Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi visited Pakistan this week. This was the first visit by an Iranian leader in seven years.
 
This visit provided an opportunity for the two sides to hold in-depth talks on all aspects of bilateral relations and regional and global developments. There was agreement to expand cooperation in economic, cultural and security domains and to transform the Pakistan-Iran border into a border of peace, friendship and prosperity. In this context, the two sides will promote bilateral trade; fast track negotiations on Free Trade Agreement; develop joint border markets and economic free zones; and promote connectivity including mutually beneficial relationships between the ports of Gwadar and Chabahar.
 
The two sides also agreed to enhance dialogue and cooperation to confront terrorism, narcotics smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering and abduction. Pakistan and Iran will release each other’s prisoners under the existing legal framework.  
 
As expressed in the Joint Statement, Pakistan and Iran have similar views on the situation in Gaza and on Jammu and Kashmir. The leaders highlighted the need for dialogue and peaceful means to resolve the Kashmir dispute, in accordance with international law and the will of the people. On Gaza, both sides expressed support for a just, comprehensive, and durable solution based on the aspirations of the Palestinian people, as well as the return of displaced persons.
 
Chairman, China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), Luo Zhaohui visited Pakistan from 21-25 April 2024. In Islamabad, he called on the President and the Prime Minister and held meetings with the Minister for Economic Affairs and other senior officials. The two sides agreed to fast-track ongoing projects under China Pakistan Economic Corridor and signed several documents of cooperation.
 
The discovery of mass graves at two major hospitals in Gaza have shocked the human conscience. Pakistan joins the call by the United Nations for “a clear, transparent and credible investigation” of mass graves and the massacre of men, women and children by the Israeli occupation forces. Pakistan vehemently condemns Israel’s barbarianism and its war crimes against the people of Gaza. We underline the urgency of an unconditional ceasefire to protect civilians from further carnage. An independent and impartial investigation must be held to ascertain the facts, fix responsibility and punish the perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
 
We urge the international community, especially the backers of Israel, to take urgent measures to bring an end to the war on the people of Gaza, to lift the siege, to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian assistance and to hold to account the perpetrators of the Gaza genocide.
 
We are witnessing an alarming surge in provocative statements from Indian leaders, asserting unwarranted claims over Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan rejects these claims. Fueled by hyper-nationalism, this inflammatory rhetoric poses a grave threat to regional peace and stability. We urge Indian politicians to cease their reckless practice of dragging Pakistan into India’s populist public discourse for electoral motives.
 
Historical and legal facts as well as ground realities refute India’s baseless claims over Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Despite India’s rhetoric and assertions, Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized disputed territory. The UN Security Council resolutions clearly outline that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir shall be determined by the will of its people through a free and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices. India would be wise to help implement these resolutions instead of harboring delusions of grandeur.
 
Now a couple of announcements…….

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar will attend the World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy to be held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 28-29 April 2024. They have received the invitations from HRH Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Professor Klaus Schwab, the Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum. High level participation in the Forum will afford an important opportunity to present Pakistan’s priorities specifically in global health architecture, inclusive growth, revitalizing regional collaboration and the need for striking a balance between promoting growth and energy consumption.

On the margins of the main event, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister will hold bilateral meetings with world leaders, heads of international organizations bodies and other leading personalities participating in the event.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will participate in the 15th OIC Summit being held in Banjul, the Gambia on 4-5 May 2024.

The Summit is being convened at a critical time for the Muslim Ummah as the war on the people of Gaza continues unabated. It would be an important occasion for the OIC leaders to deliberate upon the deteriorating situation in Gaza and project a strong, collective and unified stance on the Palestinian question.

At the Summit, the Prime Minister will speak about Pakistan’s grave concern on the genocide in Gaza, the right to self determination of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, imperatives of solidarity and unity of the Ummah, rising Islamophobia and terrorism and other contemporary global issues. He will also hold bilateral meetings with leaders of the Islamic world on the margins of the Summit.

The Summit will be preceded by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting on 2-3 May 2024. Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar will attend the CFM. On the side-lines of the CFM, the Foreign Minister will meet with his counterparts from other OIC countries.

I thank you all.

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(Azaz Syed, Geo News):    What is the status of the Pakistanis who were arrested from the Arabian Sea on 11th January during American Navy Seals operation and has Pakistan demanded consular access for them?

Spokesperson: We are still waiting for consular access. 

(Azaz Syed, Geo News):    During Iranian President’s visit to Pakistan a joint declaration consisting of 28 points was issued in which the matter of Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline issue was not clearly outlined. Was this matter discussed during the visit and America has also issued a statement regarding this matter during the same time period. Please share the details. 

(Naveed Siddiqui, Dateline Islamabad): Ma’am, has Pakistan contacted USA regarding waiver on Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline because they have given a statement already that they will oppose this. We can see examples from neighbouring country that they have got waiver for importing oil from Russia or Iran even with the imposed sanctions. So, has Pakistan made any formal contact with USA for the waiver?

(Allah Noor Wazir, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, as Pakistan’s economy is not good and if we are not able to fulfill the requirements of the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Agreement within the given time, Pakistan will have to pay a fine. Have there been any talks with Iran regarding the waiving off of the fine in case of failure to fulfill the requirements?

(Ali Hussain, Business Recorder): Very specifically on the threats by the US imposing sanctions if we go ahead with the IP gas pipeline project and other co-related issues with Iran?    

Spokesperson: First Regarding Mr. Azaz’s question. Yes, this topic was discussed and it is reflected in the joint statement. Pakistan and Iran believe that the two countries should enhance cooperation in the energy domain. Pakistan, as you're aware has significant energy needs and we have been exploring various options to expand our energy imports. In this context, Pakistan and Iran have reiterated the importance of cooperation in the energy domain, including trade in electricity, power transmission lines and the IP gas pipeline project. We have noted some statements have been made by the United States. We are also engaged with the United States and discussed the various aspects of Pakistan's energy needs.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): I have three questions. First the Iran-Pakistan joint statement mentions the free trade agreement, the FTA. How close are Pakistan and Iran with regards to finalizing the FTA and if you could delve in the contours of this FTA. Number two, the US Human Rights Report. We saw the rejection yesterday. But is this a rejection of the entire report or parts of it because there are contents of the report that also go on to specify how this group called the Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan is an offshoot of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which is operating from the Afghan soil. This is something that the report clearly specifies in context of the Mianwali base attack. So, is this a whole rejection or is this a selective rejection? And lastly, the Minister for Planning and Development Mr. Ahsan Iqbal yesterday said in a public statement that the Prime Minister is due to visit China very shortly, and that the JCC with China will be held very soon on the matters of bilateral cooperation and CPEC. Can you enlighten more on that?

Spokesperson: First regarding the visit of the Prime Minister to China. At this stage, I do not have any dates to share with you. When the dates are finalized and it is time to announce we will surely release it to the media. Secondly, with regards to the Pakistan-Iran Free Trade Agreement, the two countries as you know, have a Preferential Trade Agreement and the two countries have been engaged in discussions on the Free Trade Agreement. There are various aspects that are still under discussion and at this point we are not in a position to announce its contours since the FTA is still under negotiation. Thirdly, regarding the country report, which was released by the United States, Pakistan rejects the premise that a country can prepare such unsolicited reports, which lack objectivity, and which are inherently flawed in their methodology. We believe these reports use a domestic social lens to judge human rights in other countries, in a politically motivated manner. Pakistan's view is that such reports should, if at all, being developed, should be based on clear, objective standards, impartiality, and responsibility. I would therefore, not like to venture into any elements of the report as Pakistan has rejected the country report.

(Javed Hussain, 92 News): Regarding China, President Muslim League (N) Nawaz Sharif is also on a visit to China at the same time when Iran’s President was on his visit to Pakistan. Is it a strategic move? Were there any engagements with the communist party? 

Spokesperson: As you know the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not comment on the private visits of private individuals. So, we will not be commenting on this visit either.

(Anwar Abbas, Aik News): Ma'am, did Pakistan contact any international law firms or lawyers to challenge the expected US sanctions against Pakistan in case of Iran Pipeline?

Spokesperson: With respect to this question and other questions which were asked earlier, in terms of technical details of the project, the Ministry of Petroleum is the right forum to respond to you queries about implementation of the Iran Pipeline project.

(Zeeshan Yousaf Zai,Dunya TV ): Ma’am, during the visit of Iranian President there were discussions related to smuggling and the smuggling of petroleum products from Iran and recently a letter was written from OCAC that the investment of 6 billion dollars in refinery is in danger. What has been done for its resolution. Can you specify? Because many investors are involved in it. Are you moving towards legalization? Secondly, we are about to enter a deal with IMF and can Iranian President’s visit impact the deal. What is foreign office’s take on this?

Spokesperson: I think to both these questions, I would not respond because the aspects of smuggling of petroleum or the petroleum refinery project pertain to departments which are the customs department and the Ministry of Petroleum. On IMF, the Ministry of Finance can be contacted. So, I do not have a comment on these questions.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Indian Prime Minister and his cabinet’s members make statements like “Ghus ke Maraingay” and now India’s second largest population which is Muslim population are being declared as infiltrators and people responsible for giving birth to more children. What is Pakistan’s comment on this situation?

Spokesperson: It is regrettable that vilification of Muslims has become a norm in today's India. We are gravely concerned that verbal and physical attacks against Muslims have witnessed significant increase in recent years. We are also deeply concerned that Muslims in India are being systematically stigmatized and marginalized. The international community must ensure that Indian Muslims are not victimized for having different religious beliefs than the majority population. The efforts to promote anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia especially for electoral gains must end.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): On the matter of US sanctions on Pakistan's ballistic missile program. Specifically, was there any summon of an American diplomat that was sent because historically, the last such move was done in February 2018 and it was followed up by a summon of the then acting Ambassador. So was this precedent followed this time as well.

Spokesperson: Pakistan has expressed its concerns about this latest move by the United States. And I would like to underline that Pakistan considers such decisions and listings as unfair and based on mere suspicions. No evidence was shared with us. We believe there is politicization of export controls and that discriminatory practices and double standards must be avoided. These double standards and discriminatory practices are undermining the credibility of non-proliferation regimes and the objectives of regional and global peace and security by accentuating military asymmetries.

(Allah Noor Wazir, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, is Afghanistan violating Doha Agreement? Like we saw a video yesterday in which it was being said that we arranged number of people and stayed at the border for the night and then crossed into Pakistan and then conducted our operation. And secondly, brother of Sirajuddin Haqqani, Minister of Interior of Afghanistan, came to Waziristan, Anas Haqqani. Was he granted permission from Pakistan or did he travel at legal visa? If Pakistan permitted him then what was the purpose of him visiting Waziristan?

Spokesperson: First, we do not comment on speculative reporting and social media reports. Secondly, Pakistan and Afghanistan have long-standing relations. And we have several channels of communication to express our concerns about the increasing acts of terrorism by entities and individuals, based in Afghanistan, and which are responsible for terrorist acts inside Pakistan. We urge Afghanistan to take action against them. Similarly, we have also remained engaged in multilateral forums to ensure that Afghanistan fulfills its responsibilities under the Doha agreement.

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Ma’am, there are talks of trade diplomacy with India and different communities are talking about trade with India. So, is there any back-door diplomacy / trade diplomacy going on? 

(Naveed Siddiqui, Dateline Islamabad): Trader community met Prime Minister in Karachi, in which Mr. Arif Habib, who was also on forefront suggested to normalize the trade relations with India especially. It is being said that Mr. Arif Habib could be handed over the task of normalizing trade relations with India. Do you have any update regarding this matter?

Spokesperson: First, we have no information that any private individual being given such a responsibility. Second, there are no back channel talks taking place with regards to normalization of trade between Pakistan and India. Thirdly, as I said in the past, whenever we receive any proposals or requests from various segments of the society, including our business community, we do examine these requests and this a normal practice in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And at this stage I do not have any information to share with you about a change in Pakistan's position or its policy towards trade with India.

(Ali Hussain, Business Recorder): Again, on the sanctions, what would be the response of Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the repeated threats of US government on the MOUs between the Pakistan and Iran for promotion of trade activities and IP Gas pipeline project that US will impose sanctions on them. What is Ministry of Foreign Affairs response on this specifically?

Spokesperson: First of all, I should underline that Pakistan does not believe in zero-sum relationships. Expansion of our relations with one country should not be considered as coming at the expense of our relationship with another. Pakistan is confident that its relationship with its friends and partners, including the United States, are robust enough to move forward on their own merit, and notwithstanding any other relationships that Pakistan has with other countries in our national interest. Pakistan has trade relations with its neighbour Iran. And we have, as I mentioned earlier, we have a Preferential Trade agreement between Pakistan and Iran. The border regions of Pakistan and Iran benefit from local trade and this trade takes place mostly in barter form. You would recall, there are borders markets, these are sustenance markets to help the local traders. This basically helps the economy of the poor regions along the border of Pakistan and Iran. Lastly, Pakistan and the United States have a robust dialogue and several channels of communication and we would continue to engage with them and explain the importance that Pakistan accords to its relations with its neighbours and the need for this cooperation so as to have the Pakistan-Iran border, as a border of peace, security and prosperity.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): On a large scale, India and European countries are purchasing oil and gas from Russia but when it comes to Pakistan, there arises these talks of sanctions. What is Pakistan’s comment on these double standards? 

Spokesperson: As I said earlier, Pakistan has energy needs. Pakistan will take decisions on the basis of its national interest in fulfilling its energy requirements, taking into account the international environment, taking into account the UN sanctions, if any, and issues relating to trade with other countries, including in the energy domain.

I Thank you all!

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