly, Pakistan is going to host the dialogue between the Afghan Taliban and the Afghan Government. Can you tell us which Afghan Taliban groups Pakistan will be hosting? br/> Third, any expected date for the Pakistan Joint Investigation Team's (JIT) visit to India? (Saad Umar - Weekly Pakistani) Answer Last thing first. Regarding the JIT visit to Pathankot, its modalities are being worked out. Secondly, I have said this repeatedly that QCG is a process in which four countries are participating and all these countries are making joint efforts that all groups with whom dialogue should take place be brought to negotiation table. As regards the cricket team, Pakistan strongly believes in people-to-people contact.Sports afford an opportunity to that end.Pakistan's cricket team will participate in the T20 World Cup and it is the responsibility of the Indian Government to provide them security. But if you need more details regarding this, please contact Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Question With reference to the Pakistan-US strategic dialogue we had very high hopes that we will get a very positive response from US to our joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Any progress in this regard?(Maqbool Malik - The Nation) Answer We have issued a very comprehensive joint statement. There are six areas in which we cooperate and collaborate with the US. The comprehensive dialogue is aimed at enhancing relations in the fields of Science & Technology and Education and trade and economy, in particular. Regarding the NSG, we are against any discriminatory treatment to any country. Pakistan qualifies and deserves to be invited to join NSG.Pakistan is an energy deficient country and needs assistance in this regard.We have been discussing this matter with the concerned countries. Question My question is regarding Aafia Siddiqui. What is the exact status of your negotiations with the US? Some legal details regarding the status of the negotiations can you please share that? (Javed Rana - Press TV) Answer I have already responded earlier that the case is taken up with the United States and consular assistance has constantly been provided to her. Regarding the technical and legal aspects of the case, I will have to check and get back to you.