(2013-01-24) [This is a rush transcript. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated] There are no opening remarks to make. But I look forward to your questions. Question There are contradictory statements about India Pakistan relations from all corners. Where do you think we stand visa a vis our relations with India and the dialogue process after the LoC incident? Answer Let me remind you about the Foreign Minister’s statement that she made in New York and also in the National Assembly. We are very clear on this issue. She made a very sincere offer that Pakistan is ready to sort out all issues particularly regarding violation of LoC. We know that there are concerns on their side but there are concerns on our side as well. The best way to deal with these concerns is certainly thorough dialogue. We strongly believe that we should sit down and try to work thorough our issues under the established mechanism. We want to resolve all issues through dialogue in a very constructive manner. Question The Indian Home Secretary and the Indian Home Minister have admitted that the Hindu extremist faction is involved in the acts of terrorism in India. In the wake of t the allegations terrorism levied on Pakistan by India, when they are admitting the involvement of Hindu faction has Pakistan taken a position on that? Answer We have noted the statements with concern. However, I would reiterate our earlier demand for having a thorough investigation into the incident of Samjhota Express. Pakistan has repeatedly said that we want a thorough investigation into the incident and we want the investigation to be shared with Pakistan, and whosoever are the perpetrators or culprits, should be punished in accordance with the law. Question In the Indian held Kashmir, the Indian government has reportedly sponsored a newspaper advertisement which contains preventive and protective measures against prospective war. Is it a hoax or Pakistan considers it as something alarming? Answer It is a non-serious and ridiculous attempt. Question Does Pakistan consider it rubbish? Answer Of course. Question There are threats coming from the Republic of North Korea for carrying out tests including rockets and uranium based tests that might target the United States. Is it something that Pakistan has looked at? Does Pakistan have a response to that as a member of the world nuclear club? Answer We are concerned about these statements and we would strongly urge them to exercise caution and restraint. We hope that they would honour their international obligations and respect the relevant UN resolutions in this regard. Question There is a report in The Guardian about a recent UN enquiry on drone attacks in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen and Somalia. It is also mentioned that this report was issued on the request of Pakistan and two other countries. What is your stand on it? Answer The enquiry that you are talking about is being conducted by UN Special Rapporteur, Ben Emmerson and is part of the broader mandate given to him by the UN Human Rights Council to examine any abuse of human rights while countering terrorism. Pakistan, along with the other like-minded countries, had called for examining, among other things, the extra judicial and targeted killings, including through drone strikes particularly when they result in the deaths of civilians and non-combatants. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visited Pakistan last year and if you remember, she also raised this issue and expressed concern over it. Question There is a report in “The Washington Post” that President Obama has authorized the CIA to carry out drone strikes in Pakistan without any impunity. My question is that that the Foreign Minister raised this issue with the US Ambassador. Did she raise the question during the meeting with the US Ambassador? Answer Let me first reiterate our position on drone attacks. We consider the attacks a violation of our sovereignty and territorial integrity. There are no legal bases for these attacks; they are not only questionable but also counter-productive. These attacks have been a constant source of concern for us and we have been conveying and communicating this to the US administration at every level. During the meeting that you referred to, yes, the Foreign Ministers did express her concern over the continuation of drone strikes and the media reports that we have all seen recently. Question Pakistan has agreed to release all Taliban leaders. What is the update on this process? Is there any chance that Iran may also be involved in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan? Answer We consider Iran an important player and partner in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. Infect, we already have a trilateral dialogue with Iran and Afghanistan on this issue. Yes we have agreed to release all Afghan detainees that we, the Afghan government and High Peace Council think could be of some help to the reconciliation process. Question How significant will be the release of the Afghan Taliban leaders towards the reconciliation process. Have there been any diplomatic efforts to involve KSA in this process? Answer Saudi Arabia being a very important Muslim country can play a significant role in this process, but we don’t have any formal mechanism with them like the ones we have, for instance, with Iran, UK and USA. Question The Indian Foreign Minister, Salman Khurshid, their Interior Minister, and also their Interior Secretary were confirming that there are terrorist groups like Rashtria Sevak Sangh and similar elements in the BJP who have been perpetrating acts of terrorism. What do you think Pakistan stands on that? On the Afghanistan issue, the government had some talks with China and Russia in the post 2014 scenario, and during the timeline leading to that. Are we framing a policy that will get these two sides, China and Russia, involved in the Afghanistan issue? Answer Regarding your first question, yes we have noted these statements with concern. We, being a responsible country, do not want to get into a speculative mode. However, we do expect them to do what a responsible country would do in such a situation. Our stand has been very clear regarding Samjhota Express incident. We hope the investigation to be completed at the earliest and whosoever is behind this incident, should be punished in accordance with law. China and Russia have an important role to play in this region and we are in touch with them at various levels and are trying to work closely to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan, which is important to all of us. Question There are reports that President Zardari is visiting the UK in the first week of the next month. What is the agenda? Is it the” Pakistan- Afghanistan- UK”, the trilateral? Is Pakistan going to take a decision on giving MFN status to India by end of January or will delay it? Answer The visit is in the context of trilateral mechanism that we have with the UK and Afghanistan. Regarding your second question, the government remains committed to its decision to have normal trade relations with India and the concerned authorities have been instructed to take necessary steps to implement the decision. Question The US delegation will visit Pakistan this week. Can you highlight the significance of this visit being the first visit during Obama’s second tenure? Answer There are several visits on the cards, so I don’t know which visit you are referring to. For instance, currently, Mr. Peter Lavoy is in town and he is meeting with our defence authorities. These visits are part of the continuous process under which both sides keep meeting each other on various subjects. Question There is news that the European Union’s GSP Plus status has been delayed for Pakistan? Answer I haven’t heard any such news./p