Ladies and Gentlemen Assalam o Alaikum!

I welcome you all at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The past two weeks were marked by very diplomatic engagements including the Prime Minister’s visit to China and the DPM’s visit to the USA. 

Let me give you Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s Official Visit to China

At the invitation of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif undertook an official visit to China from 23 to 26 May 2026. 

During the visit, the Prime Minister held meetings with the Chinese leadership, including H.E. President Xi Jinping and H.E. Premier Li Qiang. 

The Prime Minister chaired the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference on IT & Telecom, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and Agriculture in Hangzhou. 

The Joint Statement issued after the visit was extensively covered in the media.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister’s Visit to New York

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar visited the United States from 26–28 May 2026.

In New York, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister participated in the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-centred International System.” 

On 28 May, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister attended the meeting of the Group of Friends on Global Governance, held under the theme “Reforming and Improving Global Governance, Working Together to Address Global Challenges.”

On the sidelines, he held bilateral meetings with his counterparts as well as senior United Nations officials. These included: 

•    Secretary General of the United Nations
•    Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan 
•    Foreign Minister of Bahrain
•    Foreign Minister of Cambodia
•    Foreign Minister of China
•    Foreign Minister of Colombia
•    Foreign Minister of Costa Rica
•    Foreign Minister of Cuba 
•    Foreign Minister of the Czech Republic 
•    Foreign Minister of Indonesia
•    Foreign Minister of Panama
•    Portugal’s Minister of State and Foreign Affairs

We have been issuing regular press releases and media readouts of these meetings.

On 29th May, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with the U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, in Washington D.C.

The two leaders appreciated the positive trajectory of Pak-U.S. bilateral relations over the past year. They discussed wide-ranging issues of mutual interest and agreed to upscale and strengthen economic and trade relations, cultural cooperation as well as partnership in counter-terrorism and security domains.

While exchanging views on the evolving regional and global situation, the DPM/FM expressed his deep admiration for President Trump’s vision and commitment to peace, including his support for the U.S.–Iran ceasefire and the dispatch of a high-level delegation led by Vice President J.D. Vance to Pakistan for the Islamabad Peace Talks.

Secretary Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic and mediatory efforts. He also commended close engagement and continued coordination between Pakistan’s leadership and the U.S. Administration. The DPM/FM expressed confidence that Pakistan’s continued sincere efforts for peace and stability in the region and beyond, with the support of friendly countries, will yield positive results. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Pakistan’s advocacy for peace and diplomacy to settle the crisis and the standoff in the Middle East and the Gulf Region continued. After having important discussions in New York and Washington, on the first working day upon his return to Islamabad on June 1, the DPM/FM received a telephone call from Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty. 

On the same day, Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi. 

The next day, he spoke with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

Issues pertaining to the evolving regional and international developments and the standoff in the Middle East and the Gulf were discussed.

Regional developments also featured in our interactions at the highest level. On 27 May 2026, the Prime Minister received a telephone call from the Iranian President H.E Massoud Pezeshkian. The same day, the Prime Minister held telephone conversation with the Crown Prince of Kuwait H.E Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah and the Prime Minister of Malaysia H.E Anwar bin Ibrahim.  

Another important development of this week was visit of the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Ms Kaja Kallas to Pakistan on 1 June 2026.

During the visit, the DPM/FM and the HR/VP co-chaired the 8th Session of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue. The Dialogue is the highest-level platform for structured discussions between the two sides.

During the visit, the EU HR/VP is also called on the senior leadership, including the President, the Prime Minister and the Chief of Army Staff & the Chief of Defence Forces.

This visit underscores the sustained momentum of high-level political exchanges between Pakistan and the EU and reflects a shared commitment to further strengthening the Pakistan-EU partnership. 

A Pakistan-EU Joint Statement was issued at the end of the visit. 

Finally, this week The Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates issued a Joint Statement that strongly condemned the continued incursions by extremist Israeli settlers into Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif and other measures by Israel that undermine the sanctity and status of its Islamic and Christian holy sites. They further denounced Israel’s ongoing measures aimed at altering the historical, legal, and demographic character of occupied East Jerusalem and reaffirmed their rejection of any attempts to change the status quo, while recognizing the special role of the Hashemite custodianship and Jordan’s authority over the administration of Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif. The Ministers called on Israel to immediately cease all illegal and provocative actions, warning that continued violations risk escalating tensions, instability, and extremism. They also reaffirmed their steadfast support for the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international law and the two-State solution.

*

 
 
1.    (Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): I have a couple of questions, but I will restrict myself to only one ats the moment. You might have read about India offering bids for the transfer of water from the Chenab to the Beas. Pakistan forfeited its rights to the eastern waters in lieu of its rights to the western waters, such as the Chenab, but how do you view such a development, where they intend to transform Pakistan into a barren-like situation if the waters are not there? Secondly, we heard with a bang that stopping water would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Pakistan. So, when it is practically happening, what are the options for Pakistan?

Spokesperson: We have seen this report, including the public tender document issued by the Government of India. India has invited bids for the Chenab-Beas Link Tunnel Project with the intention of transferring 1.9 million acre-feet of water annually from the Chenab River into the Beas system. This acreage is an estimate right now. Such an inter-basin diversion of water from the Chenab into the Beas River system constitutes a grave violation not just of the Indus Waters Treaty, but also of the law of treaties, particularly the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, as well as the broader framework of international water law, including the principles reflected in the 1997 UN Convention on Watercourses.

The second project, I would also like to mention here, is the proposed silt flushing of the Salal Dam reservoir in Reasi District of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This is a deeply concerning development. It will provide water-control capability that is not permissible either under the Indus Waters Treaty or the 1978 Salal Agreement.

India has neither officially communicated nor shared any notice of these projects, nor has it sought consultations in this regard. These projects confirm that India seeks to weaponize water. This carries dangerous implications not only for Pakistan’s economy, but also for regional stability and international peace and security.

Pakistan has exercised restraint and responsibility, and we remain committed to dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes. However, any illegal action, any illegal measure to endanger Pakistan’s water, food, and economic security, as well as the survival and well-being of its 250 million people, is unacceptable. Such actions amount to further destabilization of South Asia, with potentially grave consequences for the people of the entire region.

Under the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan is entitled to receive, for unrestricted use, the waters of the western rivers, and these were in lieu of the eastern rivers, the rights to which were given to India. Pakistan retains all options necessary to safeguard its rights and entitlements under the Treaty, and to protect its vital national interests. And let me emphasize, we retain all options in this regard.

The international community must call upon India to desist from any form of water coercion, abandon projects that seek to stop, reduce, or divert water flows legally belonging to Pakistan, and restore the full and faithful implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty.

2.    (Muhammad Anas Ahsan Mallick, Asia One News): The Swiss Ambassador to India recently visited the Indian-occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and she said, quote, “We explored opportunities for future collaboration in vocational training, hospitality, food processing, and tourism.” My question is: with Jammu and Kashmir being an internationally recognized dispute, has this matter been taken up with the Swiss side regarding their ambassador’s visit to the disputed territory, let alone their attempts to invest there? The impression she appears to be giving is that they recognize it as sovereign Indian territory.

Spokesperson: Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized dispute. The visit of any international personality does not alter the status of Jammu and Kashmir as an internationally recognized dispute, the resolution of which is to be achieved through an independent and impartial plebiscite. In this regard, Pakistan remains in touch with the international community and with respective governments to discuss this issue. We brief them on the grave human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, as well as its broader implications for the peace and stability of the region and beyond. In the same manner, we remain engaged with the Swiss government on this matter.

3.    (Syed Asif Ali, Din News): Sir, you have answered briefly on the Indus Waters Treaty, but this agreement does not exist in isolation. Many other matters concerning Pakistan are related to it. For example, Pakistan exports salt to India at a very low cost. So, is there any similar response from Pakistan’s side? If India is withholding water from Pakistan, has there been any movement or response from Pakistan in this regard?

Spokesperson: I have already answered this question, sir.

4.    (Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): Sir, there are reports that the Taliban regime in Afghanistan has entered into a defense agreement with the Russian government. Incidentally, the Indian NSA was also present in Moscow at that time. I would like to have your comments on this agreement. Also, do you not think that Russia should refrain from entering into a deal with a regime that is patronizing terrorism in the region?

Spokesperson: We have seen these reports. I understand that this agreement was concluded on 27 May. The details are still being ascertained. At this stage, it would be premature to offer any comment on the matter.

5.    (Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Sir, Donald Trump mentioned the Abraham Accords and also referred to Pakistan. What is Pakistan’s stance on this? Will Pakistan become a part of this agreement?

Spokesperson: I think this matter was also raised and addressed by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister in Washington. Pakistan’s position on the Abraham Accords remains consistent. Our benchmark is the establishment of a viable, contiguous State of Palestine, with Jerusalem (Al-Quds Al-Sharif) as its capital, within the agreed pre-1967 borders. Therefore, our position on this issue is closely linked to the establishment of a viable Palestinian state. Our position remains unchanged.

6.    (Hussein Raza, PTV): There are media reports that our Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, during his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, shared intelligence regarding Iran, including possible signals such as withdrawal from the NPT and the development of a nuclear weapon. According to these reports, as a result of this intelligence sharing by Pakistan, the US President reached out to the Israeli Prime Minister to stop attacks in Lebanon and Gaza. Do you confirm these reports, and what are your comments on this?

Spokesperson: We categorically and unequivocally reject the assertion that the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister shared any intelligence regarding Iran with the US Secretary of State, as referred to in certain media reports. Such claims are entirely baseless, speculative, and appear to be aimed at undermining ongoing diplomatic efforts and the broader process of dialogue and engagement.

For the record, let me state that during the meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister and the US Secretary of State on 29 May, a comprehensive exchange of views took place on various aspects of the situation in the Middle East and developments in the Gulf region. The discussion focused on regional peace, stability, and the importance of pursuing diplomatic solutions to ongoing challenges. No intelligence was shared during the course of this dialogue.

Let me also state that Pakistan welcomes the positive role played by the United States in facilitating the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. We understand that the US President held an important telephone conversation with the Israeli Prime Minister on the 1st of this month, I believe, this Monday. Just a few hours ago, I read reports that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to implement a ceasefire to end hostilities through the good offices of the United States. This is a welcome development. Pakistan appreciates the continued engagement of the United States in this regard. We remain firmly committed to dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful engagement as the most effective means of addressing complex regional challenges and resolving contentious issues. At the same time, we caution our media colleagues against speculative and unwarranted reports that surface from time to time.

7.    (Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): You spoke about the EU Special Representative, and while speaking from this very podium, she said that, regarding GSP+, she emphasized human rights, labour rights, and good governance. What are your comments on that?

Secondly, regarding Afghanistan, she said that the EU encourages dialogue, not airstrikes, and added that recent fighting involving Afghanistan had serious humanitarian consequences. What are your comments on that?

And, sir, there is a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran. We have seen reports that the exchange of messages had collapsed, after which Mr. Araghchi contacted Ishaq Dar and the Field Marshal. What is the latest status of these talks or negotiations? Are you optimistic about their outcome?

Spokesperson: First of all, regarding the European Union and the dialogue on Pakistan’s human rights and labour rights record, we are engaged with the European Union on these issues. Pakistan has made steady progress on these issues. Pakistan is a signatory to a number of international UN human rights conventions and ILO labour standards. Therefore, we abide by those conventions. We submit our reports to the relevant treaty bodies. We maintain a robust dialogue with the European Union on these matters. Pakistan’s implementation of its obligations, as well as our open engagement with our interlocutors on these subjects is well recognized.

As regards the discussion with the EU representative on Afghanistan, this issue also featured in our exchanges. The European Union understood our position, including our right to defend ourselves and take action against terrorist incidents, particularly those emanating from Afghanistan. I believe a reference to this issue was also included in the joint statement issued by the two sides.

As for your last question, I have already addressed this matter. Our dialogue process on these issues continues.

8.    (Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): Did Pakistan raise the issue of grave human rights violations, particularly the treatment being meted out to Muslims in India, while the European Union delegation was present here?

Spokesperson: The issue of human rights in India was discussed. Firstly, violations taking place in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Secondly, human rights violations in India. We have a strong position on this matter, reiterating not only the European Union but also other interlocutors, the UN human rights institutions, and relevant international organizations dealing with human rights to take note of the plight of Indian Muslims and other minorities in India. Therefore, this remains part of our regular dialogue.

9.    (Azaz Syed, Geo News): Since the discussion has become somewhat of a hotchpotch, I have two questions. I will first follow up on the subject at hand, which is the visit of the European Union’s High Representative. In her statement, she clearly advised that dialogue (with Afghanistan) should be adopted and that airstrikes are not a good option. Are we taking her advice into consideration, and what is our position on that?

Spokesperson: This issue (of airstrikes) keeps surfacing from time to time. Pakistan is a victim of terrorism. Thousands of innocent Pakistani civilians have lost their lives. Our security forces have also suffered as a result of planned, financed, and orchestrated terrorist acts emanating from Afghan soil.

No responsible state can remain passive when its civilians and security forces are repeatedly targeted. Therefore, we reserve the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard the lives and property of our nationals, based on the principles of necessity and as a measure of last resort.

While taking such actions, Pakistan adheres to the principles of distinction and proportionality. Any defensive action undertaken by Pakistan is directed against legitimate targets under international law, including sanctuaries and bases used for planning terrorism and launching terrorist attacks against Pakistan.

We will continue to take such actions when necessary, and this remains part of our dialogue with our international interlocutors. This is our broad on the matter, I believe this may have been part of the exchange that took place between our side and the European Union.

10.    (Tahir Khan, NNI): Sir, my question is regarding the Chinese envoy who was in Islamabad two days ago and met the Foreign Secretary at the Foreign Office. The Special Envoy for Afghanistan was also present. Can you confirm whether they discussed the second round of the Urumqi Process? Is it true? Is it possible for you to tell us what progress was made?

The Afghan side has said that it has taken certain steps. Do you have any information on this? I have also heard that Pakistan is seeking assurances regarding how the TTP and other issues will be controlled. I would appreciate your comments on this.

In all the answers and statements you have provided so far, you have placed a great deal of emphasis on dialogue and peace. Even when discussing India, you spoke about diplomacy. So, is Pakistan’s diplomatic approach intended for everyone except Afghanistan, or does it include Afghanistan as well?

11.    (Syeda Qurat-ul-Ain, Independent Urdu): There are reports that Pakistani and Afghan officials might meet in Istanbul. How credible are these reports?

Spokesperson: Let me answer both questions.

Pakistan’s advocacy of dialogue and diplomacy includes Afghanistan as well. I have stated on numerous occasions that Pakistan enjoys brotherly relations with the people of Afghanistan. We share the same religion, a common history, and deep ethnic and linguistic ties. Therefore, there is no bar on Pakistan pursuing dialogue and diplomacy with Afghanistan. Indeed, this is what we were doing until very recently, when terrorist attacks emanating from Afghanistan, with possible collusion from elements within the authorities there, surpassed a certain threshold of Pakistan’s patience. As a result, there were instances of border closures, and we also took certain actions in our border regions.

Our position remains that while we want dialogue and wish to pursue the path of diplomacy, we cannot allow the killing of Pakistani civilians and members of our law enforcement agencies by elements based in Afghanistan, or by those operating with the collusion of authorities there, to continue unchecked.

Consequently, we have adopted a position whereby we seek an unequivocal commitment from the Afghan side that its territory will not be used for terrorism against Pakistan. This is what we communicated to the Chinese side and, indeed, to all our interlocutors, including the European Union and during recent bilateral engagements.

Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong, who was in Islamabad, held productive discussions on regional security. We discussed not only the threat posed by the TTP, or Fitna al-Khawarij, but also the threat posed by ETIM, which is a threat to China and is a designated terrorist organization.

Pakistan and China agreed to strengthen coordination and synchronize their counterterrorism efforts in order to protect regional peace and security. We appreciate China’s constructive role on security issues in general, including the issue of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. We will continue to engage with our Chinese interlocutors on this subject.

As regards the possible visit that you mentioned, Madam, I am not aware of any such development at this time.

12.    (Salman Ali, Bol News): Pakistani nationals have been in the captivity of pirates for almost 45 days now. Are there any updates regarding this?

Spokesperson: This is a very important development, and I believe I was also asked about this issue earlier in the week. Unfortunately, the situation remains grave. The release of the 10 Pakistani crew members has not yet been secured. I believe there are hostages of other nationalities as well, but there are 10 Pakistanis among those being held captive.

Pakistan remains in contact with the ship owner, who is the principal negotiator with the pirates. These negotiations have been taking place with the knowledge of the Somali government, within whose sovereign territory the captives are being held.

We remain actively engaged. Unfortunately, the geographical circumstances, coupled with the fact that the ship is carrying highly explosive cargo, make any law-enforcement operation to secure the release of the captive extremely difficult. We do not want to endanger the safety of the captives.

At the same time, we have urged both the Somali government and the ship owner to ensure that, while negotiations continue, the hostages are provided with food, drinking water, and other basic necessities. Relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Ministry of Interior, are also involved.

This is a very difficult situation. Our hearts go out to the families of those being held captive. We understand that they are going through an extremely difficult times, especially given that this ordeal has now continued for more than a month.

Piracy incidents in this region in the past, by and large, have taken months to resolve. Therefore, we can only urge patience while assuring the families that the matter remains a priority for the Government of Pakistan. As I said, we are engaged with the Somali leadership and in our interaction with the ship owner through the Somali government. A team from our Embassy in Djibouti also visited Mogadishu to obtain first-hand information. Therefore, all channels of communication with both the ship owner and the Somali government remain open and active.

I assure you of the Government of Pakistan’s full attention and concern regarding this emergency situation.

While remain fully cognizant of the matter, we would also request patience and fortitude, particularly from the relatives who understandably have deep concerns about the safety of their loved ones being held hostage.

13.    (Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Sir, EU High Representative Kallas has recently said that, and she linked Pakistan's future access to the GSP Plus scheme with tangible progress on human rights, labour laws, good governance and environmental commitments. Your comments. 

Spokesperson: I have commented on this matter in response to Zeeshan's question.

14.    (Shahid Nadeem, Al Jazeera TV): How do you see the recent escalation in the Persian Gulf since Pakistan is the only, perhaps only mediator country?

15.    (Azaz Syed, Geo News): Iran said that Iran was attacked while using the Kuwaiti space by the Americans and Iran attacked back, you know, retaliated that particular attack, and we didn't see any statement from you. Do we still feel that the ceasefire is still maintaining and it's still continuing?

16.    (Muhammad Anas Ahsan Mallick, Asia One News): Thank you. Since the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister spoke to the Kuwaiti counterpart as well, we've seen a recent spate of attacks continuing to, what on Kuwait and on Iran, both sides have been alleging. Your comments on the developing situation?

Spokesperson: Situation in the Gulf and the recent escalation is worrisome. We hope that the parties will adhere to the ceasefire understanding – that the ceasefire will continue and hostilities will cease. These are definitely major obstacles towards reaching a settlement. When hostilities take place, the window for dialogue and diplomacy shrinks. We are mindful of these obstacles. As I said, as a facilitator and as a mediator, Pakistan would not be discouraged by these obstacles, and the outstanding problems that affect ceasefire. The situation obviously is fragile, particularly after the recent spate of armed exchanges, but we remain engaged. Our channels of communication with the relevant parties are open. We are working with a sense of optimism that ought to be there in a mediator or a facilitator. We should not be discouraged by emerging issues, which threaten the dialogue process.

You have also asked about Kuwait. Pakistan condemns this drone and missile attack that targeted the state of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain also. You would recall that we had condemned the recent attacks on UAE. On the UAE nuclear facilities, and before that in Saudi Arabia. We reaffirm our firm support to the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of all states in the region, and at a time of prevailing tensions in the region, Pakistan urges exercising maximum restraint, avoiding further escalation, refraining any action that undermine the safety and well-being of civilians, protecting civilian infrastructure, and pursuing dialogue and diplomacy. We urge the need for supporting ongoing efforts for regional peace and security, and we remain committed to working with regional national partners in support of peace, security, and stability of the Gulf region, and as I said about this dialogue process, negotiation process between Iran and the US.

We condemn attack on all sides, these hostilities shrink the space for dialogue and diplomacy. Any armed attack, any hostility, which shrink the dialogue space is indeed condemnable.

17.    (Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Recently, human rights violations were observed in IIOJK. Also, restrictions were imposed on the performance of sacrifice on Eid-ul-Azha. What are your comments? 

Spokesperson: We have pronounced ourselves on the issues of minorities, and the status of minorities in India. The situation in the Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, as it is an illegally occupied territory is being delt separately. Whatever is happening in India is also a matter of concern and we notice reports by the so-called cow vigilantes taking violent actions against Muslims. We are tracking each incident of lynching and mob violence against Muslims and other minorities in India. We will continue to raise their voices and alert relevant international stakeholders in the United Nations and other human rights organizations of these issues.

18.    (Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Sir, there were reports from Russian media that the Deputy Secretary of Russian Security Council had said that Moscow is ready to normalize the situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and also during a meeting with Prime Minister's Deputy National Security Advisor, Azad Sajjad Khan, he said that Russia hopes that both sides will return to dialogue. Your comments on it?

Spokesperson: I have not seen these statements. Therefore, I cannot comment.

19.    (Azaz Syed, Geo News): We recently saw a small but very touchy media report with regards to a young guy entering inside IIOJK, and he was there to meet his girlfriend, and he wanted to marry that girl. So, what is the latest update about that? We've contacted the Indian government, have they replied or not, or what is the state?

Spokesperson: Yes, we have seen these media reports regarding detention of a Pakistani citizen, Mr. Zeeshan Mir, belonging to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, who reportedly crossed the Line of Control and got arrested in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Our High Commission in New Delhi has requested India's Ministry of External Affairs to ensure his safety, security, and well-being, and to provide consular access to him under the bilateral agreement of 2008 between the two sides. We will keep you posted of any further developments in this regard.

20.    (Abbas Jaffar, Daily District News): As you mentioned that Pakistan is a victim of terrorism. 2 days before Eid, there was a terrorist attack in Quetta on which US, China, other countries and the UN condemned it and displayed solidarity with Pakistan. My question is the world condemns Afghanistan for sponsoring terrorism against Pakistan but it does not condemn India for the same actions. Despite capturing Kalbhusan Yadav on Pakistani soil, were we not able to convince the world that India is sponsoring terrorism against Pakistan and killing innocents? 

My second question is during PM’s visit to China, it was decided that Gawadar will be turned into regional, political and economic hub. In this aspect, did any other country contacted Pakistan or did we extend invitation to any other country in this regard?
   
Spokesperson: First on your question regarding the role of India in supporting terrorism in Balochistan, Yes, we remain engaged with international community on this. Dossiers have been shared with the relevant UN departments and other international stakeholders. Kulbhushan Yadav is a live example of this role. With respect to Quetta blast, the investigations are ongoing, and certain important pointers have been received. We will follow up on this issue at relevant international platforms, considering this is an ongoing process. International bodies, as you know, have their own mechanism of working on these issues, so we are following this. There is a growing realization of international community on terrorism taking place in Baluchistan. Very recently, for example, Australia proscribed BLA. Our initiative to proscribe BLA and Majeed Brigade in relevant international institutions are also ongoing. Incidents like Quetta blast, and previous such incident, particularly the Jaffar Express incident last year, strengthen the existing body of evidence, linking India with terrorism in Baluchistan. 

On CPEC, dialogue is going on. I am not particularly aware of any latest change in our position.

21.    (Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): Sir, how come that a Foreign Affairs briefing is complete without the reference of beloved President Donald Trump? He has just said that I hear the negotiations with Iran are going very well. If a deal happens with Iran, it could be done over the weekend. I wish you know. Are you prepared to host that arrangement, if it at all comes about?

Spokesperson: This probably is the latest statement, as you are reading it from your phone. I presume it is correct. As I said earlier, we should not be discouraged by the momentary hiccups in the peace process, like armed attacks to and fro. So, we will endorse the optimism expressed by the US President. We hope that an agreement is reached, hopefully sooner, this weekend, as stated by the US President. This is a positive spirit with which the interlocutors and the facilitator should work. This is in sync with what I said earlier, that we should not be discouraged by the obstacles that come in our way. 

As regards hosting of talks (in Islamabad), our position is quite clear. We were willing to host. If you recall, there was some momentum generated last month, and we had expressed our willingness. So, if a fresh momentum is injected towards this process, we are ready to host the dialogue. We would like an agreement to be reached sooner rather than later.

22.    (Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): Sir, India taking advantage of distraction of Iran-US conflict has started committing human rights violations in IIOJK. They have started to demolish settlements of indigenous tribes and people on daily basis. Even the puppet government has announced that they will protest for their constitutional rights and State Categorization in New Delhi. Your comments, please. 

Spokesperson: Human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir remains grave. You mentioned about the house demolition. Last week, there were questions about the persecution of indigenous communities. My reply would be consistent that these house demolitions, displacement of indigenous communities, exploitation of natural resources are indeed part of a wider framework to “Hindutvise” Kashmir. The puppet regime in Srinagar brought up by India, I am not aware of what kind of a protest they are planning in New Delhi. The fact remains that they have been an accomplice of this occupation and accomplice to the effacement of Muslim identity of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This is a grave violation of the rights of Kashmiris.

Pakistan remains cognizant of the situation. Each and every incident is being monitored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our Kashmir's desk, indeed by other relevant institutions, our Ministry of Kashmir Affairs. We take measures in terms of addressing these issues at international platforms. So, our efforts would continue in this regard. 

We would seek settlement of Jammu and Kashmir issue in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. I would particularly refer to UN Security Council Resolution No. 122, since you mentioned about this so-called regime in Srinagar. This regime or its actions have no legal value in terms of UN Security Council Resolution 122 that that forbids any decision by the administration in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir to alter the international status of Jammu and Kashmir. Resolution No. 122 also forbids any action that would be seen to be countering the necessity for an impartial plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir to settle this issue in accordance with the wishes of the people.

23.    (Mateen Haider, WE News): Last week, New Delhi Police Chief spoke about certain facts, and allegedly they said that Pakistan is planning terrorist attacks in New Delhi and Mumbai. Why such accusations are continuing against Pakistan from Indian officials, particularly from police and security agencies?

And secondly, about Afghanistan, Afghan Taliban are continuously receiving cash flow from Washington, at a time when last week they also sought military and defense assistance from Russia. This all goes against Pakistan efforts, in which Pakistan has been telling the international community that Afghan Taliban are source of terrorism in Afghanistan. Thank you.

Spokesperson: First of all, you mentioned police in India “speaking facts”. I cannot remember the last time when a law enforcement agency in India or the media in India spoke any fact or truth about Pakistan. So educate me, when was the last time any fact was spoken? These are baseless allegations. The Indians keep making such allegations. I think the primary audience of such baseless allegations is domestic. They want to stoke hatred against Pakistan, and this is part of the design to win votes in elections. We reject all such allegations.

Secondly on assistance to Afghanistan, there are a number of government agencies which are providing assistance to Afghanistan, particularly in the area of humanitarian needs. We do not resent such financial support to Afghanistan. As I said, the people of Afghanistan are our brothers. We wish them well – any international assistance that addresses their humanitarian problems or alleviates their suffering, is supported by Pakistan.