(2016-02-18) [This is a rush transcript. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated.] The Spokesperson started the proceedings by offering prayers for the victims of the terrorist attack in Ankara. He said that Pakistan in its statement last night has condemned the incident. He said that Turkey is a fraternal country and the people of Pakistan have special relationship with the Turkish people. Moreover, whenever there is a terrorist attack anywhere in the world in which precious lives are lost, it reminds us of the losses that Pakistan has suffered due to terrorist attacks. We have not only lost the lives of innocent civilians but also our valiant soldiers, who laid their lives during Pakistan's drive against the scourge. The Floor is open for Questions Question Indian authorities have imprisoned many Kashmiris and other students around the country after students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) chanted slogans against the hanging of Afzal Guru. These arrests have taken place at a time when the Kashmiri freedom struggle has entered a crucial phase. How do you see this issue? My second question is that there are media reports that Daesh militants in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar are smuggling timber into Pakistan. Don't you see it as a sign that Daesh terrorists are establishing a financial base in Pakistan? (Muddasar Hussain - Khyber News) Answer Kashmiris have never accepted the unfair trial that led to the execution of Afzal Guru. Human- Rights Organizations from within and outside India had also criticized the manner in which Afzal Guru was tried and executed. Let me first state that there is no presence of Daesh in Pakistan. With reference to your query regarding media reports on timber smuggling by Daesh, I say that we do not comment on media reports. Question I want to draw your attention to recent comments by the US State Department Spokesman on the security of Pakistan's nuclear program. US authorities repeatedly criticize on the security of our nuclear program despite our robust command and control measures. Why are these concerns repeated time and again despite our constant and credible assurances? Are these comments related to any specific incident? (Mateen Haider - Dawn News) Answer Queries on this issue have been raised many times earlier also. The nuclear safety and security control mechanism is robust and meets the international standards. Independent experts as well as governments have on record expressed satisfaction on the safety and security of our nuclear program. Question The Indian High Commissioner recently said in Islamabad that Foreign Secretary level talks will not be linked with the Pathankot incident. What is the latest position regarding these talks? Secondly, atrocities in Kashmir continue unabated while India and Pakistan are still unable to decide the venue and date of the talks. Has Pakistan taken up the atrocities in Kashmir with the Indian side? (Shaukat Paracha - Aaj TV) Answer We have noted the policy statement of the Indian High Commissioner of not linking the Foreign Secretary level talks to Pathankot incident. In view of the statement, it is our view that the date of the Foreign Secretary level talks should now be decided as early as possible. Regarding the question on human rights violations in India occupied Kashmir by their security forces, this has remained a serious concern. On number of occasions we have taken up this issue at various international and regional forums and condemned all those incidents where innocent Kashmiris were martyred by the Indian security forces. Question As a journalist we have repeatedly been given information that there is a campaign in Saudi Arabia against not only illegal Pakistanis but also those who have been living there for more than 30 years. Have you taken up this issue with Saudi Arabia, especially in view of rumors that these steps are being taken due to our policy on Yemen? (Zarghoon Shah - Geo TV) Supplementary Question Kindly comment vis a vis UAE also. Answer Your question is speculative and based on rumors, media reports and hearsay. We do not respond to media reports and speculations. Pakistani expatriates are working all over the world. There is a large presence of Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia and UAE who have been there for a long time. Their interests, safety and welfare are of paramount importance to the Government of Pakistan. If any incident comes to our notice, we expeditiously take up this matter with the concerned country. We have brotherly, longstanding robust relationship with both Saudi Arabia and UAE. As regards your reference that there is reaction to our policy on Yemen, affecting our relations with the Gulf countries, I wish to invite your attention to numerous high level visits from both sides in recent months. Such visits reflect convergence, harmony and desire on both sides to promote relations. Question The fourth round of Quadrilateral talks is going to take place in Kabul on 23 February 2016. The leader of the Afghan delegation has said that there would be a meeting between the Afghan Government and the Taliban before the end of February 2016. Has anybody contacted the Taliban and what is their response? What will be the agenda for the fourth round of Quadrilateral talks? (Jamal Ismail - Alhayat Newspaper London) Answer In the Quadrilateral process, all the four countries, Pakistan, US, China and Afghanistan are committed to bringing the Taliban to the negotiation table. I have seen the statement you are referring to in the media and it is consistent with the expectation indicated after the third round that the Afghan Government and the Taliban may meet for negotiations by the end of February. I had stated during the last briefing also that the outcome of the efforts to bring Taliban to table would be discussed during the fourth QCG, being held in Kabul on 23 February 2016. Question There have been news from Turkey that Turkey is thinking of military incursion into Syria. There are also reports about convergence of interests between Turkey and Saudi Arabia on Syria. How does Pakistan see this development? (Fakhar-u-Rehman - Turkish News Agency) Answer Our position on Syrian situation has been explained earlier also that Pakistan has a principled position on the situation in Syria based on respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria. We believe that the Syrian government and opposition groups should exercise restraint and settle their differences peacefully. Pakistan supports all efforts employed at facilitating a peaceful Syrian-led and inclusive solution that meets the aspirations of Syrian people through a comprehensive political dialogue. Question Your predecessor, the Foreign Secretary and the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, have repeatedly announced that Pakistan has joined the 34 nation Saudi Arabia-led coalition. However, yesterday, the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sartaj Aziz said in Parliament that Pakistan is yet to decide on joining this coalition. What is the actual position and what are you waiting for? (Naveed Saddique - SAMAA) Answer Our position has been clarified time and again that Pakistan supports all efforts towards countering terrorism and this 34-nation coalition has also been created for the same purpose. As I clarified last time, the modalities of the coalition will be discussed at the experts level. Question Is there any development regarding transit trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan under which Afghanistan would use the Wagah border for trade with India and Pakistan the Afghan border for trade with Central Asia. (Kauser Lodhi - Prime News) Answer All issues including trade related matters are discussed with relevant countries at appropriate forums, both bilateral and multilateral. However, in the context I wish to highlight the Prime Minister's vision for regional connectivity in which Pakistan, by virtue of its strategic location at the confluence of South Asia, West Asia and Central Asia, is best placed to act as a natural economic hub and energy corridor. If you have any specific question, kindly contact Ministry of Commerce. Question Has the Afghan Government contacted us about the kidnapping of former Governor of Herat Sayed Fazlullah Wahidi. What is our position? There are reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin may visit Pakistan later this year to inaugurate the North-South gas pipeline. Can you confirm? (Muhammad Ishtiaq - Voice of America) Answer As to your second question, I have to check whether President Putin is expected to visit Pakistan this year. We would welcome him warmly in Pakistan. Our relations with Russia have been on an upward trajectory for the few years. Regarding your first question, the issue was taken up with us and our relevant authorities are investigating the incident. Ministry of Interior has established a team to investigate this matter. If you need any specific information, kindly contact Interior. Question Has any date set up for Pakistan-India Foreign Secretary level talks? Secondly, are there any recommendations by the Committee determining the constitutional status of Gilgit Baltistan which is led by Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sartaj Aziz? (Fida Hussain - Radio News Network) Answer Regarding your first question, both sides are in contact with each other to finalize the dates. Secondly, Committee on Gilgit Baltistan for suggesting administrative Reforms has not yet finalized its report. Question We had requested Afghanistan for assistance regarding the Charsadda terrorist attack. Has there been any response? (Ali Hussain - Business Recorder) Answer Kindly contact Ministry of Interior in this regard. Question When would the modalities of the Saudi Arabia- led 34 countries coalition be finalized? It has already been three four months since we started hearing about this. I am asking specially in reference to the military exercises under the coalition umbrella in which Pakistan participated. If Pakistan is part of the military exercises then there should be no doubt about its being a member of the coalition. (Naveed Akbar - Daily Dunya) Supplementary Question Taking this question forward, Pakistan had earlier welcomed the coalition. Since then there has been some confusion. Some statements say that we are part of the coalition whereas some say that we are considering it. How did we welcome an organization and joined it, when we are not sure about the modalities of its functioning? (Essa Naqvi - Dunya TV) Answer It is important to understand that we are talking about a mechanism and a formal arrangement between sovereign states. There is no contradiction between welcoming a proposal first and delving into its modalities after welcoming it. It is Pakistan's policy to welcome all initiatives on counter terrorism. That is why we welcome this effort. As stated earlier, the modalities would be worked out at the experts level.