(2015-11-19) [This is a rush transcript. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated.] The Floor is open for Questions Question After Paris attacks it is clear that Daesh is a global threat, including in this region. Pakistan is more prone to such attacks and threats than any other country. I am talking in the context of Daesh recruitment in Nagharhar and Zabul provinces of Afghanistan. In this scenario, how prepared is Pakistan to face this global threat and what about the counter measures taken by Islamabad? (Muddassar Hussain-Khyber News Agency) Answer Pakistan is fully aware of the global nature of the threat. However, I wish to underscore that, for more than a year now, Pakistan has been successfully taking action against terrorists under operation Zarb-e-Azb and National Action Plan. We have also said on a number of occasions that Pakistan was cognizant of the threat posed by Daesh. However, our security agencies are alert to this threat. There is no footprint of Daesh in Pakistan. We will also not tolerate anyone affiliated with it. Our Armed Forces and security agencies have emphatically said that even the shadow of Daesh will not be tolerated in Pakistan. We have been cooperating with the international community in combating terrorism and our cooperation is recognized as well as appreciated by the international community. We support a coordinated approach against terrorists and are committed to eliminating terrorism from the soil of Pakistan. As far as Paris attacks are concerned, you know that there was immediate condemnation by the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Office. Prime Minister visited the French Embassy to sign the Condolence Book, which was followed by the visit of Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs to the French Embassy for the same purpose. It was a manifestation of our solidarity with the friendly people of France, condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, our unflinching commitment to combating terrorism and continued cooperation with the international community in this regard both at bilateral level and in multilateral fora. Question Islamophobia is on the rise after the Paris attacks. Mosques and Islamic centers are being sent threats. Threatening phone calls and messages are being sent to Muslims. Where will this situation go? (Zarghoon Shah- Geo News) Answer Let me emphasize that terrorism cannot be associated with any religion. Islam is a religion of peace and harmony. Terrorists have no religion. We have always condemned Islamophobia. The focus of international community should remain on eliminating terrorists. No one should be targeted on the basis of religion. Question It is being said that the rise of Daesh is part of the effects of Iraq war. Recently, former British Prime Minister also openly accepted that it was a huge mistake on their part and he also apologized for it. Now after the Paris attacks similar situation is happening in Syria. Does Pakistan think that the same mistake is being repeated? My second question is that after America, the UK has also concluded a nuclear deal with India during the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UK. What is the reaction of Pakistan? (Khawaja Nayyer Iqbal- Kashmir Post) Supplementary Question After the attacks in France it is being said that it is an attack against humanity. But in its backdrop, France and its European allies and America have escalated the attacks on Syria in which apart from Daesh innocent Syrians are also being killed. What is the official stance of Pakistan on these attacks? (Syed Mohsin Raza- Such TV) Answer We stand for peaceful resolution of the situation in Syria through an inclusive dialogue. We have also been expressing concern at the continued bloodshed in Syria. The presence of Daesh in Iraq and Syria and response of the international community to it is well known. You have rightly pointed out that counter terrorism operations by international community have increased after Paris attacks. Terrorism is our common enemy and a cooperative approach is required to deal with this menace. As to your second question, we have always expressed our concerns on discriminatory approach to nuclear issues, including peaceful uses of nuclear energy, in South Asia due to its impact on the strategic stability. Special waiver for India for nuclear trade is the major destabilizing step. We have been conveying our concerns in this regard to the international community. Question After the Paris attacks, Interior Minister said that Pakistani community over there may face different problems and they will be provided assistance by the government. What steps have been taken in this regard? My second question is that Army Chief is on a visit to the US. A few days back, there was an editorial published in NYT on Pakistan's nuclear programme, which said that it was a threat to India and also the security of whole world. Did the Army Chief discuss this issue with the American authorities? (Fida Hussain- Radio News Network) Answer No reports have been received so far regarding any problem being faced by Pakistani community due to Paris terrorist attacks. However, in case of need, all possible assistance will be extended by Pakistan Embassy in Paris. I have no information as to whether the issue you have referred to was discussed by the COAS with the US side. Our Embassy in Washington has already issued a rejoinder to the NYT editorial. However, let me share Ministry's response with you: New York Times Editorial titled "Pakistan's Nuclear Nightmare" attempted to portray Pakistan as a country irresponsibly building its nuclear arsenal. This is an utterly mistaken and prejudiced view. The editorial missed facts in plain sight that Pakistan was not the first to introduce nuclear weapons in South Asia. Recent public reports confirm that India continues to rapidly expand its nuclear weapons program by testing missiles with longer ranges, constructing new fissile material production facilities and developing a nuclear triad which inevitably requires a larger nuclear arsenal. Special waiver for India for nuclear trade is the major destabilizing step. India also propounds war-fighting doctrines while leading as the world's largest importer of military hardware. On its part, for decades Pakistan has offered proposals to India for strategic stability including a 'Strategic Restraint Regime' (SRR) which envisaged conflict resolution, nuclear and missile restraint and conventional balance. As late as September 2015, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made fresh proposals for peace in South Asia in his speech at the UNGA. However, India has refused to engage in response. The cause of peace and stability in South Asia warrants that the international community should focus its attention on India's lack of constructive response to Pakistan's peace proposals, its investment in destabilizing technologies, and its aggressive posturing. Question Has India confirmed that its Minister for External Affairs will participate in the Heart of Asia meeting? (Amjad Ali- PTV News) Answer We are in the process of receiving confirmations for participation in the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process Ministerial conference. We will soon share information about the participants with the media. Question Can you inform us about the reasons for suspensions of the Readmission Agreement with EU? (Naveed Akbar- Daily Dunya) Answer Interior Minister has already indicated reasons for the suspension. Further questions on the issue may be asked to the Ministry of Interior. Question I would like to draw your attention towards a Human Rights Watch report in which has claimed massive maltreatment of Afghan refugees and their forced repatriation to Afghanistan after the APS attacks. Can you respond to that? (Essa Naqvi- Daily Dunya) Answer Repatriation of Afghan refugees is taking place on a voluntary basis in collaboration with the UNHCR. Pakistan is committed to respecting human rights of all and has been actively participating in multilateral forums dealing with human rights. Question There has been cross border shelling at Angoor Adda Pak-Afghan border. It is said in Afghanistan that Pakistan is attempting to construct a gate which the Afghan authorities are not permitting. What is the truth behind such claims? (Gohar Masood- Channel 24) Answer There have been numerous instances of shelling from the Afghan side on Pakistani territory. We have been raising this issue with the Afghan authorities. As far as the site of Angoor Adda gate is concerned, it is located inside Pakistan's territory. No permission, therefore, is required from the Afghan authorities. Question Can you confirm that Joint Economic Committee meeting between Pakistan and Afghanistan will take place in Islamabad shortly? (Muhammad Munafi- IRNA) Answer The 10th Session of Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Economic Commission will be held in Islamabad on 23-24 November 2015. Finance Ministers of the two countries will lead their respective sides. The main areas of focus will be bilateral and transit trade, review of the projects carried out with Pakistani grant, capacity building of Afghan institutions and enhancement of cooperation in other areas of mutual interest. Question When will the closed door of Pak-India talks reopen? (Khawaja Nayyer Iqbal- Kashmir Post) Answer As far as our position is concerned, you are aware that we have been expressing willingness to discuss all outstanding issues including Kashmir, provided no precondition is attached by India. Question Will the next meeting on the constitutional reforms in Gilgit-Baltistan be also held in camera? What will be its composition? (Fida Hussain- Radio News Network) Answer We will share the information with you as soon as we have it.