(2015-04-23) [This is a rush transcript. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated.] There are no Opening Remarks: Now the Floor is open for Questions: Question: According to media reports, the Chinese President's visit to Pakistan has been reported negatively in India. What are your comments please? Secondly, the Kashmir's leadership and people are killed mercilessly in Indian Occupied Kashmir. What is Pakistan's position on it? (Syed Musharraf Kazmi- Daily Musawat Group of Newspapers) Answer: With regard to your second question, we have already made our position known. It is a comprehensive statement. We have actually issued two or three statements, covering all aspects, killing of innocent Kashmiris, crackdown on peaceful assembly and arrest of Hurriyat leaders. As regards the Chinese President's visit to Pakistan, we conduct our relations with other countries on the basis of mutual interests. The Chinese engagement with Pakistan, and in this region, contributes to stability. You have seen the joint statement. We welcome China's increased role in SAARC. No country has veto over bilateral relations between countries. Hence, we would not like to comment on the Indian media reports. Question: Prime Minister is leading a high level delegation to Saudi Arabia. What proposals and messages he would deliver to the Saudi leadership? Secondly, according to media reports, a Pakistani boat carrying eight persons has been captured by India in international water. The boat was carrying large quantity of heroine and some communication equipments. Your comments please. (Mateen Haider- Dawn News) Answer: On the first question, thank you very much for your question. There is nothing more to share. You have seen the statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office yesterday. The visit is to discuss and exchange views on the evolving situation in Yemen. You are aware that we have welcomed Saudi Arabia's announcement to halt air strikes. We have expressed the hope this would pave the way for a political dialogue that would bring peace and stability in Yemen. As regards to boat, we are aware of the Indian Media reports. Our Mission in New Delhi has approached the Indian authorities to seek details of the boat (ownership, registration) and arrested crew. So far no information has been shared with us. Drug trafficking is a very serious matter. Curbing it requires cooperation among countries. In principle, if a boat from Pakistan, carrying drugs was seized, India should have informed us. In any case, on the basis of Indian media reports, DG Pakistan Maritime Security Agency has been asked to ascertain the facts. You may recall that a couple of months ago, Indian authorities and media alleged that a 'terror boat' from Pakistan, with explosives had been destroyed. For weeks, Indian authorities created media hype. It turned out to be a hoax and an embarrassment to India. Question: Pakistan, Iran, USA and many other countries are pursuing efforts to solve the Yemen crisis peacefully. What efforts till now Pakistan has made in this regard? (Zarghoon Shah- Geo News) Answer: The Prime Minister's visit is part of the efforts that Pakistan has been making. Earlier, our leadership had consultations with the Turkish leadership; the two sides made very clear statement on their stance on the crisis. During Iranian Foreign Minister's visit to Pakistan, which was not linked to Yemen crisis, but it provided an opportunity to two sides to discuss the situation in Yemen apart from bilateral and other regional matters. The Prime Minister has been in contact with the Saudi leadership ever since we were first approached. There have been a number of visits to Saudi Arabia including visit of the Defence Minister, Adviser to PM on National Security and Foreign Affairs and Prime Minister's Special Envoy, Chief Minister of Punjab. They all held useful discussions. We have welcomed and have encouraged by the Saudi announcement to end air strikes. Meanwhile, you are aware, that the UN Security Council also adopted a resolution. There are efforts afoot and Pakistan would like to see these efforts succeed. Question: What are our contact sources in Yemen? What are the points to which Pakistan is bringing the two parties in Yemen to negotiating table? Is there any UN delegation working to arbitrate between the two parties in Yemen? Why the Air Strikes in Yemen have been not stopped by the Saudi Arabia led Arab coalition? (Shahid Rana- ARY TV) Answer: I do not know if there is a timeframe when complete halt will be enforced. But the nature of strikes may have changed. I am not going to get into the details of who is going to mediate. We, as part of the international community, as part of the Islamic world and as a country and nation that deeply values and cherishes its ties with the Muslim world and that has the utmost concern for the safety, security and unity of the Muslim world, would play our role which would commensurate with our outlook. Question: Is there any chance of Pakistan becoming a part of ten countries coalition led by Saudi Arabia for military action in Yemen? What would be Pakistan's role in such coalition keeping in view the persistence demand of the coalition for our troops? (Waqas Rafique- Capital TV) Answer: Well, I think the Prime Minister's statement and various statements issued over the past few weeks are very clear on the policy parameters of Pakistan. I do not think I need to speculate any further on that. Question: In the joint statement made by Pakistan and China during the visit of Chinese President to Pakistan, both countries agreed to make joint efforts for bringing peace in Afghanistan. Pakistan has been maintaining that its role will be of facilitator between the Taliban and Afghan Government. What are the facilitation efforts of Pakistan in this regard? (Jamal Ismail- Abu Dhabi TV) Answer: In the joint statement of Pakistan and China, you would have noted the commonality of views that both would like to see peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan. We would like to support the political reconciliation process that is Afghan led and Afghan owned. China, like Pakistan, is undertaking economic projects, which we hope, would help in creating economic stability. It is in our interest that Afghanistan is peaceful, stable and prosperous. The Economic agenda that Pakistan and China have charted for themselves requires peace and stability in this region. We can all benefit from the infrastructure and connectivity that is being created. If Afghanistan is peaceful, we can reach out Central Asia. It is in our common interest to promote all efforts for peace, stability and reconciliation in Afghanistan. I will not discuss the specifics of how those objectives would be achieved, what precise role Pakistan would play, what precise role China is playing, where meetings are taking place. It would be premature to talk about these aspects. Question: Many Pakistanis have completed their imprisonment in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Government is not releasing/ deporting them. I would like to know when Government of Pakistan will take initiative to bring these Pakistanis back to home and why they are not being helped. (Changez Khan Jadoon-Daily Sarkar) Answer: We do.When any Pakistani is arrested and that information is brought to our notice or Missions, we seek consular access. We provide legal services. We repeatedly request, through this forum and other channels also, that our people, travelling to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, must exercise utmost precaution to ensure that they are not implicated in any drug trafficking business. While individuals who may have overstayed or their visas may not be regular, their release or repatriation is comparatively an easier job. We keep doing that. But for those who are in jail for drug trafficking, well it is a totally different category. You know that Saudi Arabia, as many other countries, have death penalty for drug trafficking. There are people who may be involved in drug trafficking but there are also others who may be lured into carrying somebody else's stuff on luggage. So, we urge our compatriots travelling to Saudi Arabia to be very cautious and careful. Question: Has Iran shared with Pakistan evidence on the killing of border security guards on the day the Iranian Foreign Minister was in Pakistan? (Bashir Chaudhry-Dunya News) Answer: No at the moment, we do not have any specific information about the attack that happened inside Iran’s territory. We condemned this terrorist attack and we have repeatedly said that maintaining good coordination on this border is very important for us. Iran is a friendly and brotherly country. We are making efforts on both sides to increase our political engagements, enhance our economic ties. There have been frequent exchanges of visits between the two countries. We would not like such incidents, terrorists or miscreants inspired attacks to undermine our relations. We have established new procedures. We are trying to improve and fully implement these, to ensure that the two border security forces are in contact and can coordinate response to any suspicious activity. We are willing and ready to help Iran in any investigations and in any matter in which we could be helpful but for that we would need specific information and intelligence sharing. Question: We have seen enhanced border attacks from Afghanistan to Pakistan. Has Pakistan made contacts with Afghan Government in this regard? Secondly, what steps Pakistan has taken for implementation of UN Security Council Resolution on Yemen? Thirdly, has Pakistan made any proposal for solving the difficult situation in Yemen? (Maqbool Malik- Nation) Answer: I have already answered your last question. As regards the implementation of the UNSC resolution, we issued a press release regarding the implementation of the UN Security Council resolution of 14 April. The resolution proscribed certain individuals and entities. As a member of UN, we were required to proscribe those individuals. This proscription essentially entails three things and we ensure that, they cannot travel to Pakistan, there is no financing from Pakistan to these individuals, and there is no provision of arms. We have already issued SRO to implement these provisions. Kindly also look at the press release we issued subsequent to the adoption of the resolution. Well, we have noticed there has been increase in terrorist incidents in Afghanistan as well which we have condemned. Precious lives have been lost. We share the grief of Afghan people. There have been ongoing discussions between the two countries on improving the border management. There have been exchanges of delegation and detailed discussions. We hope that we will be able to implement these steps mutually on respective sides of our borders. Question: According to media reports, Pakistan has written a letter to India on the gruesome incident in Turbat in which twenty innocent workers were killed. Can you confirm please? (Majid Jaral- News One) Answer: After the despicable act of terrorism in Turbat, counter terrorism operation was launched. Numbers of people were apprehended. ISPR issued a statement about the operation. They would information about the findings of the investigations. I cannot confirm the report you are referring to. Question: Pakistan has welcomed ending of air strikes by Saudi led coalition in Yemen. Last night, the coalition has resumed its air strikes in Yemen. What is your opinion on the resumption of air strikes? (Amjad Ali- PTV News) Answer: I have already responded to this question. Question: IS has claimed responsibility for attacks in Afghanistan. It shows its presence in the whole region. Is Pakistan making any efforts with the regional countries to eliminate IS from the region? Secondly, are Pakistan and China making efforts with other countries of the region for peace in the region including Baluchistan for the success of Pak-China Economic corridor? (Imdad Hussain- Online News) Answer: About ISIS's presence, we have said repeatedly that while we do not have any concrete evidence that ISIS exists in Pakistan, apart from some vague statements and wall chalking and one or a couple of suspects' arrest, at the same time we have said that we are deeply concerned about this phenomenon. These people have set new bar for cruelty and terrorism. We are alert and you would have seen the Army Chief's statement that Pakistan would not allow ISIS to get a foot hold in its territory. Naturally, ISIS is a concern to all the countries in this region like Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia and others. As we always say countering terrorism is an international responsibility because terrorism is a global phenomenon. We have to cooperate to deal with it. There has to be better coordination, more intelligence sharing to curb terrorism and to deny space to organization like ISIS, Secondly, peace and development in Baluchistan is our business. We do not need to ask others to help us establish peace. Peace and stability are pre-requisites for economic development in this region. It is the responsibility to all so that people in this region can benefit from the fruits of economic development and connectivity. It is in no one’s interest to undermine others. We have a commitment and we have pledged that Pakistan would not allow its soil to be used against other countries. We expect the same from other countries. Question: Why Government does not own Parliament resolution on Yemen? Why our leadership is shuttling between Riyadh and Islamabad and bending backwards to please Saudi Arabia? (Furqan-Aaj TV) Answer: How can say that the government does not own the Parliament's resolution? I do not agree with your description of engagements with Saudi Arabia? Saudi Arabia, let me reiterate, is a close friend and a brotherly country, a country that has stood with Pakistan in difficult times. Engagement and consultations with them and trying to understand their perspective is not bending over backwards. It's trying to understand a friend and a brother's perspective. Secondly, we see no contradiction between the parliamentary resolution and what the Prime Minister stated. This has been confirmed by Parliamentarians and leaders of political parties. Question: The Government of Pakistan has indicated that it would convey an OIC Summit on Yemen crisis. According to media reports, OIC has discussed Yemen crisis recently. I would like to know that will Government of Pakistan use OIC platform for solution of Yemen crisis? (Sidrah Iftikhar- Saudi TV-2) Answer: The OIC meetings in various fields, is a continuous process. I do not recall any information that a meeting relating Yemen situation is being held. The OIC Foreign Ministers meeting will take place next month. The recent Senior Officials Meeting has already recommended a resolution on Yemen to the Foreign Ministers which will be considered, obviously with updating. You will recall that in our first statement we urged the OIC, UN and international community to take proactive measures to resolve the situation in Yemen. We are in contact with other countries. Pakistan has not specifically requested an OIC Summit. Question: In the current visit of Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia, will Pakistan give clear answer for sending its troops in the Saudi led coalition in Yemen? In this regard, are there any differences between the civilian leadership and the military? (Fida Hussain- FM-99 Radio) Answer: I have already responded to this question in different forms. I have nothing further to add to that. Question: According to media reports, the Israeli forces have infiltrated the Muslim Holy sites in Al-Quds. They are planning to demolish the Muslim Holy sites and build temples on them. Are Pakistan and other Muslim countries making efforts to convince USA to urge Israelis to make peace with Palestinian? (Jamal Ismail- Abu Dhabi TV) Answer: I do not know if these reports can be confirmed. There have been reports and speculations about this for a long time, almost a decade. It is a common issue of concern for all Muslims. It has to be highlighted through a united and collective stance of Muslim countries. Pakistan, on its part and as OIC coordinator in Geneva, and as active member of United Nations in New York, supports all efforts that would compel Israel to refrain from any ill considered actions which would have serious consequences for peace and stability in the region. Question: Can you give us time frame when most of the agreements of Pak-China economic corridor would be finalized/ implemented? (Mateen Haider- Dawn News) Answer: Various agreements have various time lines. But I can assure you of the seriousness of both Pakistan and China to implement all the agreements that have been signed. The Prime Minister has already held a meeting of all stakeholders to review the implementation processes. When completed, these projects would give a major impetus to the economic development in Pakistan. Question: According to an article published by Wall Street Journal, Mr. Hussain Haqani has argued that the recently announced military sales by the USA for Pakistan military will be used against secular Baloch insurgents in North Western parts of Pakistan and along the disputed border with India rather than against Jihadis in North Western parts of Pakistan. Your comments please. (Zarghoon Shah- Geo News) Answer: I have seen these reports. These views do not represent Pakistan's point of view.