Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
 
Let us begin with the roundup of last week’s activities 

On 5 January the people of Pakistan joined the people of Jammu and Kashmir in commemorating Right to Self-Determination Day. 

This date marks the adoption of a United Nations resolution in 1949 that recognized the right of its people to determine their own future through a free and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations.

The international law recognizes the right to self-determination as a cornerstone principle enshrined in the UN Charter. The Kashmiri people have been denied this right by India for over seven decades. The illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir by India stands as a stark tragedy of our time. The people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) continue to endure systematic repression, widespread human rights violations and denial of their fundamental rights and dignity. 

India has made consistent efforts to silence the genuine leadership of the Kashmiri people and muzzle the media. The number of Kashmiri political prisoners is ever-rising, while sixteen political outfits have been outlawed by occupation authorities. Meanwhile, profiling and harassment of innocent Kashmiris, arbitrary detentions, and the so-called 'cordon and search' operations have become a norm in the occupied territory. 

Thousands of Kashmiri leaders and members of civil society are imprisoned. Massarat Alam, Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Asia Andrabi, Dr Qasim Faktu, Advocate Abdul Qayyum, Fehmida Soofi and many others have endured decades of incarceration. Yasin Malik stands convicted after a sham trial. Khurram Parvez and journalist Irfan Mehraj languish in jail on account of reprisals by Indian occupation authorities. 

India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 represent a blatant attempt to consolidate the illegal occupation through demographic engineering of IIOJK. These measures are designed to systematically transform the Kashmiri people into a disenfranchised community in their own homeland, in clear violation of international law and the principles of self-determination. 

Despite enduring decades of oppression and countless sacrifices in IIOJK, the Kashmiri people have remained resolute in their just struggle to achieve the right. 

Pakistan will continue to extend its unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people in the just struggle for the right to self-determination. 

This week, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar visited China to co-chair the 7th round of the Pakistan–China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, held in Beijing on 4 January 2026. 

The Pakistan-China Joint Communiqué issued on the occasion is a comprehensive document, summing up the discussions on entire spectrum of Pakistan–China relations in wide-ranging areas, including strategic and political cooperation, as well as cooperation on defense and security, economy, trade, investment, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. International and regional issues of shared interest were also discussed. 

The two sides reaffirmed their unyielding support for each other on issues concerning their respective core interests. Pakistan reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle, and reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. Pakistan firmly supports every effort of China to achieve national reunification and on issues concerning Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea. 

China reiterated its steadfast support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. China commended the comprehensive measures taken by Pakistan to combat terrorism and fully recognized the significant contributions and huge sacrifices that Pakistan made in combating terrorism over the years. 

The two sides agreed to further align their development plans and priorities, and build an upgraded version 2.0 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is a pioneering project of Belt and Road Initiative. 

The two sides emphasized the importance of a South Asian regional order underpinned by the U.N. Charter, international law, and the basic norms governing international relations, reiterated opposition to any unilateral actions, and reaffirmed the significance of maintaining peace and stability in South Asia and the necessity of resolving all outstanding disputes through dialogue and consultation. 

The Pakistani side briefed the Chinese side on its position on and latest developments of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. China reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is left over from history, and should be properly and peacefully resolved in accordance with the U.N. Charter, relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements. 

The two sides expressed readiness to conduct trans-boundary water resources cooperation under the principle of equality and mutual benefit, and emphasized the imperative of fulfilling international legal obligations. The significance of the maintenance of international and regional security and stability was reiterated.

The two sides expressed readiness to continue leveraging the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue and the China-Bangladesh-Pakistan cooperation mechanism to deliver new outcomes.

The two sides agreed to keep in close communication and coordination on the Afghan issue. The two sides called for more visible and verifiable actions to dismantle and eliminate all terrorist organizations based in Afghanistan which continue to pose serious threats to regional and global security, and prevent terrorist organizations from using the Afghan territory for terrorism against any other country and to endanger any other country.

On 6 January, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, held a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of Myanmar, H.E. U Than Swe, and reviewed current level of bilateral relations. 

With Foreign Minister of Indonesia, H.E. Sugiono, the DPM/FM reviewed the state of Pakistan-Indonesia relations, developments in Somalia and efforts for lasting peace in Gaza, and agreed to maintain close contact on these issues. 

With Foreign Minister of Egypt Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty, the DPM/FM reviewed current regional situation and reaffirmed commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest and continue engagement for the benefit of both countries. 

With Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser, H.E. Touhid Hossain, the DPM/FM reviewed bilateral relations as well as recent developments in Asia and the Middle East. 

With FM of Malaysia, Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, the DPM/FM reviewed the state of bilateral relations and exchanged views on recent regional developments, including the evolving situation in Asia and the Middle East. Both sides underscored the importance of continued consultation and agreed to remain in close contact at all levels. 

With Foreign Minister of Türkiye, Hakan Fidan, the DPM/FM discussed the evolving regional situation and ways enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, including trade, technology, tourism, and IT.

With the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the UAE, H.H. Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the DPM/FM exchanged views on the current regional situation and expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory and improvement in the region. DPM/FM appreciated that dialogue and diplomacy have resulted in tangible outcomes on the ground.

With Saudi Foreign Minister H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the DPM/FM twice held telephone conversations this week. He welcomed the Saudi Foreign Ministry’s statement regarding Yemen and appreciated the efforts of all sides to resolve the regional situation amicably. DPM/FM stressed that all concerned in the region must avoid any escalatory move and advised to resolve the issues through dialogue and diplomacy for the sake of regional peace and stability. 

Finally, Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, and the DPM/FM discussed realization of Azerbaijan’s investment of US$ 2 Billion in Pakistan. DPM/FM underscored the importance of high-level engagements in strengthening Pakistan-Azerbaijan cooperation in areas of mutual interest. It was agreed to finalize a mechanism in this regard allowing the Azerbaijani investments in the identified sectors of Pakistan's economy. 

Thank you!

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(Muhammad Saleh Zafir, The News):    In the outset, I have to talk about a statement made by the Indian Minister for External Affairs, a country which is notorious for its transnational terrorism and its so-called intelligence gathering agency, which has been sponsoring terrorism across the world. Their Minister has said that Pakistan has centers for the training of the terrorists in its urban areas. This is for the first time; he said this while in a European country like Luxembourg, I wish to have your comments. What is wrong with the Indian leadership that they are talking this much nonsense?

Spokesperson:    Pakistan rejects the irresponsible and misleading assertions made by the Indian External Affairs Minister. Once again, India has sought to deflect attention from its own deeply troubling record as a neighbor, marked by promotion of terrorism and contributions to regional instability. 

The Indian External Affairs Minister’s statement in Luxembourg constitutes a blatant attempt to divert attention from the recently surfaced documentary evidence indicating that New Delhi sought a third country's intervention to secure a ceasefire with Pakistan during the May conflict. No amount of bluster can obscure India's fabricated narrative surrounding counterterrorism, particularly the Pahalgam incident, or its reckless misadventure against Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident. 

New Delhi's fixation on Pakistan cannot conceal its own role as a serial disrupter of peace. India has carried out extrajudicial killings abroad, interfered in the internal political affairs of neighboring states, exported terrorism into Pakistan, including through operatives such as Kulbhushan Jadav and have provided safe havens to wanted criminals. For smaller states in the region, India, too, has been a source of coercion rather than cooperation, while minorities within its border face escalating intimidation and repression. So, before presuming to lecture others, India would do well to confront its own conduct and the growing gap between its rhetoric and reality.

(Hussain Raza, Pakistan TV):    Sir, what's the stance of Pakistan regarding demolition of structures near the Faiz e Ilahi Mosque in Delhi and the reported damage to the mosque?

Spokesperson:    Yes, this development came to the fore this week, and we monitored it. We understand that this is part of an RSS Rashtriya Swayamsevak’s backed campaign targeting mosques under the guise of an anti-encroachment drive. We express our grave concerns on the action of the Indian Government to demolish the Waqf properties associated with the Faiza e Ilahi Mosque. The Faiz e Ilahi Dargah, a Mosque over a centuries old, stands as a very important symbol of Muslim religious, cultural and historical heritage, and continues to serve as a central place of worship and community life. So, the demolition drive is not an isolated incident, rather, it reflects, I should say, a very systemic and deliberate campaign by the RSS, BJP nexus to target and undermine and erase the Muslim heritage across India. 

The destruction of Babri Mosque, as you would recall in 1992 by extremist mobs driven by fascist and majoritarian ideologies, remain a stark reminder of this pattern. The subsequent judicial outcomes which basically absolved those responsible and sanctioned the construction of a temple on the site of the demolished mosque underscore the deeply discriminatory approach of the Indian states towards religious minorities and erosion of the rule of law where Muslim rights are concerned. So, this latest episode also reflects a broad pattern of pressure on religious minorities in India and a deliberate attempt of eroding Muslim cultural religious heritage under the influence of a fascist Hindutva ideology. Numerous other historic mosques now face similar threats of desecration or demolition, while Indian Muslims continue to experience growing social, economic and political marginalization.

So, we call upon the international community to take serious notice of this alarming rise in Islamophobia, hate speech and hate motivated violence in India, the United Nations and other relevant international mechanism, human rights machinery, must play a positive and proactive role and principle role in safeguarding the religious and cultural rights of the minorities. We urge the Government of India to fulfill its constitutional and international human rights obligations by guaranteeing the safety and security of all religious denominations, including Muslims, by protecting their places of worship in accordance with international law and universally recognized human rights standards.

(Amir Saeed Abbasi, Nukta News):    Sir, I have a question that there are news reports that Pakistan and Saudia are in talks on JF-17 thunder jets for loans. I mean, if government finalizes this deal, will it be adjusted in our loans that Pakistan already borrowed?

Spokesperson:    Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a robust multifaceted cooperation, including in defense. I'm not aware of any particular deal regarding any platform or any systems and its financial adjustments. Such developments we would confirm upon materialization. But as I said, the ongoing cooperation on defense is quite robust – we will continue to implement this in accordance with our bilateral agreements.

(Waseem Abbasi, Arab News):     In continuation of what Amir Saeed Abbasi has asked, Pakistan has contacted Saudi Arabia, as you said twice this week, has Pakistan committed sending more troops to Saudi Arabia, given the situation in Yemen and threats to Saudi national security?

Spokesperson:    I have no information about it. As I said, we have robust defense cooperation. The many of these projects remain in pipeline. But as regards troops, or their number. I do not have any information.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV):    Firstly, on Afghanistan, during the Strategic Dialogue between Pakistan and China a Joint Communique has been issued in which it has been said that the meetings between the foreign ministers of Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan would continue. Need your clarity on this. Secondly, Sir, we have seen quite good statements from Afghanistan which were welcomed by Pakistan but the DGISPR’s press conference depicts that he has taken a hard stance. So, is there any chance of ease in our policy? Or the policy is going to be hard in the future? Lastly, Foreign Office has issued a well-calculated response regarding the arrest of Venezuela’s President. Does Pakistan condemn the arrest of a President of a sovereign state? 

Spokesperson:    Afghanistan did feature in our joint communique with China. Pakistan and China agreed to keep in close communication and coordination – which is in the bilateral sense. On the trilateral format, we agreed to continue leveraging the mechanism. As you can recall, in August this year, the last of such trilateral meeting took place at the level of the foreign ministers.  It shows the positivity with which Pakistan is approaching the issue of Afghanistan. This positivity is linked to the second part of your question, where you referred to the statements of the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan – so we had welcomed this statement. But a very important aspect is to have these statements backed by concrete, verifiable and written assurances from the Afghan side that their soil would not be used for terrorist elements operating in Pakistan. This brings me to third part of your questions – the DG ISPR’s comments yesterday may be in the context of the level of non-cooperation from Afghanistan. Afghan side has still not given verifiable, written, concrete assurances. Despite that, Pakistan wishes to engage positively on Afghanistan and with China on matter related to Afghanistan. We have wished to engage positively in our bilateral and our many trilateral frameworks, including with the trilateral framework with China. 

On Venezuela, Pakistan's statement was quite comprehensive. We had expressed our concern at these developments, we had urged the need for restraint and de-escalation, and we had underscored the necessity to adhere to the principles of the UN Charter and international law. 

(Shaukat Piracha, Aaj News):    Just referring to your opening statement, you talked about China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh mechanism. What is this mechanism? What's its structure and what are its objectives? My second question is, there have been a lot of misconceptions about Iran in different media. How being a neighbor and a brother country of Iran, are you concerned about what's going on there? And my third question is, from Somaliland to Venezuela and then capture of Russian ship. How do you think, as an expert in disarmament, that there is a larger threat to global peace nowadays?

Spokesperson: Let me answer this. First on Pakistan, Bangladesh and China mechanism: you may recall a meeting took place last year at the level of the vice minister and foreign secretaries. So, we tend to follow it and we look forward to positive outcomes, promote cooperation regionally and sub-regionally. Our joint communique with China talks of the new outcomes. Consultations between the three of us (Pakistan, China and Bangladesh) would continue in the future, to strive for outcomes which are beneficial for the peace, progress and prosperity of our people. 

On Iran, there are two sides of I understand your question. First is, the threats and the external aggression on Iran, which we very firmly have opposed. We did so during the last year's 12 days of escalations and strikes against Iran. We are opposed to the use of force. We opposed the imposition of sanctions in the aftermath of the unraveling of the JCPOA undertakings between Iran and its other partner countries. As regards the domestic situation, that is the internal affair of Iran. We do not wish to comment. We certainly do not interfere in internal affairs of our neighboring countries.

(Afzal Reza, IRNA):    I'm coming back to the question asked by my senior colleague. I do understand that Pakistan has never interfered in any internal affair of any countries. but there were some demonstration in Iran these days, Mr. Ambassador, and the government was able to hold constructive talks with the protesters, and such new measures are also taken by President Pezeshkian to address the problems faced by the people. But we are currently witnessing the foreign interference in Iranian affairs, the threatening statement of the US and the aggressive approach by Donald Trump are very worrying. Mr. Ambassador, the provocative rhetoric, actually by so called Israeli prime minister, calling and supporting clearly the rioters and these statements are very worrying. I would like you to mention the Pakistan position, because I know that Pakistan and Iran are always in consultation regarding the regional issues as well as the international developments.

Spokesperson:    I think I've answered your question in my previous answer. Pakistan firmly opposes interference in internal affairs of any countries, including Iran, and the situation what you referred, is an internal matter of Iran. We do not wish to either comment on it and firmly oppose any interference into the domestic affairs.

(Sumera Khan, Samaa TV):    Sir, my question is that probably the situation is where we can assess that the normal phase has started sounding boring for the Middle East. What is Pakistan's role right now? How far we can stretch our leverage in bringing situation to the normal. Specifically, the DPM is going to participate in the conference in Jeddah, probably on 10th of January. So, what would Pakistan be bringing to the table in bringing normalcy to the situation? And obviously it's my wild guess that Pakistan is not looking for short-term solution, but the longer-term solutions. So, what is our Foreign Office's take right now? 

Sir, we'll be keeping ourselves to the Somaliland right now. Israel's role, and obviously we are seeing observations on Iran, starting from the episode of Venezuela. So, people are like, there is no end to the theories. But obviously what we can do in our best available capacities and availabilities?

Spokesperson: On Somaliland, we have very firmly, emphatically rejected. The recognition of this territory by Israel, or any attempt to seek the division of the brotherly country of Somalia. We have opposed it, in our national capacity, and at different multilateral forums, including the OIC and the UN Security Council. We also joined a joint statement issued at the level of the foreign ministers by a number of African and Middle Eastern Asian countries opposing this move of providing any international legitimacy to Somaliland. You referred to the OIC meeting, which we understand is going to take place this month. We will reiterate our position with the OIC leadership and with the Somali leadership present in Jeddah. As regards Iran, I answered in the last two questions, and I think you also mentioned Venezuela, which I do not see as part of the Middle East. Each situation has its own dynamics; it has its own contours. Challenges in Middle East are profound but Venezuela is quite far away from the Middle East.

(Tahir Khan, NNI News): Sir, yesterday, Foreign Office issued a statement that Deputy Prime Minister has chaired a consultative meeting about various issues. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan was also present in the meeting as we can see him in the pictures. My question is that what is the status of Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan? You have reiterated several times today that it is Pakistan’s policy that we do not interfere in other countries’ domestic affairs. Which is the best policy but it was said during the presser of DGISPR, that there are some percent of Pashtuns, Tajiks, and etc. so, is it that now Pakistan will decide about the ethnicities of other countries, who would rule there and their position? This way, anyone can talk about Pakistan’s ethnicities in the future. Has Afghanistan become a new India for Pakistan or are there chances of reconciliation with Afghanistan? 

Spokesperson:    This meeting yesterday with the envoys and with the senior officials of the Foreign Ministry that the DPM held was part of a routine exchange that takes place. A number of envoys were here in Islamabad, so this meeting took place. You are right; our ambassador to Afghanistan was also there. It was in the spirit of consultations – the Deputy Prime Minister sought direct inputs from these envoys. 

Afghanistan, the state of bilateral relations, well we have diplomatic channels which are open – the embassies and our consulates are functioning and routine diplomatic exchange is taking place. We have not commented on the internal affairs of Afghanistan from this platform and the ISPR presser that you referred to, I think, was in the context of the terrorists that cross over into Pakistan and conduct these terrorist attacks. So, I think the context has to be understood in the DG ISPR’s presser. 

Pakistan does not wish to be hostile to Afghanistan. Our demand to Afghanistan is very simple – it is not something that is against the basic responsibility of any nation the terrorist elements and its own individual Afghan nationals should not be part of the terrorism in other countries. You mentioned about the DG ISPR’s presser, I think he also mentioned about the number of Afghans now who are committing acts of terrorism in Pakistan. So, this is what our demand is. And this demand will stand unless we get concrete, verifiable, written assurances from the Afghan side that their soil will not be used. If this terrorism issue is resolved by Afghanistan, we have tremendous potential of improving bilateral relations. We do not have any bilateral dispute with Afghanistan, of the nature we have with some other countries you mentioned about India. So, we do not have any bilateral issue with Afghanistan except this one major issue of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. Hence, there is a need of written, verifiable assurances and commitment to stop these acts. The potential of our bilateral cooperation and of Afghanistan becoming a hub of regional connectivity can be optimized. The potential of such cooperation is immense, which can be realized once we have those written commitment and assurances on terrorism from Afghanistan. I believe such a commitment from Afghanistan is good for its own country, for its own self, for its own state consolidation, for its own rule of law within the country, for its own progress and development – as a vibrant, viable country with full economic, trade and connectivity potential.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Sir, written assurance is the only requirement, or there are some other requirements as well, which Afghanistan will fulfill, and we will open the borders?

Spokesperson: Written assurances and then commitment to fulfill it. So, I think this is what we basically need. If there are assurances followed by concrete actions, then this demand of Pakistan, which is very legal, could be fulfilled. This would lead to the foundation for improvements in bilateral relations.

(Raziq Bhatti, Kashmir Express): Mr. MirWaiz Umar Farooq has been put in house arrest again and he was not allowed to deliver Jummah Sermon. Secondly, Mr. Shabbir Ahmad Shah’s bail has been postponed. Are these actions indicating that Indian authorities are trying to give the same punishment as it was illegally given by Yasin Malik or is it something else. How Pakistan views this?  

Spokesperson: I have given a detailed statement on Jammu and Kashmir Mir Waiz sahib, as you mentioned, the way that he has been blocked from leading the Jumma prayers, is actually an affront to the very basic religio-cultural sensitivities in Kashmir. The institution of Mir Waiz is centuries-old – and his leading of the Juma prayers, the Juma congregation is symbolically and culturally as important as is the Juma prayer in our religious law – so this is deeply disturbing. 

Shabir Shah Saab, again, is another leader who has been incarcerated for political reasons. This exemplifies how the draconian rules and laws in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir are used to incriminate individuals with conscience who have committed no crime except for their calls for self-determination, liberty, political freedom and human dignity.

Pakistan, as I mentioned, will continue to raise the voice of these disenfranchised, persecuted Kashmiri people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and we will continue our moral, diplomatic and political support. And as these individuals suffer human rights violations, we would continue to refer these cases to international and UN Human Rights machinery and civil society organizations – knock at the door of the human conscience. We tell them that these are the atrocities being committed in Jammu and Kashmir behind a very strict veil of Iron Curtain where media freedom is muzzled and where news is hard to come by. So, we will continue our efforts to raise awareness and to lodge these issues at the relevant international human rights forums.

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): During our Interior Minister’s visit to China, it was announced that Chinese nationals will receive extraordinary security in Pakistan. Is this the part of second phase of CPEC as it was the demand of China to provide special security to Chinese citizens? 

Spokesperson: We have seen the reports of the visit of Interior Minister to China. Yesterday, I believe, he met the Minister of Public Security in Beijing, and before that, he was in Shanghai as well, where he was engaged with the Law Enforcement agencies in the Public's and State Security officials of China. So, once he comes back, we'll have a full readout of his visit. We are cognizant of the safety of the Chinese nationals in Pakistan. I understand it was also discussed during the seventh round of the strategic dialogue held at the DPM’s level. Pakistan state is committed to full protection of our Chinese brothers and sisters who are here on important economic projects and other activities, contributing to our brotherly relations, our economic development and promoting cooperation between the two countries. So, they are our valuable guests, and we do everything possible to protect our Chinese brothers and sisters.

(Adeel Bashir, Roze News): Zalmay Khalilzad has asked Islamabad to have a fresh accord with Kabul, and that accord includes that both countries commit to not allowing any individual or group, including ISIS and TTP, to use its territory to threaten security of others. How does Pakistan see this? It's a wish of only a single person or a voice of the current US administration?

Spokesperson:  He's not part of the current US administration as I understand. On our part, we have been asking Afghanistan to not allow their territories to be used by terrorists against Pakistan. We are committed to rooting out all terrorist elements that happen to be on our soil, whenever and wherever they are, they are treated in accordance with our law. I do not see what is the point in Mr. Khalilzad’s question I am certainly not obliged to comment on that.

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): There was a development related to citizenship between Pakistan and Germany in which those Pakistanis who are residing in Germany do not have to relinquish Pakistani citizenship to attain German citizenship. If you can provide further details on this development. Pakistan Embassy also issued statement on this. 

Secondly, can you confirm if Pakistan Air Force is not involved in military operations outside boundaries of Pakistan? 

Spokesperson: This question about German development, I'll have to check. I am not aware of it.

And about Air Force, of course, they are not involved anywhere. You can check from ISPR as well.

(Sardar Shoukat Mehmood, Islamabad Today): Sir, my question is, last year; India unilaterally and illegally abolished Indus Water Treaty and in reaction, Pakistan went to International Forums. The latest development is, yesterday, our political activists and journalists went to Azad Kashmir and water levels of Jhelum River and Neelum River have dropped to dangerous levels. Pakistan declared the dropping water levels as Red Line. Is Pakistan observing these developments and will Pakistan retaliate? 

Spokesperson: You see, the Indus Water Treaty remains a binding international instrument. There is no provision of abeyance of the treaty. So, abeyance constitutes a breach of the treaty and a violation of the treaty. So, at the treaty level, this is the broad political statement. As regard specifics about Chenab, Jhelum and Neelam, so any project that is built there, is subject to scrutiny under the Indus Water Treaty. So our Indus Water Commissioner, as I mentioned last week, has written on certain projects on Chenab River. If there are some developments upstream on Jhelum and Neelam, we would obviously be taking it up with India, at the level of the Indus Commissioner. We may also raise it at political/diplomatic level, with India and at relevant international forums.

(Mateen Haider, GTV): Thank you, Mr. Spokesperson. So it has been established Indian Afghan Nexus, as far as promoting terrorism and promoting proxies against Pakistan through Afghan soil. We have seen DG ISPR briefing time and again. You have also spoken about it. Is Pakistan preparing any fresh dossier on Indian terrorism against Pakistan using Afghan soil. Last dossier was shared with international community almost six years ago.

And there was a meeting yesterday, chaired by Foreign Minister, some of important envoys of Pakistan participated, and two of the ex-Foreign secretaries also attended that mini-envoys conference. What was the crux and what issues were discussed if possible? In the picture, you were also visible. So, please do share some details, any complex foreign policy challenges were discussed during this consultative meeting? Thank you so much

Spokesperson: Dossiers are compiled in routine once the body of evidence that we have, gets a certain volume. I think that maybe it was more recent than the six years, that we last submitted in dossier format. So obviously, these are on the need basis. If you recall, the UN Security Council Sanction Committee's recent reports on Afghanistan had pointed out to the terrorist configurations who are operating from Afghan soil, including Fitnah Al – Khawarij, Fitnah Al Hind, which have support from India. So in the follow up of the report, and in our own interaction with those sanctions committee, we are exchanging information about India’s involvement. This is an ongoing exchange that takes place with those bodies, regarding India's involvement.

Yes, Envoys conference. You said it correctly, I was there. It was not a mini-Envoys conference, because, traditionally, Envoys conference take place when you actually call the Envoys. So these Envoys were here already and we had a good brainstorming session with them. You are right – the Ambassador in Russia, Afghanistan, Geneva and the EU the five of them were here. So, issues pertaining to their areas of jurisdiction, were discussed. We had a strategic dialogue with the European Union in November. So its follow up was discussed. We had a very important Inter-Ministerial Commission from Russia here a month ago – its follow up was discussed. With France, our bilateral relations and overall Europe's position on global affairs was discussed. Ambassador in Afghanistan gave us his readouts on the situation there. Developments that are taking place in the UN offices in Geneva and the institutions. These were also discussed. You also mentioned about the foreign secretaries. Yes, Inam-ul-Haq Sahib and Aizaz Chaudhry Sahib were there. So their advice were also sought. These inputs contributed to our understanding of developments on important issues. This is the institutional strength of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We have these consultations where we get our practitioners who are operating on the ground with the seasoned seniors who are able to advise on these issues. Of course, our Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister is also very open to ideas, very receptive to ideas. These are important guidelines that he gives on such occasions. It was a very positive interaction of two, three hours – the time passed by quickly, which shows the interest and depth of the exchange.

(Abdullah Mohmand, Dawn News): There are reports that Pakistan has hired services of American firm ‘Gangster Strategies’ for worldwide meetings, specifically the meetings of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in the Capitol Hill. What is your take on this? Did Foreign Office supported or provided assistance in hiring of these firms? Is this true?  

Spokesperson: I can check and get back, but I have no information.

(Muhammad Saleh Zafir, The News): Thank you, sir. I hope my question will not hurt in any manner to some of my colleagues, Sir, the reaction which was offered by Afghan Spokesperson on the presser of ISPR’s Media Briefing the other day, that was very obnoxious. I wish to have your comment on that, especially in the wake of the fact that other day, Afghan displayed the arsenal, which was given to them by the Americans in charity. And again, in the backdrop of that Pakistan was addressed. 

And the other part of my question, which is not related to it, that Bangladesh Air Chief was here and there was a talk of selling of Pakistan made JF 17 thunder plane. Do you have any comment to offer on the visit of the Bangladesh Air Chief and if any specific information regarding these deeds or these platforms?  Thank you, sir.

Spokesperson: Firstly, on Afghanistan, the statement from Afghan envoy, I really don't want to enter into an argument with the Afghan spokesperson. I mean, he expressed his views, and I think I have also expressed my views on Afghanistan quite abundantly. So let's leave it at that.

On the visit of the Air Chief of Bangladesh, yes, I understand the Air Headquarters and ISPR have issued a detailed press release, and I would like you to refer to that. I think it sums up very substantive details of exchanges that took place. If I read from the press release, it refers to “the fast-track delivery of super Mishaq trainer aircraft, along with complete training and long-term support ecosystem”, “detailed discussions were also held on potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder aircraft”. Bangladeshi delegation, visited the PAF facilities, observing our capacities and capabilities. This is quite a comprehensive press release about positive defense cooperation between the two countries.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Sir, in 2025, President Donald Trump tried his utmost to get Nobel Peace Prize by trying to stop wars. After recent incidents in 2026, keeping in view Trump Doctrine, how much is it helpful for the world? What are Pakistan’s views on this? 

Secondly, regarding Peace Keeping Forces in Gaza, there are reports that Pakistan puts forward the suggestion of Peace Keeping Force in Gaza according to the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. Was the suggestion put forward by the US or Pakistan? 

Spokesperson: There was a specific context behind nominating President Donald Trump for Nobel Peace Prize. So, it's up to the Nobel Peace Committee to view this nomination. Our nomination had a specific context in view of his very positive role, and it's up to the Nobel Peace Committee.

As regards the International Stabilization Force, as I said in a number of my replies and in fact, DPM also said here is that it depends on the mandate. And with regards to the mandate of that force, the DPM in his briefing on Saturday, his Year End Review briefing had raised certain benchmarks and red lines. So we stand by that. International Stabilization Forces mandate has yet to be finalized. If you recall Secretary Rubio, also referred to in his press briefing last month – he said that countries have asked certain questions. We still await those answers with respect to those questions regarding the mandate of International Stabilization Force, and until that concrete package comes, we cannot offer any comment about it.

(Sumaira Khan, Samaa TV): Thank you very much. Spokesperson. Sir, we are seeking in writing something from Afghanistan, keeping in view that Doha Accord was also in writing, and yet we saw a lot of presumptuous violations of Doha Accord done by the current Taliban regime in Afghanistan. So, why we are so hopeful that if they give something in writing to Pakistan in the bilateral discussions and through our mediators, how far we can take them being honest. Thank you.

Spokesperson: We have no option but to remain engaged and be positive. I think being positive is an occupational hazard for a diplomat. So, we hope that Afghan side will respond positively. And as I said, this is for their own interest. This is not just for the interest of Pakistan. But if you look at the goals of state consolidation, the domestic progress, peace, prosperity within Afghanistan, it is essential that Afghan side gets rid of these nefarious elements operating from their soil. So, we hope that they would understand this imperative and we'll keep on hoping and be positive.
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