Assalam-o-Alaikum,

 

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

It was a very busy week in Islamabad as Pakistan continued its active diplomatic efforts for cessation of hostilities in West Asia, including Iran. 

 

The Honorable Prime Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held numerous telephonic conversations with their counterparts in the world.

 

Additionally, the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabiya, Türkiye, Egypt, met Islamabad which our media colleagues extensively covered.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

 

Last Sunday, the 2nd Meeting of Consultations among the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt was held in Islamabad. You may recall that our 1st Meeting was held in Riyadh on 19 March 2026. 

 

Before formal talks in the Group Format, the visiting Foreign Ministers held bilateral meetings with the DPM/FM of Pakistan. I am sure you covered the Press Releases which we constantly shared in the course of the day.

The visiting dignitaries also called on the Honorable Prime Minister. The Prime Minister’s Office release media readouts on these meetings which you all covered.

 

The Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt held important Consultations on range of issues, including review of the prevailing situation in the Middle East and the Gulf, efforts to de-escalate violence and hostilities and promoting peace, diplomacy in the region. 

 

Pakistan highly values its relations with the brotherly countries of Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt. These interactions provided an opportunity to further strengthen Pakistan’s cooperation and coordination with these countries across multifaceted areas of mutual interest.

 

The formal consultations and talks of the Four Foreign Ministers lasted 15 minutes longer than originally scheduled. At the end of these talks, the DPM/FM delivered his media statement which included the Host’s Summary about the 4 Party Consultations. The Summary by the DPM/FM included eight key points:  

 

One – Discussions focused on the possible ways to bring an early and permanent end to the war in the region.

 

Two – Concerns were expressed that the on-going conflict is extremely unfortunate for its devastating impact on lives and livelihood across the wider region.

 

Three – The unity of Muslim Ummah in these challenging times is of utmost importance. 

 

Four – DPM/FM briefed the visiting Foreign Ministers on the prospects of potential US-Iran talks in Islamabad. The visiting Foreign Ministers expressed their full support to the initiative. 

 

Five – The Foreign Ministers reaffirmed unity to contain the situation, reduce the risk of military escalations and create conditions for structured negotiations between relevant parties.

 

Six – The Foreign Ministers advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable pathway to prevent conflicts and to promote regional peace and harmony. They called for upholding principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.

 

Seven – The Foreign Ministers also discussed ways and means to further strengthen mutual cooperation among the four brotherly countries.

 

Another very important development of the week was the Visit of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister to China on 31 March 2026), undertaken at the invitation of the Foreign Minister of China, Mr Wang Yi. 

 

The visit provided an opportunity for both sides to hold in-depth discussions on regional developments, as well as bilateral and global issues of mutual interest.

 

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister’s visit to China, despite medical advice to rest following his hairline shoulder fracture, was evidence of the importance placed by Pakistan on its relationship with China.

 

A milestone was achieved during the visit of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar as China and Pakistan agreed on a five-point Initiative of Chian and Pakistan for Restoring Peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East Region. These five points included

 

I. Immediate Cessation of Hostilities: China and Pakistan call for immediate cessation of hostilities and utmost efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading. Humanitarian assistance must be allowed to all war-affected areas.

II. Start of peace talks as soon as possible. Sovereignty, territorial integrity, national independence should be safeguarded. Dialogue and diplomacy is the only viable option with all parties committing to peaceful resolution of disputes, and refraining from the use or the threat of use of force during peace talks.

III. Security of nonmilitary targets. The principle of protecting civilians in military conflict should be observed. Calling on parties to the conflict to immediately stop attacks on civilians and nonmilitary targets, and fully adhere to International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

IV. Security of shipping lanes to be ensured - including safety and passage of crew members stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, allow the early and safe passage of civilian and commercial ships, and restore normal passage through the Strait as soon as possible.

V. Primacy of the United Nations Charter to be reaffirmed, establish comprehensive peace framework and realizing lasting peace based on the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and international law.

 

TELEPHONIC CONVERSATIONS OF THE PRIME MINISTER 

 

On 27 March: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a telephone call from His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait. Expressing strong condemnation of attacks against Kuwait, the Prime Minister also apprised the Kuwaiti leadership of Pakistan’s sincere diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the war in the Middle East. 

 

While expressing deep appreciation of the Prime Minister’s leadership, the Crown Prince of Kuwait fully endorsed Pakistan’s efforts for mediation between Iran and the U.S. He also thanked the Prime Minister for Pakistan’s support to Kuwait in the current crisis. 

 

The next day – 28 March, the Prime Minister Muhammad held a telephone conversation with His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 

 

The Prime Minister briefed the Iranian President on the strong endorsement of Pakistan’s peace initiative and expressed the hope that a viable path towards ending hostilities could be found collectively. 

 

While appreciating the Prime Minister’s sincere diplomatic efforts, the Iranian President shared his perspective on the ongoing hostilities perpetrated by Israel against Iran. He stressed upon the need to build trust in order to facilitate talks and mediation. In this regard, he praised the Prime Minister for Pakistan’s supportive role for peace.

 

On 31 March, the Prime Minister received a telephone call from H.E. António Costa, President of the European Council, on March 31, 2026. They exchanged views on the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East. They also discussed strengthening Pakistan-EU relations, including the importance of GSP Plus and the upcoming Pakistan-EU Business Forum in Islamabad, scheduled for end-April.

 

TELEPHONIC CALLS

 

Among important telephone calls of Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar this week: 

 

ON 27 March: the DPM/FM held a telephone conversation with Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Wang Yi. 

 

The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation.

 

The Chinese side expressed China’s deep appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting de-escalation and conveyed China’s full support for Pakistan’s facilitation efforts.

 

Both leaders reaffirmed that Pakistan and China are strategic cooperative partners, bound by mutual trust and confidence. They agreed to continue working closely to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond. 

 

The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and agreed to continue efforts to advance peace, security, and stability in the region.

 

On 27 March: the DPM/FM held a telephonic conversation with the Foreign Minister of Egypt, Dr. Badr Abdelatty 

 

The DPM/FM spoke with the Foreign Minister of Türkiye, Hakan Fidan, twice on March 27, and March 31respectively.

 

On 28 March, DPM/Foreign Minister spoke with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres. They exchanged views on the evolving situation in the West Asia and its implications for international peace and security. The DPM underscored that the UN remains indispensable to conflict prevention and resolution, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to diplomacy and dialogue as the only viable path to sustainable peace. The Secretary-General expressed appreciation and extended his full support for Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts in pursuit of peace and stability in the region.

 

On 28 March, the DPM/FM spoke with Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. 

 

The same day i.e. 28 March, the DPM/FM held a telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Sugiono. 

 

On 29 March, the DPM/FM spoke with Foreign Minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi the two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation and ongoing developments. DPM/FM emphasized the need for de-escalation, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path for lasting peace. 

 

During the week Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister announced that the Government of Iran had agreed to allow 20 more ships under the Pakistani flag to pass through the Strait of Hormuz -- two ships will cross the Strait daily. He said that this was a welcome and constructive gesture by Iran and deserves appreciation. It is a harbinger of peace and will help usher stability in the region. This positive announcement marks a meaningful step toward peace and will strengthen our collective efforts in that direction. Dialogue, diplomacy, and such confidence-building measures are the only way forward.

 

 

 

Finally, Ladies and Gentlemen

 

This Tuesday, the Foreign Ministers of the Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and the Qatar issued a Joint Statement condemning and rejecting the continued restrictions imposed by Israel on the freedom of worship for Muslims and Christians in occupied Jerusalem, including the prevention of Muslim worshippers from accessing Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al-Haram Al-Sharif, and the prevention of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Custos of the Holy Land from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate the Palm Sunday Mass. They renewed their condemnation and rejection of any Israeli attempts to alter the legal and historical status quo at Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

 

The Ministers affirmed their absolute rejection of the illegal and restrictive Israeli measures against Muslims and Christians in Jerusalem, including preventing Christians from freely accessing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to perform their religious rites. They stressed the necessity of respecting the legal and historical status quo in Jerusalem and its Muslim and Christian holy sites, reiterating that Israel, as the occupying Power, holds no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem, and underscoring the need to halt all measures that impede worshippers’ access to their places of worship in Jerusalem.

 

The Ministers reiterated that the entire area of Al-Aqsa Mosque/ Al-Haram Al-Sharif, amounting to 144 dunams, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims, and that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, is the legal entity with exclusive jurisdiction to administer the affairs of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque / Al-Haram Al-Sharif and regulate entry thereto.

 

They also called on the international community to adopt a firm position that compels Israel to halt its ongoing violations and illegal practices against Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, as well as its violations of the sanctity of these holy places.

 

Thank you

*

 

(Hussein Raza, PTV News): Sir, talks are being held between Afghanistan and Pakistan in China. Can you please share the details?

 

Spokesperson: Pakistan has sent its delegation to Ürümqi as part of Trilateral CT Cooperation Mechanism in line with its consistent position and longstanding practice of supporting credible processes that can help achieve a durable solution to sanctuaries and stop cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan. Our participation is a reiteration of our core concerns. The onus of real progress, however, lies with Afghanistan, which must demonstrate visible and verifiable actions against terrorist groups using Afghan soil against Pakistan.

 

(Mateen Haider): At the end of talks between the Chinese and Pakistani Foreign Ministers, a five-point peace formula was agreed upon. Since Pakistan is mediating between the United States and Iran, can you confirm whether this five-point formula has been shared with the Iranians and with the Americans? If so, what is their response, and what is the next phase after Beijing? What is the follow-up, as far as Pakistan’s role as facilitator to de-escalate the situation? On the other hand, there is no reduction in this ongoing crisis; the American-Israeli war against Iran is continuing.

 

Spokesperson: Let me first address your question on five points. The five points have received appreciation from across the region and beyond. I recall statements of appreciation on diplomatic efforts from the US leadership as well. You must have noticed the commonalities between the five-point peace plan announced in Beijing and the seven-point summary of the four-countries’ consultations (Pakistan, KSA, Türkiye & Egypt) held in Islamabad. There are significant commonalities. The initiative as well as the points, not just in Beijing but also in Islamabad, have received appreciation. These are efforts towards ending war, cessation of hostilities, and paving the way for a sustainable pathway towards finding a lasting settlement of these ongoing hostilities.

 

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Since Pakistan is mediating and both parties, the United States and Iran, have confirmed it, do you think Pakistan’s mediation efforts get boosted or damaged because of the speech of President Donald Trump early this morning? My second question: some Western media outlets have reported that Vice President JD Vance has spoken to Pakistani mediators. What level of Pakistani leadership is in touch with JD Vance, and when is JD Vance visiting Pakistan, as has been reported? And a supplementary question on the Ürümqi talks: is today also a day of talks in Ürümqi, and what is the format? Is it like in Turkey and Qatar, where the mediator spoke separately with the Pakistani and Afghan delegations and then exchanged the proposals or recommendations or demands?

 

Spokesperson: Let me answer the first part of your question. We have a certain satisfaction that both Iran and the US have expressed their confidence in Pakistan to facilitate these talks. As we said, we will be honored to host and facilitate meaningful talks between the two sides in coming days for a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the ongoing conflict. Pakistan has a very important relationship with the United States. We have remained actively engaged with the US leadership on our efforts to de-escalate the situation and find a peaceful settlement of this conflict. You must also have seen that we condemned the attack that was carried out against the Gulf countries, and prior to that, condemned the attack on Iran as well. So, our position, as I have been stating here, is anchored on principles, on the principles of the UN Charter, and with the aim of promoting peace and stability in the region.

 

As regards the visit of the US Vice President or the likely US delegation for these talks, which can take place in Islamabad, I have no information. It is up to the parties to determine the members of their delegations, as well as the dates of the talks, because obviously our role in this context is as facilitator. It is up to the relevant parties to determine the members of their delegations or the timings of these talks.

 

On your question on the Ürümqi talks: these talks are ongoing. I believe our delegation has not returned, so once they return, I will have a better picture of how these talks were conducted. For now, I can only tell you that our delegation is there. Pakistan has never shied away from dialogue on this issue, and we remain engaged with China on on this issue. 

 

(Khalid Mehmood Chaudhry, Express News): Sir, many peace talks have been held in Islamabad, in Beijing, and in Saudi Arabia. Despite these talks, Israel kept attacking Lebanon and Iran. Has any Israeli counterpart participated directly or indirectly in the peace talks? And other than these three forums, has Israel been engaged in any other forum for talks?

 

Spokesperson: I have no detail about the involvement of Israel in these negotiations. We have been talking with the US on this issue. We have been also talking with our European partners on this issue. We have also been talking with our brotherly countries of the OIC and the GCC, some of whom have diplomatic relations with Israel. Our efforts would continue despite the complications that may arise in this very challenging facilitative process. Whilst challenges and obstacles could be there, we would continue our pursuit of facilitation and our advocacy for dialogue – in complete earnestness. This much I can assure you.

 

 

(Abbas Jaffar, Daily District News): Sir, after the conference of four foreign ministers in Islamabad, it is being said that a regional group is being formed consisting of these four countries in which a military framework would also be included. Your comments? My second question is that Indian and Israeli lobbies are propagating that Pakistan is pressurizing Iran to accept the terms of America for cessation of war. Your take on this?

 

Spokesperson: First, on working of the Group of four Foreign Ministers: I think the talk of this group graduating into any form of alliance is premature. I would draw your attention towards the media statement of our DPM/FM after consultations of these four countries, specifically to the seventh-point of the Host Summary (the last point of that summary) which stated that the foreign ministers also discussed ways and means to further strengthen mutual cooperation among the four brotherly countries. So yes, we are discussing this aspect, but the discussions are essentially in the context of enhancing cooperation on mutual interests.

 

As regards the second part of your question about pressurizing Iran – I do not think that is a valid observation. Iran is a sovereign country. They have their own policies, which they pursue. We are advocating dialogue and diplomacy, and our advocacy should not be misconstrued as applying any pressure.

 

(Carrie Davies, BBC): Two questions. You mentioned the 20 ships that are Pakistan-flagged. There has been some reporting that Pakistan would allow other countries to use their flag to get their tankers through. Can you tell us any more details about that, including which countries might be considered acceptable for that, and where those ships might be travelling to, whether they are just coming to Pakistan or could go to other countries? And the second question is a follow-up about the talks in China. Could you give us an indication of the components of the delegation from the Pakistani side, as in what level of diplomats or officials are attending those talks with Afghanistan?

 

Spokesperson: On the first part of your question about the 20 ships: these 20 ships include two per day. This was, as we said, a welcome and constructive gesture, a harbinger of peace and stability in the region, and a meaningful step towards peace that would strengthen our collective efforts. In this regard, the countries to which they are destined, I do not have any detail for the moment. These are vessels with a Pakistani flag, and I do not have any schedule of their movement beyond the fact that there were two at a time. I do not have the details about ships with Pakistani flag, but what I can tell you is that the 20 Pakistani-flagged ships have been allowed and they would steadily be moving as per the agreed schedule. This initiative has been appreciated by relevant countries in the region and beyond.

 

As regards the talks in Ürümqi, these are working-level talks. Working level means that they comprise senior officials. I do not have full visibility on composition of delegation from Pakistan, but it is at the senior official level.

 

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): Sir, what is your reaction to the statement of the Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson after the conference of four foreign ministers in Islamabad that Iran is not involved in the Pakistan-led talks or meetings? Secondly, the UAE Foreign Minister held a telephonic conversation with Amir Khan Muttaqi, after which they issued a press release in which Amir Khan Muttaqi said that they would not let Afghan soil be used against Pakistan and that they have also taken actions in this regard. We have not seen any welcoming statement from Pakistan. Your comment?

 

Spokesperson: On the statement from Iran: the Iranian side has issued a clarification. I saw a post on X (Twitter) by His Excellency the Ambassador of Iran. I think the matter has been clarified, and we are fully satisfied with the comments of His Excellency the Ambassador of Iran.

 

I would, however, caution the media on a very deep nexus between the peddlers of fake information, which are in abundance in India, teaming with the fake news peddlers in Afghanistan. These fake news peddlers are spreading misinformation. When this misinformation was spreading. I was clear because I had heard the Spokesperson of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador brother Esmaeil Baghaei, speaking live. We had no doubt. His words were misrepresented, and the clarification came from Iran. We would caution you not to pay heed to these fake news peddlers in India and their cohorts abroad. They are habitual liars. In this situation where we have a delicate, sensitive process of facilitation of dialogue taking place, and in these times where hostilities and a war-like situation is prevailing in our region, such fake news can be extremely dangerous.

 

On the call between the UAE Foreign Minister and the Afghan Taliban regime’s Foreign Minister: we have seen the statement by the Aghan side. We know this as an expressed intent by the Afghan side. That intent has to be backed by concrete, verifiable assurances in written format that their territory would not be used against Pakistan.  The intent, in a document, was inked by the Taliban in Doha in 2021, and yet they did not hold up to their words. While we acknowledge these statements of intent, we await concrete, verifiable, written assurances from the Taliban regime that their soil would not be used for terrorism against Pakistan.

 

(Asif Shahzad, Reuters): I have two brief questions. You have already expanded on the talks in China, and we also saw these five points in the Pakistan-China joint declaration. So, my question is, does that mean that China is now formally part of this process, whatever this is, mediation or facilitation, that Pakistan is doing between the US and Iran? Secondly, is there any idea of China being a guarantor for these talks, or any demand from Iran that China should come forward as a guarantor? And my third question: Trump’s rhetoric, you must have seen it off and on, and he addressed the nation just some hours ago. When Trump comes up with rhetoric like taking Iran back to the stone age, does that impact in any way these talks, this process which Pakistan is facilitating, or can it even jeopardize these talks?

 

Spokesperson: On the role of China: it is better to ask this question from the Chinese side, the Chinese spokesperson. On our part, we appreciate the position of China and acknowledge their role. China is a permanent member of the UN Security Council and an important global player. I also pointed out the commonalities between the five points announced in Beijing and the seven-point summary of the four Foreign Ministers’ Talks held in Islamabad. So yes, these are mutually complimentary processes. We appreciate the support of other countries for that matter as well. You would recall that countries like Malaysia, for example, have expressed their support. Countries in Europe, the President of the European Council, have also expressed support. Everybody wants peace, and any supporter of peace would appreciate this initiative by Pakistan.

 

Regarding your question on statements from either Washington or any other international capital: look, hostilities are going on. When there are ongoing hostilities, a certain level of rhetoric is also expected from the parties. We are not deterred by those harsh sentiments. What we want is peace in the region. We will continue to pursue peace despite polarizing statements or positions expressed by relevant parties.

 

On the question of guarantor, I am not aware of this. There are nuances in every diplomatic exchange, and I have no comment to make on it.

 

 (Muhammad Anas Ahsan Mallick, Asia One News): Thank you so much, Spokesperson. Couple of questions. The UAE on Tuesday has sent a letter to the United Nations Security Council and the Secretary General as well, asking them to invoke Article Seven in context of the reopening of Strait of Hormuz, which explicitly calls for the use of force. As a member of the UNSC, as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, and as an ally to the UAE, would Pakistan be backing such a demand? Number one.

 

Number two, in the five point peace plan, the point number one that says on to the lower end, it says provision of humanitarian aid to all war affected areas. Does that also include Pakistan calling for provision of humanitarian aid to Israel? And in the context of the Urumqi talks, what is the state of operation Gazab Lil Haq? Because last week you said it has resumed, and now with the talks, is it as at a pause? Is there a ceasefire? Is it continuing. I mean, if you can clarify? Thank you.

 

Spokesperson: First, on this UAE letter to the President of the Security Council under chapter Seven of UN Charter: I understand there is also a draft resolution before the Security Council on this issue. There have been calls to invoke Chapter Seven of the UN Charter in the context of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. We are part of this discussion as member of the Security Council. The dynamics of the Security Council are such that these consultations are taking place behind closed doors. You should not expect me to divulge on the details that the Security Council itself conceals. This is the first point. The second point is that we remain engaged with the relevant parties. I understand Bahrain is the President of the Security Council for this month. We would obviously formulate our position on these issues when they reach a certain level of completion before any action in the Security Council.

 

The second part of your questionnaire on provision of humanitarian aid: we meant provision of humanitarian aid in general sense. There have been reports of shortages of medicine and essential supplies. So it was in this context, and not specific towards any country.

 

Third question Operation Ghazab Lil Haq: there is no material change to ongoing Operation Ghazab Lil Haq that I mentioned last week. So I believe the operation is on, and our security forces took some CT actions few days ago as well. So, there is no change in that operation due to any talks.

 

(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): It is a known fact worldwide that India has been prosecuting, victimizing Muslim population, the Christians, the Sikhs, Dalits and other minorities in that country. But the other day, Indian spokesperson alleged that Pakistan is doing something adverse about the Shia community in Pakistan, I wish to have your comments.

 

Spokesperson: We emphatically reject India's remarks as cynical and diversionary – an exercise in deflection. A very important concern for us in Indian statement is that they bracketed the Shia community, our Shia brothers and sisters, in a majority minority paradigm. This is lack of knowledge of the faith of Islam on the part of Indian MEA. The Shia community, Shia brothers and sisters, are part of the Muslim community. There is no distinction for us, between Shias and Sunni in terms of majority minority (Muslims—Non-Muslims) paradigm. These are just school of thoughts within a broader Muslim faith. So bracketing Shias as if they are a minority and have some sort of a non-Muslim character, is extremely dangerous. This shows that the Indian MEA is trying to stoke sectarianism and discord within our society. We see this as part of their efforts, not just on the faith issues but also on terrorism, that they stoke sectarianism and terrorism in Pakistan. This is an extremely dangerous line that Indian Ministry of External Affairs took. They should be mindful that within the Muslim community in India, there are Shia and Sunni people. So, such kind of rhetoric is not good for their own self, because the Muslim community that they have been persecuting for long, particularly under this present regime, such provocation would hurt their own country and society as well.

 

We do not need to further elaborate on what treatment to the Muslims, to the Christians and to the other religious communities have taken place in India. We have figures of the lynching of Muslims done in India. This lynching of Muslims, is a verifiable record of lynching close to 100 per year, which means around 10 lynching every month. The record that we have and the international media has, is backed by the names of these individuals, the places where these lynchings took place, the perpetrators, and then how these perpetrators escaped judicial oversight, under state patronage – showing complete lack of accountability.

 

We would call upon India to refrain from issuing such baseless and dangerous statements, and ensure that all minorities in their country, Muslim, Christian, Sikhs, Buddhist and the Schedule Casts, Dalits are respected, including fulfilment of their rights. India must uphold its international human rights obligation with respect to treatment of these communities.

 

(James Neish, Asia One News): I wonder whether I can push you more on this concept, on the Iran US potential talks in the coming days, was your Foreign Minister perhaps over optimistic, and you have repeated that line in the coming days. What does that mean for you, Sunday or Monday? And if that does not happen, does it not happen at all? Because I just wonder whether these talks may have been scheduled, and did they collapse? I mean, what's happening?

 

Spokesperson: First of all, let me be very clear that there has never been an instance where these talks were “scheduled and collapsed”, borrowing your phrase. So, this has never happened. Second, the schedule of these talks depends on the parties concerned, they have to come to the table, and it is for them to decide on the time. Regarding optimism or pessimism, our Deputy Prime Minister is very positively engaged and I sense that he is as optimistic as any diplomat who is engaged in this facilitation process ought to be. Those in the process of peaceful settlement of disputes have to be optimistic. We, therefore, proceed with a certain degree of optimism on this issue.

 

(Syed Asif Ali, Din News): In the recent Iran – US conflict, the utmost demand by Donald Trump is the opening of Strait of Hormuz for which he also asked world leaders to come forward. Pakistan has proved diplomatically that 02 Pakistani ships will pass through Strait of Hormuz everyday and 22 Pakistani ships will pass through Strait of Hormuz. Keeping in view the recent diplomatic events, Pakistan is in a position to open Strait of Hormuz. What are your comments?

 

Spokesperson: Our efforts for peace are comprehensive. It is not about one aspect of the crisis only, whether we want to focus on the waterways, on the maritime routes, on the humanitarian issues etc. Our efforts are wholesome and comprehensive. Of course, as you said, we are part of this initiative where some easement in the right of passage through these 20 ships has been provided. This issue is amongst the priorities for many countries and is part of our talking points on the ME/Gulf situation.

 

(Syeda Qurat Ul Ain, Independent Urdu): So there are several media reports that claim that Pakistan regime has killed two children and left six wounded in Kunar attack, and it says that it happened in Sirkanay District of Kunar province. Can you please confirm or reject?

 

Spokesperson: I have not seen the particular report that you are referring to. What I can tell you is that we take concrete measures with complete due diligence to prevent any harm to the civilians in our targeted operations.

 

(Sophia Saifi, CNN): I want to ask about the talks that are upcoming in London regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Obviously, I have seen that Pakistan is not in the list of countries that have been invited. But has Pakistan been asked anything? Was any discussion held with Pakistan, between the UK and Pakistan about these upcoming talks? Because it looks like there are different blocks appearing with different countries having these talks, and because Pakistan is a big facilitator when it comes to anything between Iran and the US at the moment. I am just intrigued to know whether anything between the UK and Pakistan has been discussed regarding the Strait of Hormuz?

 

Spokesperson: There must have been some exchanges taking place at a certain level between Pakistan and UK. I am not particularly aware of the developments that you mentioned with regards to this meeting in London. But I think when the parties in London discuss this issue, there would be considerable commonalities in our positions since the focus is to peacefully settle this issue through dialogue and diplomacy.

 

Commonalities would be there. Communications? I will have to check. I believe that there would be communications as well, because we have quite robust level of communication between our Foreign Ministry and the British FCDO, through respective High Commissions. I am sure some sort of communications may have taken place. I am not privy to those. I did not check. If you had asked me this question in advance, I might have come up with more details, but I do not have the details of exact exchanges right now.

 

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Would you mind sharing the Iranian perspective? Are they ready to come to Islamabad? Do they feel safe in Islamabad or not, and when are they expected to come? I mean, is there any expectation in coming 10 to 15 days, or any idea or update.

 

Spokesperson: From our exchanges with Iran, we have heard nothing to the contrary that they are willing to come Alhamdulillah, Islamabad remains safe. 

 

As I told you, date, members of delegation, these are the details that I do not have right now. It is up to the relevant parties to decide on these issues.

 

(Asghar Ali Mubarik, The Daily Mail International): Pakistan’s abilities have been recognized in military diplomacy and war diplomacy. Sir, my question is that will there be an extraordinary session of OIC in the context of Iran – US conflict? 

 

Spokesperson: I am not aware of any OIC meeting taking place on this issue. Maybe you will have to check from the OIC Secretariat.

 

(Danyal, Relation Times):  My question is, can Pakistan balance its relations with China and the US, given their competing interests in the region?

 

Spokesperson: Yes, we can balance.

 

(Waseem Abbasi, Arab News): As you mentioned, talks are ongoing between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Urumqi. What will be the Chinese role? Has China agreed to act as guarantor that Afghan soil will not be used against Pakistan and verifiable mechanisms written, verifiable mechanism are provided to Islamabad?

 

Spokesperson: I will refer you to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comments.

 

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): We used to say that we need the minimum requirement was this, that they should declare TTP as a terrorist organization, and they should give in writing that they will not allow their soil to be used against Pakistan. Have they given anything in written?

 

Spokesperson: As I said, our delegation is probably still in Urumqi or as way back. Once they come back, we will get a readout of this meeting and let you know. 

 

(Tooba Khan, Bloomberg): Sir, my question is that the points which were discussed between China Pakistan conversations, have we sent them to Iran at all? Has Iran said anything to us about it at all? I know I am repeating a question from earlier, but I just wanted some clarity.

 

Spokesperson: On a lighter vein, I think you still are in the 16th, 17th century diplomacy. Once a decision is posted on our websites and social media handles, it reaches the destinations instantly. So, there's no question of delay.

 

You know, when the US civil war broke out in 1860s, the news in the subcontinent, in British India reached after about three to four weeks. This is what Mark Twain wrote. I recall, as he travelled to our region later. We are in on a much faster mode of communication since then, aren’t we?

 

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): It is just a supplementary question to the question asked by Mr. James and Mr. Azaz Syed, you said the Deputy Prime Minister and yourself, you are optimistic about the talks in Islamabad. 

Does this optimism stems from your instinct of being optimistic, or there is some solid confirmation from Iran and from the United States that they will come to Islamabad?

 

Spokesperson: Piracha Saab, optimism in diplomacy is a professional hazard. We all live with it. 

 

Thank you very much.