(2017-08-17) Opening Remarks Bismillah IrRehman NirRahim Assalaam Alaikum We strongly condemn the Quetta blast in which our brave FC Personnel embraced Shahdat. We pay tribute to the personnel of our Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies, who render the ultimate sacrifices for the protection of our country and its people. Pakistanis celebrated 70th Anniversary of Independence Day on 14th August all over the world with zeal and fervor. While Pakistan's friends from across the globe expressed their sentiments on this auspicious occasion, the presence of Chinese Vice Premier at the Flag Hoisting Ceremony and participation of the Saudi Arabia and Turkish Air Forces in the Air Show was significant. As we commemorated the country's most important celebrations, our brothers and sisters in Indian occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IoK) were subjected to worst atrocities in living memory at the hands of India occupation forces when they raised slogans in favour of Pakistan's 70th Anniversary. Killing of innocent Kashmiris, illegal detention and harassment of Kashmiri leadership, destruction of Kashmiris' properties and terrorizing of Kashmiri women continues with impunity. And the civilized world only watches without a word of condemnation. History will record this sheer apathy for generations to come. Indian occupation forces in last 5 days martyred yet another six (6) Kashmiris [Owais Ahmad Dar (20), Mohammad Syed Bhat (25),Mohammad Yasin Yatoo, Umar Majid Mir, Irfan ul Haq Shiekh, Muhaammad Ayoub Lone] in Shopian and Pulwama to suppress the indigenous self-determination movement of Kashmiris in IoK. Over 50 Kashmiris, mostly youth, were injured due to use of brute force by Indian forces. Pakistan strongly condemns killing of innocent and defenceless Kashmiris. How long will the conscience of the fair-minded remain unaffected? Hurriyat leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq,Yaseen Malik, Shabbir Ahmed Shah, Aasiya Andrabi, Mussarat Alam Bhat, Fahmeeda Sofi, etc. are facing threats to their lives while in detention/house arrest in IoK. They have been deprived of life saving medicines and Shabbir Ahmad Shah has also received threats to his life in the infamous Tihar jail. He has been kept with dangerous inmates. Indian forces are in contravention of all Human Rights conventions on human rights and right to life as well as the UN Charter. Now the Floor is open for Questions Question FS Tehmina visited Kabul on this week. Apparently, it was an unannounced sudden visit. What prompted it and details? (Shibba Mahar - Daily SAMAA) Supplementary Question Various delegations went to Afghanistan before but we did not see any development. What are your expectations from the present Foreign Secretary's visit? (Rabia - Radio Free Europe) Answer The FS visited Kabul for bilateral political consultations on the invitation of her Afghan counterpart, which came right after her taking charge as FS, so it wasn't something sudden. The earlier round of the consultations was held in June 2016, when Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister (Afghan Counterpart of FS) Mr. Hekmat Karzai visited Islamabad. During Foreign Secretary's visit, the two sides discussed a range of issues including political, economic, trade and transit, facilitation of people-to-people contacts, border management, early repatriation of Afghan refugees and continuing efforts for achieving last peace and security in Afghanistan. The Foreign Secretary emphasized on an Afghan-led credible peace process as Pakistan believes there's no military solution to the Afghan conflict. The two sides underlined the importance of security cooperation between the institutions of the two countries to fight the common challenge of terrorism. It was also agreed to continue engagement at all levels for bringing lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region. The Foreign Secretary also called on the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. These visits are helpful in setting the direction to our bilateral relations. This was not a one-off meeting; we have regular institutionalized mechanism in place, whereby bilateral political consultations take place. This was second meeting in consecutive years. You are also aware that earlier exchanges and high level contacts between Pakistan and Afghanistan were instrumental in increasing cooperation between the two sides and developing better understanding of each other's issues. The previous interactions included London meeting between former Adviser Mr. Sartaj Aziz and Afghan NSA Mr. Hanif Atmar, Parliamentary exchanges, Astana meeting between the former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Ashraf Ghani on sidelines of SCO Summit, participation in Kabul Process and FS visit are a manifestation of increasing cooperation and understanding. Question Secretary of State Rex Tillerson congratulated FM through a telephone call. Amidst all the unfovourable news reports emanating from DC regarding US review, how do you see the Trump Administration's gesture of goodwill? Secondly, US Under-Secretary of State Mr. Shanon, praised Pakistan for its counter-terrorist efforts and Secretary of State also called as a special gesture, both on Pakistan's Independence Day occasion. Earlier, Ambassador Alice Wells visited on a good will visit. Is this change in the wind reflective of charge in US policy towards Pakistan? Your comments please! (Shaukat Paracha - Aaj TV) Answer With regard to Mr. Shaukat Paracha's question, we have issued a press release in this regard. The Foreign Minister received a call from US Secretary of State Mr. Rex Tillerson, who congratulated him on the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of Pakistan's Independence, and on assumption of the office of the Foreign Minister. He extended invitation to our Foreign Minister to visit the US, which the latter accepted. The Foreign Minister intends to visit the US, shortly. As to your second question, not only did Ambassador Alice Wells attend flag hoisting ceremony at Pakistan Embassy in Washington DC, but Under Secretary of State Mr. Shanon also made a statement in this regard, which you referred to. We have said it time and again about US recognition and acknowledgement of Pakistan's contribution to the international efforts for countering terrorism and its sacrifices in fighting back the terrorists. The US leadership has, on many occasions, said that they attached high importance to its relations with Pakistan. We have long-standing relationship with the US, which is multi-dimensional and diverse. Its manifestation is the institutionalized mechanism of Strategic Dialogue at the Ministeral level. Since 2014, regular meetings under the Strategic Dialogue have taken place. The dialogue has six working groups for cooperation including Energy, security, strategic stability & non-proliferation, defence, law enforcement & Counter-terrorism, economic & finance, Education, Science & Technology. Question What is your reaction on the US decision to declare Hizbul Mujahideen as a terrorist organization? (Tariq Mahmood - SAMAA TV) Supplementary Question In his recent statement, US Secretary of State has alleged that Pakistan lacks religious freedom, and its religious minorities are under duress while inaugurating the State Department's Annual Religious Freedom Report. It has been reported that the report particularly criticizes Pakistan and China in the context of religious freedom. Your comments please! (Tariq Sial - INN & Jinnah Newspaper) (Khawaja Nayaar Iqbal - Kashmir Post) Supplementary Question US has recently declared Hizbul Mujahideen as a terrorist organization. How will it impact on the freedom movement in IoK? Secondly, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said that Pakistan lacks in religious freedom in the country. How does Pakistan respond to this? (Shahid Maitla - ARY News) Answer With regard to your questions on US decision, we are disappointed in view of the fact that Kashmir is an internationally recognized dispute with UNSC Resolutions pending implementation. Neither Indian presence in IoK nor its brutal actions against defenceless Kashmiris are lawful. The 70-year old indigenous struggle of Kashmiris in Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir remains legitimate. The designation of individuals or groups supporting the Kashmiri right to self-determination as terrorists is completely unjustified. The gross and systematic violation of human rights of the Kashmiri people in IoK that have been recorded and reported by independent human rights bodies is a reality. Over the past one year, the world has witnessed an intensification of the brutal policies of repression being pursued by Indian occupation forces. This includes the full or partial blinding of over a thousand innocent Kashmiris through the use of pellet guns, rape as an instrument of state policy, extrajudicial executions, use of human shields by Indian occupation forces, arbitrary arrests, undocumented disappearances, humiliation of Kashmiris on a daily basis, the blowing up of their homes and the denial of their fundamental freedoms of movement, expression and opinion as well as religious freedoms. Despite this relentless state terror, the Kashmiris remain undeterred and unbowed. Overlooking killing and deliberate blinding of hundreds of Kashmiri children and teenagers is painful and not understandable. It is India that deserves to be held accountable for brutal use of force against Kashmiris, and for committing gross human rights violations. Pakistan shall continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support for the just struggle of the Kashmiri people for the realization of the right to self-determination and the peaceful resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions. As regards the question related to the US State Deptt.'s Report on Int'l Religious Freedom, the report is a regular feature and has referred to the issue of religious freedom in many countries of the world, including India, wherein there is comprehensive mention of repression of religious minorities and atrocities committed by the Hindu cow vigilantes. Media seems to have missed out mentioning other countries and this is why we do not comment on the media reports, which you have pointed out. I may comment on its contents after I have gone through the report. Question On the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day, a 400 feet Pakistan flag was hoisted at Wahga border. As a consequence, the Indian media has started a back clash, alleging that Pakistan is undertaking espionage under the garb of this flag. Earlier, they had claimed Pakistani pigeons to have carried out similar activities. How do you comment on this Indian mindset? (Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal - Kashmir Post) Answer We are proud that Pakistan has hoisted the largest flag in South Asia. I won't be able to comment on India's state of mind, perception or delusion. You yourself referred to one such example. What is required of our neighbor is for them to realize that the world has come of age, where neighbours have to cooperate for the greater benefit of the region. Both Pakistan and India are neighbors, and we cannot wish away this reality. Therefore, for the safety and security of our region, we need to settle all issues amicably, and through dialogue. India has to take steps to convey its sincerity in this regard. The atrocities in IoK must come to a complete halt immediately. The main bone of contention remains Jammu & Kashmir dispute, which has to be settled peacefully through dialogue and in accordance with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. There has to be a sense of realization in India as to what the way forward is, and why the relations are not moving in the right direction. Question How do you react to Prime Minister Modi's statement on Indian Independence Day that 'neither bullet nor abuse but embracing Kashmiris of IoK is the solution'? (Shaukat Paracha - Aaj TV) Supplementary Question Do you think that Pakistan's Foreign Office's efforts, and the international pressure has pressurized Prime Minister Modi to give such a statement? Is this political rhetoric or we are going to see a lessening of atrocities or viable solution to the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in the days to come? (Syed Mohsin Raza - Asas Group of Publications) Answer The Indian atrocities and gross violation of basic human rights of innocent Kashmiris by Indian occupation forces is an increasingly gruesome reality which speaks for itself. Pakistan has consistently maintained that the only solution to the Jammu & Kashmir dispute is through a transparent, free and fair plebiscite for the realization of the right to self determination of the Kashmiri people in line with the UNSC resolutions. PM Modi's statement validates our stance that armed subjugation and oppression cannot wish away the indigenous struggle of the Kashmiris. However, verbal rhetoric needs to be accompanied with actions to be meaningful. Unfortunately we do not see that in India where Indian atrocities and genocide of Kashmiris by Indian occupation forces continues unabated even as we speak. A UN Fact-finding Mission should probe into gross human rights abuses occurring in IoK as was demanded not only by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights but also the OIC. Question In Quetta blast, which killed many including FC Personnel. BLA claimed responsibility. Do you see or find Indian hand behind that terrorist attack? (Amjad Ali - PTV News) Answer While I am not in a position to confirm or deny Indian involvement in the Quetta attack at this point in time, Indian involvement in perpetrating terrorrism in Balochistan is a fact beyond an iota of doubt. Indian leadership has made public announcements confirming Indian state sponsorship of terrorism and terror financing in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan. India has openly opposed CPEC. Commander Kulbhushan Yadav, Indian RAW agent's confessions also confirm Indian connection to BLA and other inferior elements for carrying out subversive and terrorist activties in Balochistan. He confessed that "Purpose for coming to Pakistan was to meet the leader of BLA, establish 30 to 40 RAW operatives along the Makran coast for operations along with terrorists". Question First, US has designated Syed Salahuddin and his organization as a terrorist organization recently. Will Pakistan take up this issue with the US? Second, there are groups in India that are harmful to Pakistan; will Pakistan pursue to have them banned? (Hasan Khan ) Answer Our statement in the context of the first part of your question is already in the public domain. I have just responded to a similar question. As to your question regarding taking up the matter with the US, whenever meeting between the two sides is held, we table all concerns from our side. You mentioned about certain groups in India. Do you mean those Hindu terrorist organizations that are perpetrating terrorist attacks in India and blaming it on others, particularly Pakistan and Muslims in India, as well as carrying out subversive activities in other countries? We have flagged our concerns with regard to Indian involvement in subversive and terrorist activities, as well as espionage within Pakistan, as Commander Kulbhushan Jhadev himself testified. We also raise the issue of use of Afghan soil by India to perpetrate terrorism in Pakistan, with not only the US but also many other countries. In the context of Indian involvement in terrorism and terror financing in Pakistan, we have also submitted dossiers to UN Secretary General. Question Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted earlier in the week that India will grant medical visas to all applications pending visas for Pakistan. This is a surprise departure from its earlier ridiculous stance on processing of visas by Pakistani nationals. Are they sincere in this statement? How do you view this development? (Faisal Raza Khan - 92 News) Answer Pakistan expects India to act in a mature manner and refrain from politicking on humanitarian cases involving terminally ill people. We have already given our reaction when they put pre-conditions on issuance of medical visas. Such unethical policies, which are neither appreciated by anyone nor sustainable, should be avoided in the first place. Question Recently, on the issue of US-Iran nuclear deal, US seems to have stepped back from its commitment and we have also seen Iran's criticism to US actions. What is Pakistan's stance on the Iran Nuclear deal in the current scenario? Secondly, you have just said that US give importance to its relations with Pakistan, and acknowledge our efforts and successes on terrorism. Why then in the matter of Coalition Support Fund is the US not ready to give us payment? (Anwar Abbas - Waqt News) Answer In the context of Coalition Support Fund, we have already given our view point. First, it is a reimbursement and not assistance. We have given our response as to what Pakistan is doing in the context of efforts to eradicate terrorism from its soil. Pakistan has suffered most at the hands of terrorism, not only economically but most importantly in terms of loss of precious lives of our people, the number of which runs into tens of thousands. Pakistan is determined to eradicate terrorist elements from its roots. We have not only fought them within Pakistan, but also extended cooperation to those countries who wanted to learn from our experience in dealing with these elements. On the issue of US-Iran nuclear deal, we maintained our position on the understanding reached by all stakeholders. Pakistan has consistently maintained that the Iran nuclear issue should be peacefully resolved through dialogue. As a neighbouring country, we have also reiterated that reciprocal confidence-building measures relating to Iran's nuclear programme auger well for peace and security in our region. Question You mentioned that RAW is perpetrating terrorism in Pakistan. Is there any plan to take up this issue at the upcoming UN General Assembly Session? (Naveed Saddique - Dawn News) Answer I am not privy to the agenda or aware, as of now, of the contents of the speech for the upcoming UNGA Session. Question What is the update from Nepalese Government on Retd. Colonel Habib Zahir? Did India respond? (Mona Khan - Geo News) Supplementary Question It has been reported that Colonel Habib Zahir's wife has written letters to the representatives of Human Rights Council on forces disappearances in Geneva and sought help from them in locating her husband. Has Foreign Office done anything in this regard? (Faisal Raza Khan - 92 News) Answer As to your first question, Col. Rtd. Zahir went missing from Lumbini, 5 km from the India-Nepal border. Nepalese Government has established an investigative team to probe the matter. There is every likelihood that he has been taken to India. He was received by an Indian national. Indian nationals were also involved in booking his hotel and ticket. The job website he applied to was also found to be operated from India. In view of the above, on 2 May 2017, Pakistan requested the Government of India to probe into the matter and make all efforts to trace him at the earliest. However, we have not had a positive response from them. The Government continues to make all out efforts to locate him and shall not cease till he is home. As to the second question, Colonel Zahir Habib's family has the right to knock every door for assistance. Pakistan will do everything in its capacity to locate and bring back Colonel Zahir Habib safely as soon as possible. Question Has Ambassador Sohail Mahmood assumed charge as Pakistan's High Commissioner in India? (Shabbir Waghara - PTV World) Answer Yes, he arrived in India, yesterday. Question You just mentioned our Foreign Minister intends to go to US soon. A local TV Channel reported that he would visit US this month. What is the exact date and agenda of his visit? (Raheel Hasan - Al-Manar TV) Answer The exact dates and agenda of his visit are not known at the moment. Once available, we may share. Question Coming back to Foreign Secretary's recent visit to Kabul, can we expect QCG talks to be on the table any time soon? What is the update on QCG so far? (Rabia Pir - VOA DEEWA Radio) Answer I have responded to a similar question last week. QCG came up under discussions during the meeting between former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Ashraf Ghani during their sideline meeting in Astana at the SCO Summit. Talking in the context of Foreign Secretary's visit in particular, entire gamut of bilateral relations were reviewed. The response that I gave last week still remains valid in this regard, which you may like to refer to. Please remember that QCG comprises four members that include Afghanistan and three other facilitators (Pakistan, China and the United States). The objective is to make efforts towards reconciliation in Afghanistan by bringing warring factions, particularly Taliban, to the negotiating table. There are efforts being made to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan under various initiatives. QCG is among them. When the next QCG meeting will take place, I don't have information.