Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 
This week’s highlight was the visit of a ministerial delegation led by Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to Islamabad. The purpose of the visit was to accelerate discussions on enhanced bilateral economic cooperation in the follow up of the understandings reached between Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, during their recent meeting in Makkah Al Mukarramah.
 
At the ‘Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Investment Conference’ co-chaired by the two Foreign Ministers, the two sides discussed investment proposals in diverse sectors such as energy, mining, agriculture, information technology, construction, human resource development and exports. The investment conference was aimed at paving the way for Saudi investments in Pakistan. We will continue our constructive engagement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enhance our economic and strategic partnership.
 
The Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia discussed global and regional developments. There was unanimity of views on the increasing instability in the region. The two Foreign Ministers urged de-escalation and called for an immediate ceasefire, lifting of the siege of Gaza and access to unimpeded humanitarian aid for the besieged people of Gaza.
  
Pakistan is deeply disappointed at the result of the last night’s vote at the United Nation Security Council and its inability to reach consensus and recommend Palestine’s membership of the UN to the General Assembly. We regret the U.S. decision to veto the draft resolution granting full membership of the UN to Palestine.
 
We believe the time has come for admission of Palestine to the United Nations. This will be a step towards correcting the historic injustice suffered by the Palestinian people for over 75 years. It will affirm their right to self-determination. The people of Palestine have an inherent right to live in a sovereign, independent and contiguous Palestinian State within the 4 June 1967 borders and with Al-Quds Al-Shareef as its capital.
 
We express our deep dismay over the Indian authorities’ decision to prohibit observances of key religious events, including Jumma-tul-Wida, Shab-e-Qadr, and Eid-ul-Fitr prayers, at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid. This was the fifth consecutive year when Eid-ul-Fitr prayers were not allowed to take place at this historic mosque. Imposing curbs on the religious leaders and preventing Kashmiris from congregating on special religious occasions pose serious challenges to the religious freedom of Muslims in IIOJK. The Kashmiri people’s rights to freely practice their religion and of peaceful assembly must be respected.
 
Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions.
 
I thank you !
 
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(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Two questions. Firstly, earlier today there was an attack on Japanese nationals in Karachi. Can you share an update on that? And secondly, with regards to the reported Israeli aggression on Iran, what is Pakistan’s take on the matter?

Spokesperson: So, as you know, the Prime Minister of Pakistan has strongly condemned the suicide blast in the Landhi area of Karachi. Due to timely action of the police, we were saved from major loss of life according to the Prime Minister. He has prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and has reaffirmed that Pakistan will not rest until terrorism is eradicated. For further details, you may like to contact the law enforcement authorities. 

As far as your second question is concerned, we have seen the media reports and are still assessing the situation. We would comment when there are more details. Pakistan is naturally concerned over any escalation in the region. For months, Pakistan has underlined the urgency of international efforts for preventing expansion of hostilities in the region and for a ceasefire in Gaza. Instead of showing restraint and upholding international law. Israel has brazenly continued with its blatant violation of international law. The irresponsible and reckless Israeli attack on Iranian consulate on the first of April has further vitiated security in an already volatile region. We reiterate our call on the UN Security Council to prevent Israel from its adventurism in the region and to hold it to account for its violations of international law. The council should actively contribute to efforts for restoring and maintaining international peace and security.

 (Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): On the reported Israeli strikes, you said that you are assessing the situation. My question is, what about the upcoming visit of the Iranian president to Pakistan? Has any initial contact been established between the two countries, should we look forward to this visit as it had been planned or there is some rethinking from other side because their country has come under attack from Israel?

Spokesperson: As I have said earlier, Pakistan is looking forward to receive our honoured guest, His Excellency, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and we will be making official announcement regarding the dates of the visit soon. 

 (Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): It has always been said from Pakistan that there will not be any negotiations with the terrorists. Have we been assured by the Afghan Interim side that they’ll take action themselves against terrorists entities? Secondly, Are Daish Khorasan and TTP two different names of one group with different targets? 

Spokesperson: Your second question pertains to the security agencies and the Ministry of Interior. They will be in a better position to share with you the assessment of terror threat posed by various terror groups. We have said time and again that for Pakistan all terror groups which pose threat to Pakistani civilians, to Pakistani law enforcement agencies, to foreigners living in Pakistan, are equally of concern and we will take steps against these terror groups. And Pakistan has no plans to engage in talks with any terror group. 

 (Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Again on Afghanistan on 16th of April, the Pakistani military in its statement said that a group of seven terrorists were trying to infiltrate from Afghanistan into Pakistan in the North Waziristan district, and then they were encircled. Has the matter of being taken up with the Afghan authorities through diplomatic channels? Also we recently saw there's been floods in Afghanistan. Historically back in 2022 Pakistan offered cooperation and medical and rescue teams were in Afghanistan. Does Pakistan intend to send teams this time as well? 

Spokesperson: Pakistan expresses its deepest sympathies with the people of Afghanistan on the ongoing floods and the damage caused by the floods. And as we have said in the past, Pakistan remains ready to provide any assistance that our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan need in situations of humanitarian catastrophe. 

With regards to your first question, yes, you're absolutely right on that particular incident. The ISPR has issued a statement in which it has expressed Pakistan's serious concerns about the threat that we faced from these terror groups. In the statement it has been said that Pakistan has consistently asked the Interim Afghan Government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border. And we expect the Interim Afghan authorities to fulfill their obligations and deny the use of their soil by terrorists for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan. This is an ongoing conversation between Pakistan and Afghanistan through multiple channels and Pakistan continues to convey its concerns about all such incidents with the Afghan authorities.

(Anwar Abbas, Aik News): Ma'am, Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar had recently remarked that “Terrorist should not feel that because they are across the border, no one can touch them. Terrorist do not abide by any rule so the response to the terrorist must not be constrained by any rule.” He also criticized the erstwhile Indian government for taking Jammu and Kashmir to the United Nations in 1948. How would you comment on it?

Spokesperson: On your second question, we would advise you to consult the security agencies. They will be in a better position to confirm or deny this development. As regards the statement of Indian External Affairs Minister, it is an unfortunate statement. Indian leaders are engaged in belligerent rhetoric in complete disregard of international law and diplomatic norms. We believe these reckless statements should be avoided as these statements threaten regional peace and security. More importantly, diplomats should not advocate unlawful actions. Pakistan is fully prepared to respond to Indian provocations and irresponsible behavior. We have always acted responsibly despite India’s repeated provocations. It is also an established fact that the issue of Jammu and Kashmir was taken to the United Nations by India in 1948. And no degree of criticism of historic developments and facts can absolve the Indian authorities from the commitments that India made at the United Nations, to the Kashmiri people and to Pakistan. For India to establish its credentials as a responsible member of the international community, it should faithfully implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir and work for a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute. 

(Nimrah Sohail, PTV): Madam, Pakistan had condemned when Israel attacked Iran's consular office in Syria. However, recently Ecuadorian law enforcement officers had forcefully entered the Mexican embassy in Ecuador. So, what is Pakistan's stance on the issue?

Spokesperson: Pakistan is seriously concerned over any violation of Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations that requires the host government to respect the inviolability of diplomatic premises. We enjoy cordial relations with both Mexico and Ecuador and we hope that any issues that exist between the two countries will be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law and norms.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Saudi Foreign Minister, His Highness Prince Faisal Bin Farhan was here with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan. The two Foreign Ministers made similar statements on Gaza. Is the rhetoric alone going to be enough? Or will the two countries take up this matter to OIC or other forums? Also a large Saudi delegation was here. Now what is the follow up and progress? We heard that His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will be visiting Pakistan soon to formalize the agreement. 

Spokesperson: First regarding the visit of His Highness the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this was a very positive and constructive visit. Both sides engaged in constructive discussions with the objective of the developing Pakistan-Saudi Arabia economic and strategic partnership. And as I mentioned in my opening remarks, Pakistan has discussed with the Saudi delegation, several projects for Saudi investments in Pakistan and as you heard the Saudi Foreign Minister, the Saudi side is very encouraged. With the proposals which have been made by Pakistan so the both sides are positively viewing the coming weeks and we hope that the negotiations on these investment projects would be completed soon and we would have good news with respect to Pakistan-Saudi economic ties.

With regards to Gaza, you had a question on Pakistan-Saudi Arabia position on Gaza. You may have seen in the joint media Stakeout, the two Foreign Ministers had similar views on the concerning developments in the region. And the Foreign Ministers agreed that it is critical that peace prevails in the region that there is de-escalation that there is immediate ceasefire and lifting of siege of Gaza and provision of humanitarian assistance. In that context, both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been working within the ambit of OIC and there have been several proposals and initiatives which have been brought to the platform of United Nations, including the UN Human Rights Council where a very important resolution sponsored by Pakistan on behalf of the OIC was presented and which call for an immediate ceasefire and relief to the people of Gaza. As you know, the main stumbling block in the ceasefire and in humanitarian relief to the people of Gaza is the Israeli occupation authorities and it is important that United Nations Security Council plays its mandated role under the UN Charter and urge Israel to forthwith end its aggression against the people of Gaza.
 
(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): And about the OIC conference in Gambia?

Spokesperson: The OIC Summit will consider several proposals, including with regards to the situation in Palestine, with regards to the situation in Indian Illegally-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Islamophobia and other important issues of concern to members of the OIC. At this point, the senior officials are in the process of working on various documents and I am not in a position to share exact details as the ongoing negotiations.

(Charlotte Greenfield, Reuters): Is Pakistan planning to now implement the next phase of its repatriation plan of foreign nationals particularly Afghans? And will this next phase affect ACC and POR card holders?

Spokesperson: I would like to underline that Pakistani authorities are considering all aspects of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan and at this point there are no plans to repatriate the ACC holders. When such a decision is taken the relevant authorities will make an announcement.

(Aoon Sherazi, Such TV): When there were general elections in India, the then Prime Minister Imran Khan said that if Modi’s BJP wins the elections the Kashmir issue will possibly resolve. Now again there are general elections to be held in India, so are there any preferences of Pakistan with respect to any party to resolve issues with Pakistan?

Spokesperson: Pakistan does not interfere in electoral processes of other countries, just as the people of Pakistan do not wish foreign intervention in our electoral processes. 
 
Thank you very much!