Assalam o Alaikum, Good afternoon, NAYA SAAL MUBARAK

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 

Let me give a roundup of the diplomatic activities that took place this week. 

Today, on 1st January, as per our bilateral agreements, Pakistan and India exchange lists of prisoners in each other’s custody. Accordingly, the Government of Pakistan today handed over a list of 257 Indian prisoners (58 civil+ 199 fishermen) in Pakistan to the High Commission of India in Islamabad.

This step is consistent with the provisions of the Consular Access Agreement between Pakistan and India, signed on 21 May 2008, under which both countries are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each other's custody twice a year, on 1" January and 1" July, respectively.

The Indian Government, I understand, is also sharing the list of Pakistani prisoners with Pakistan High Commisson in New Delhi.

Also, on 1 January, Pakistan and India exchange the lists of their respective nuclear installations pursuant to the Agreement on Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between Pakistan and India. Signed on 31 December 1988, the Agreement, inter alia, provides that both countries shall inform each other of their nuclear installations and facilities, falling within its definition, on 1st January of each calendar year. 

Accordingly, the list of nuclear installations and facilities in Pakistan was officially handed over to a representative of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. 

The Indian Government, I understand, is also sharing the list of Indian nuclear installations with Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi today.

Last evening, we issued press release expressing deep concern over resurgence of violence in Yemen. Pakistan reiterates its support for the unity and territorial integrity of Yemen, as well as all efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace and stability in the country.

In this regard, Pakistan strongly opposes unilateral steps by any Yemeni party that may further escalate the situation, undermine peace efforts, and threaten the peace and stability of Yemen as well as that of the region.

Pakistan welcomes regional efforts for de-escalating the situation and maintaining peace and stability in Yemen. Pakistan expresses complete solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reaffirms its commitment to security of the Kingdom. Pakistan maintains its firm support for the resolution of Yemen issue through dialogue and diplomacy and hopes that Yemen’s people and regional powers work together towards inclusive and enduring settlement of the issue, safeguarding regional stability.

Last evening, the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening of the long-standing fraternal bonds between both countries that had attained new heights during recent months. 

The two leaders also discussed and exchanged views on the regional situation and current developments. The Prime Minister emphasized upon the need to maintain unity and harmony among the ranks of the Ummah, in the midst of various current challenges. While expressing Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the Kingdom, the Prime Minister said that it was imperative to maintain regional peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was very positive on expanding cooperation with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interest. He also expressed his desire to undertake an official visit to Pakistan in the coming year.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar also held a telephone conversation Saudi Foreign Minister H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Both leaders exchanged views on the current regional situation and recent developments. The DPM/FM conveyed Season’s Greetings and best wishes for the New Year, which were warmly reciprocated by Prince Faisal. The DPM/FM expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral relations. Prince Faisal reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening and enhancing bilateral ties.

The top leadership of Pakistan and United Arab Emirates were also in close contact this week. As you are aware, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi undertook an official visit to Pakistan, at the invitation of our Prime Minister. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers and senior officials. The two leaders met in Islamabad and later in Rahim Yar Khan. 

During these meetings, views were exchanged on bilateral cooperation and a variety of subjects. The meeting capped off a year of extensive leadership-level engagements between Pakistan and the UAE. The visit of His Highness reflects the depth of bilateral relations between the two countries shared commitment of both sides to further enhancing collaboration in key areas, including trade, investment, energy, development and regional stability.

Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq visited Dhaka, Bangladesh, yesterday, to attend the State Funeral of Former Prime Minster of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia. 

Our Speaker National Assembly visited the residence of the late former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, where he met her son, Mr. Tariq Rehman, and her daughter. He expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of Begum Khaleda Zia and conveyed condolences on behalf the people and leadership of Pakistan. 

He noted that services of the late Prime Minister for the progress, prosperity, and welfare of the brotherly people of Bangladesh would always be remembered with respect. He also paid homage for her contributions to strengthening the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

This visit reflects the honour and deep respect accorded to Late Begum Khalida Zia by the Prime Minister, the Government, the Parliament, and the people of Pakistan, who regarded her as a sincere friend of Pakistan.

While in Dhaka, the Speaker National Assembly also met Bangladesh’s National Security Advisor Mr. Khalil ur Rehman, Advisor on Law and Justice, Mr. Asif Nazrul and Acting Chairman of BNP, Mr. Tarique Rahman.

Pakistan strongly condemns any attempts to undermine the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia, and rejects, in this regard, the announcement made by Israel recognizing the independence of the so-called Somaliland region of the Federal Republic of Somalia. 

Pakistan reiterates its complete support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, as well as for all efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.

Pakistan also reiterates its unequivocal rejection of any steps aimed at the forced displacement of Palestinians from their land under any circumstances, and reaffirms its unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their just struggle for self-determination and for a sovereign, independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Our Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar joined the Foreign Ministers of Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, The Gambia, Egypt, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Palestine, the State of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Türkiye, Yemen, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, in issuing a joint statement underscored the following:

•    Unequivocal rejection of Israel’s recognition of the “Somaliland” region of the Federal Republic of Somalia 

•    Condemnation in the strongest terms of such recognition, which constitutes a grave violation of the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.

•    Full support of the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

•    Recognition of parts of states constitutes a serious precedent and threatens international peace and security, and violates the cardinal principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.

•    Full rejection of any potential link between such measure and any attempts to forcibly expel the Palestinian people out of their land, which is unequivocally rejected in any form as a matter of principle.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received a call from HH Prince Fahd bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz governor of Tabuk, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  HH Prince Fahd conveyed season’s greetings and best wishes for New Year. DPM/FM reciprocated the Prince's warm sentiments. Two dignitaries expressed desire to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. 

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, received a call from Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov. FM Bakhtiyor further confirmed the visit of President of Uzbekistan in February 2026. Views were exchanged on regional and international developments and on ways to enhance bilateral relations further by deepening cooperation.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister received a call from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somalia, H.E. Abdisalam Abdi Ali. The DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for Somalia’s sovereignty & territorial integrity and condemned any actions aimed at undermining it.

The Somali Foreign Minister thanked the DPM/FM for standing by Somalia and for Pakistan’s continued and sustained support. He also sought Pakistan’s assistance in raising Somalia’s concerns at the UNSC. The DPM/FM affirmed Pakistan’s full support for Somalia at the UN and other multilateral fora.
 
Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of Egypt Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum in bilateral relations. They shared views on regional and global developments especially Somalia and Yemen. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting regional peace, stability and development.

We also announced last evening that Pakistan and China will hold the 7th round of the Pakistan–China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, scheduled to be held in Beijing on 4 January 2026. This Dialogue takes place at the level of Foreign Ministers. Our DPM/FM will be visiting China, at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Mr. Wang Yi.

The Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue is the highest consultative mechanism between Pakistan and China, providing a structured platform to review the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest.

Since the closure of the border, our Embassy and Consulates have constantly been in touch with the Pakistani nationals in Afghanistan, including students, who sought assistance for their repatriation. 

Our Missions are also in contact with the Afghan authorities regarding their safety and wellbeing, and are coordinating with our relevant authorities to ensure their safe return.

As of now, 15 students and 291 individuals, who were in contact with our Embassy, have safely returned to Pakistan, for which our Embassy undertook requisite coordination with local authorities and offered necessary assistance.

(Note: A total of 1,199 Pakistanis approached our Embassy in Kabul seeking assistance for their return. These include 549 students and 402 individuals, including those with families. Out of these, 15 students and 291 individuals have already returned to Pakistan by air)

Thank you 

*

(Yang Kai, Xinhua News Agency):    Recently, the United States announced a plan to sell advanced weapons was 11.1 billion US dollars to China's Taiwan region, which has severely violated the One China principle and the three China US joint communiques seriously undermine China's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, severely jeopardized peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and sent a seriously wrong signal to the separatist forces of Taiwan independence. The Chinese side has immediately lodged a strong protest and the stern representations with the US side and taken firm countermeasures. So, what's your comment on that?

Spokesperson: Pakistan and China are iron-clad friends and all-weather strategic cooperative partners. We have consistently supported China on all matters of its core interests, including Taiwan. We will continue to adhere to the One-China principle and regard Taiwan as an inalienable part of China. We urge relevant countries to abide by their historical commitments, take steps to foster peace, security and development in the Taiwan Strait and the broader region and refrain from measures that may aggravate tensions or undermine peace and stability in the region.

(Namrah Sohail, PTV):    Sir, India has granted approval for Dulhasti Stage-II Hydro Power Project on Chenab River in IIOJK, which is a clear violation of Indus Water Treaty. So, what do you have to say about this matter?

Spokesperson:    We have seen the media reports regarding Indian plans to construct Dulhasti State-II Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab River. These reports raise serious concerns as no prior information or notification was shared with Pakistan with regard to this project as mandated under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960. Such acts of commission and omission yet again exemplify a complete disregard of international law. 

The Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters (PCIW) has sought clarification from his counterpart in India regarding the nature, scope and technical details of the reported project; and whether it constitutes a new run-of-river project, an alteration or additional work on an existing Plant that may result in ‘material change’, or involves any form of storage work that would affect downstream water flows. 

Under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), India cannot misuse its restricted allowance for unilaterally building hydroelectric projects on western rivers. Any such project on the western rivers is subject to strict design and operational controls as well as information-sharing requirements. In the absence of formal communication from the Indian side, Pakistan is unable to assess the project’s conformity with Treaty provisions. 

We therefore call upon India to urgently return to treaty compliance and respond to the queries raised by our Indus Waters Commissioner in his latest as well as earlier communications. 

Pakistan reiterates that the Indus Waters Treaty remains a binding international agreement. The decisions by the Court of Arbitration in June and August 2025 have unequivocally endorsed the IWT’s validity. No unilateral decision or defiance can alter this reality. 

Let me reaffirm that Pakistan remains committed to peaceful resolution of disputes and issues with India, but will never compromise on the existential water rights of its people. 

(Mateen Haider, GTV):    Mr. Spokesperson, two questions while you shared that Pakistani Parliament Speaker Ayaz Sadiq was in Dhaka and he met many top Bangladeshi current interim leaders, including National Security Advisor and also the interim Chief Advisor. At the same time, newspapers across South Asia flashed a photograph of Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar shaking hand with Speaker of National Assembly, and it was a smiling face. How do you read between the lines? And what does this indicate whether India by shaking hand with the Pakistani parliament speaker is willing to talk, and willing to negotiate things. How do you read this? And second you spoke about prisoners list, but the condition of Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails is deteriorating. They are not given proper treatment. Those who are sick, ill, they are not looked after, and those who have completed sentence, they are not being repatriated back to Pakistan. Your comments?

Spokesperson:    Firstly, on the Dhaka exchange – yes, I also saw the pictures on the media. I understand that the Honorable Speaker has also given a television interview giving further details. I would not like to add or delete any word from what the Honourable Speaker said in his interview.

As regards condition of Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails, this is a matter that is constantly raised at the level of the High Commissions and External Affairs Ministry in Delhi. I believe that the recent exchange of list of prisoners would add impetus towards facilitating their repatriation to Pakistan. In this process, obviously their conditions also come under discussion. We constantly seek improvement in conditions of our prisoners in the custody in India.

(Zafar Mehmood Malik, Mainichi Japanese):    Mr. Spokesperson, the list of prisoners that Pakistan has handed over to India would certainly include Kulbhushan’s name as well. What is Kulbhushan’s current status at this time? Would you shed some light on it?

Spokesperson:    Well, the status is that he has committed heinous crimes against the people of Pakistan. He is in our custody for those crimes. The judicial processes and the rule of law in Pakistan will take its course on the matter.

(Sardar Shaukat Mahmood, Islamabad Today):    Sir, my question is that Pakistan has always maintained its principled stand on the UN resolution regarding the issue of Kashmir, its dispute, and the right of self-determination. When Pakistan gained victory after Marka e Haq, and also gained diplomatic achievements, President Trump offered mediation. As in you have been delivering Pakistan’s principle stand and its statement in every turn on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but what steps have been taken by Pakistan to take advantage of this opportunity? Is there any result-oriented progress regarding this issue because Kashmiri people are striving and Indian atrocities are continuing inside Kashmir.  

Spokesperson:    The month of January revives, and brings back the memories of all the deliberation that took place on Jammu and Kashmir in the United Nations. As you know, the first UN Security Council resolution on Jammu and Kashmir was adopted on 5th of January 1948. And within one month, I think at least three or four Security Council resolutions were adopted. So, Pakistan's position on Jammu and Kashmir remains anchored in those UN Security Council Resolutions, which are also the bedrock of international laws and pronunciation on Jammu and Kashmir. This is an issue which is to be settled in accordance with the wishes of the people of Kashmir, to be ascertained through an impartial plebiscite. So, this position is firm and is anchored in the UN and international legality. 

As regards measures taken by India, as you are aware, the United Nations and the international human rights machinery and those forums that monitor peace and security dimensions of regional disputes – they remain cognizant of this dispute. The Indian atrocities in illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir have continued. The UN Human Rights machinery has pronounced upon it, particularly with regards to the illegal detention of a number of Kashmiri human rights activists and civil society organizations, namely Khurram Parvez, Asiya Andrabi, Dr. Qasim Fakhtu and all these individuals who have been languishing in Indian jails without recourse to justice. 

The second aspect is the demographic changes that have been brought after the legal actions of August 2019. The UN Human Rights machinery has pronounced itself on this deeply divisive issue. Pakistan will continue to raise the issue of Jammu and Kashmir at relevant international fora. At the same time, we'll continue our principal moral, political, diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir towards their realization of their right to self-determination to be ascertained through a UN administered plebiscite, as enshrined in over a dozen UN Security Council resolutions.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News):    You just said, in response to the previous question, that Pakistan still wants settlement of disputes with India with dialogue and peaceful resolution. President Zardari also maintained on 27th December that we could have targeted more Indian planes, but we restrained. With given this policy of Pakistan for peace, dialogue and dispute resolution, whether Pakistan would respond to the initiative taken by the Indian External Affairs Minister, Doctor SJ Shankar, yesterday, because, as honorable speaker of Pakistan, told the TV channel which you just quoted that Jaishankar knew the TV cameras or the cameras were with him, and there will be a picture released. How will Pakistan respond to this initiative by India? 

My second question related to it that we heard last week, in a very surprising move, that the honorable Foreign Minister of China, His Excellency, Wang Yi, talked about certain mediation by China, vis a vis India and Pakistan conflicts, as we know, Wang Yi, the very senior member of the ruling cabinet over there and China is a factor of stability in this region. What kind of mediation or diplomacy is being undertaken or was undertaken by China?

Spokesperson:    Firstly, on this picture and the handshake in Dhaka – as I said the Honourable Speaker has given a very detailed account of it, and I would not want to add a word or subtract a word out of what the Speaker said. I do not think that he used the word initiative in the sense that you are referring to. 

As regards the Foreign Minister Wang Yi's statement – the leadership of China I understand, was in constant touch with the leadership of Pakistan, and had made certain contacts with the Indian leadership as well in those three, four days in May, 6 to 10th and maybe prior to that and after that. So, I think those contacts, characterized by a very positive diplomatic exchange, contributed in bringing down temperatures and bringing peace and security in the region. So, I'm sure that the Chinese characterization of mediation is correct. This is also the reading and assessment of Pakistan and as regards what kind of diplomacy was undertaken by China. It was diplomacy for peace. It was diplomacy for prosperity, for security, and this has been a hallmark of a number of international efforts that went into resolving that conflict in those three four fateful days. So, we support the position taken by China on this matter as described by the Foreign Minister of China.

(Muhammad Saleh Zafir, The News):    Sir, in your opening statement you referred to the unfortunate clashes or tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Prime Minister of Pakistan is in constant touch with the leaders of the two countries. Is Pakistan playing any mediatory role to resolve this dispute between two brotherly countries?

Spokesperson:    You know this discord is on the situation about Yemen. So that is why our press release was also geared towards the situation in Yemen. To that extent, we have been advocating peace, diplomacy and diplomatic solutions to reach the solution. So, this is part of our exchanges that is taking place between our leaderships and the leadership in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. The second side of it is the multilateral platforms. Pakistan is a member of the UN Security Council. Yemen is an issue which is discussed there, is considered in frequent at UN Security Council meetings. Pakistan takes part in those deliberations, and we have been part of the numerous outcomes from the Security Council platform. The third side is the OIC, which is again a very important platform. You may know that Pakistan is member of the OIC Contact Group on Yemen. So, in that capacity, we are playing a role of advocacy for peace, dialogue, role for diplomacy including peaceful settlement for a Yemeni-led, Yemeni-owned political process. So, this is in that spirit that we take our role as a mediatory and a facilitator for bringing peace and prosperity for Yemen and for the brotherly people of Yemen.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Sir, on the occasion of New Year Day, what message will you convey to the world particularly to Afghan Interim government and Indian government? 

Spokesperson: I refer you to the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister in his briefing on Saturday said that Pakistan will pursue peace, diplomacy and dialogue in next year based on respecting sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs with the aim of settlement of disputes. This is the message from Pakistan across the globe and to our neighboring countries. We will continue to advocate for peaceful approaches, and efforts towards easing of tensions, bringing peace, progress of our people. 

(Tahir Khan, NNI): Sir, you mentioned Ishaq Dar’s press conference related to Afghanistan. He welcomed Scholars resolution and Hussain Haqqani’s statement. Did Afghan government contacted you because UN convey has arrived on Pak-Afghan border at Torkham, but the border is still closed from Afghan side?

Secondly, Ishaq Dar confirmed talks held in Riyadh. At what stage is Pak – Afghan relations which was in Riyadh? Did someone from Foreign Office participate in it? How we will see Pak – Afghan relations this year? 

Spokesperson: The resolution adopted by Afghan Ulema in Afghanistan and the statement by the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, were positive developments. Indeed, we had welcomed it. We look forward to these positive overtures being backed by a firm commitment that Afghan soil will not be used for terrorism against Pakistan. We still wait such an expression of firm commitment. You referred to Riyadh, but in Istanbul, and before that, in Doha, we had sought written assurances. Those assurances are still awaited and the closure of border gates is linked with that. 

Secondly, you acknowledged that humanitarian convoy from Pakistan have been cleared. They have passed through our side of the border gates at Torkham, but the other side, the Afghan side, is not opening the gates. So, I think this is the kind of attitude from Afghanistan that needs to be improved if the relationship has to improve. A country in need of a humanitarian assistant is not willing to receive humanitarian assistance – this is quite unprecedented that a country in need of humanitarian supplies is blocking the humanitarian supplies. This is unfortunate. This humanitarian convoy was cleared with a very strong personal efforts made by our Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister. He actually advocated for it and then worked for such convoy to pass, and yet it's been blocked by Afghanistan. Take that this in the whole picture: where does Pakistan stand and where Afghanistan stands. 

For Pakistan, what is the ask from Afghanistan? The ask from Afghanistan is that you please do not allow terrorist operating from your soil to attack Pakistan. These terrorists are not Pakistani individuals. Our military leadership guarding our frontiers, have very clearly stated that around 70% or more, of these attacks are carried out by Afghan nationals. So, it is the duty of the Afghan government, the Kabul administration, to ensure that these attacks from Afghanistan do not take place. So Pakistan is only asking Afghanistan to uphold their responsibility as a nation state under international law. We are not asking for moon. We are asking for legal compliance of their responsibility under international law. So, I think the question needs to be asked from the Kabul administration as to what steps they have taken to fulfill those responsibilities.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Thank you Spokesperson. First, the Norwegian ambassador was demarched and later on the UK High Commissioner by Pakistan's Foreign Office. But there was a hush, hush silence on your behalf, and when the other department shared the media notes in the Foreign Office issued their press releases. So my question is, demarching these Ambassador are purely your initiative, or someone is breathing on your neck to do so? In the past, a former Prime Minister and his Foreign Minister were trialed for leaking the documents. I know that Foreign Offices business is very sensitive. These documents are not that much sensitive, but still, have you raised this issue with the relevant department that why they are interfering in your premises?

And second one state that have you inquired who is leaking these documents to other departments? Thank you,

Spokesperson: Abdullah, I can assure you that nobody is breathing on our necks. Our necks are totally in a very comfortable position. Foreign Office is doing its job with the full commitment, as is our duty, and we are having good night's sleeps. So I rest assure you.

You raised two issues, which are two very different issues. The first issue of the Norwegian ambassador was regarding his court appearance, to which I have replied extensively. That issue is settled. The second issue is of a totally different nature, and this is about something that happened on the British soil, I don't think that you can raise these two questions under one theme. 

Secondly, I'm not aware of any leaked document either of the two meetings. I did not issue a press statement on the UK demarche because I had confirmed the reports in the media. In fact, I had briefed some of the colleagues from media in my private conversation with the full authority to quote me. I was quoted. There's no institutional gaps as you mentioned.  Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is discharging its duties with full freedom, as is enshrined in our constitution and our government rules of business. So I think you should revise your comment on who is breathing on our necks.

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Did India buckle under international pressure as indicated by sudden Indian External Affaris’ meeting with Speaker of National Assembly and it is giving such gestures and try to display that it want to normalize relations? 

Spokesperson: About your question on pressures and handshakes, as I said, this was a handshake, and I have expressed myself on it. The Speaker National Assembly, has also given its detail. I would not want to add anything on that. What you are saying, is your words and your interpretation of the event. 

(Allah Noor Wazir, Mashriq TV): Does Pakistan want Regime change in Afghanistan? If a country ask for regime change in Afghanistan, will Pakistan comply? 

After increased terrorist attacks in KPK in the last two to three months, did the closure of Pak – Afghan border achieve concrete results?

2 to 3 Pakistani women belonging to Faisalabad were arrested in Saudi Arabia on the charges of Narcotics. Did their families contact Pakistani or Saudi government? 

Spokesperson: On first part of your question about change of any government in Afghanistan – we respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan. It is for the Afghan people to pick and choose whichever government they want, and we are ready to work with the present dispensation, the current Kabul regime. It is not correct for us to use the word of a regime change for a neighboring country.

Terrorism in KPK, yes, it's an issue which is very close to our heart because our own people, our brothers and sisters, are suffering from terrorism. This is a fight that we have to undertake. We are implementing counterterrorism measures, forcefully and forcefully, forthrightly. Measures such as the closure of border, must have contributed positively. This is a matter of speculation as to what would be the amount of terrorist attacks emanating from Afghanistan with the open borders, and what is the amount with closed borders. Irrespective of that, we have to protect our people. The blood of Pakistani is sacred and is more precious than anything else. 

You mentioned about the incident of arrest of women in KSA. I'll have to check with our embassy in Riyadh. I can check and I can get back to you. 

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): There are reports that on 16th December, 2025 in Qatar, in the presence of US Central Command, there was a meeting in which Pakistan participated. Do you confirm this meeting regarding Gaza Peace Plan? Who represented Pakistan?

Secondly, yesterday Foreign Office issued a press release on Yemen issue. It mentioned about Saudi defence and commitment towards it. But there was no mention of UAE. On Press release issued 23 December, it mentioned both Saudi Arabia and UAE. Is this a policy shift? What will be your course of action?  

Spokesperson: First of all, on CENTCOM, I am not aware of it and it is not my mandate to confirm or deny what transpires as part of the military exchanges between the military leadership and the US military leadership. I refer you to ISPR.

As regards our Press Releases of 23rd December and yesterday, let me tell you Pakistan's position on the matter is anchored in the issue of Yemen. This is to bring peace, stability, progress in the country and a viable political process resulting in lasting settlement of all problems that are besieging various Yemeni parties. So our statements are reflective of that position, I think our relations with our two brotherly countries of UAE and Saudi Arabia are have their own strengths, have their own political, economic and trade content. Yemen situation is related to the issue of Yemen. So you should not intermix the situations that exist in Yemen with whatever is exchanging taking place between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia or between Pakistan and UAE. We have excellent relations with both the brotherly countries, and we would continue to further improve these relations.

(Zeeshan Syed, Neo TV): Thank you, Mr. Spokesperson. Iranian President says that his country is total at war with US, Israel and Europe. It comes from after the Netanyahu visit to US. So when Pakistan fully supported Iran in Iran – Israel conflict, now we have historic relationship with the US, so what will be stance of Pakistan?  

Spokesperson: First of all, our position on issues relating to Iran has been very principled. First issue is what transpired between Iran and its JCPOA partners on the nuclear issue. So this is one issue. The second issue is the attacks launched by Israel on Iran, to which we firmly supported Iran and its right to self-defense. 

I have not seen the statement of the Iranian President that you are referring to I am not aware of the context that in which it was made. So I will not comment on it. 

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Sir, Pakistan is going to chair United Nations Human Rights Council today as a result of voting held on 14 October 2025. What are your comments? 

Secondly, Pakistan is also going to be member of Digital Corporation Organization. When it is going to resume its duty as its member? DPM/FM Ishaq Dar announce it on the forum of DFTI on 29-30th April, 2025. 

Lastly, DPM Ishaq Dar announced in his press conference that it will implement Libyan arms deal under any circumstances. Will we have the same stance when it comes of Iran – Pakistan Pipeline deal? 

Spokesperson: First of all, Human Rights Council – yes, we are returning to the Human Rights Council, for sixth term, or since the inception of Human Rights Council. Pakistan brings a lot of international credibility with the membership of the Human Rights Council. We uphold the principles of international human rights law. Pakistan is also the coordinator for OIC on Human Rights Council. So, our membership helps us to take active part in the deliberations and the outcomes of the Human Rights Council. We would actively participate in those discussions and bring their outcomes as close to the tenants of international human rights laws as possible. Human Rights Council has also been pronouncing on issues like Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine. These issues recur in the Human Rights Council. These issues would remain a priority for Pakistan at this forum.

About this digital cooperation. I'll have to check the name and get back to you.
And about IP gas pipeline. Yes, I think Pakistan remains committed to this pipeline, and we look forward to progress on this issue.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Keeping in view the hand shake between Indian External Minister and National Assembly speaker, do you think there is thinking among some part of Indian leadership that believes in dialogue and negotiations with Pakistan? 

Spokesperson: I have already answered this question. There was a context behind it and the Honourable Speaker has already justified his position. This matter is as it is.