Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Thank you for joining us for the Weekly Briefing.

The Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov is currently in Pakistan on an official visit. Yesterday, he called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. He has held a joint meeting with the Minister for Commerce; the Minister for Privatization, Communications, and Board of Investment; and the Minister for National Food Security & Research, and Industries & Production.

Foreign Minister Saidov will call on President Asif Ali Zardari today. He will also meet the military leadership.

In the meetings held thus far, the two sides have reaffirmed multi-faceted and robust partnership between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and agreed to enhance close security and defence cooperation and robust engagement at multilateral fora such as UN, SCO and OIC. The two sides also agreed to enhance economic cooperation, trade, investment and connectivity between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and reaffirmed their commitment to the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railways Project.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, arrived in Islamabad this morning as a special envoy of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrehman bin Jassim Al Thani. He is meeting with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The two sides will discuss areas of bilateral engagement and cooperation with a particular focus on energy-related cooperation and deepening of trade and investment ties. Regional and global developments are also on the agenda.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has once again presented a report sitting in judgement on the situation of religious freedoms in other countries. The report is based on faulty assumptions and is based on unsubstantiated allegations and non-reflective of the ground realities in Pakistan.

We believe USCIRF’s annual exercise of designating countries is unwarranted and futile. The futility of USCIRF’s recommendations can be gauged by the fact that since 2020 the US State Department has ignored its recommendation to declare India a “Country of Particular Concern”. This exercise would have more credibility if it were free of double standards and geo-political considerations and if it paid increased attention to the glaring rise of Islamophobia. Such arbitrary designations also undermine the objective of fostering understanding and cooperation, which can only be achieved through dialogue and constructive engagement.

Pakistan strongly condemns Israeli settlers' attack on Jordanian aid convoy carrying humanitarian assistance to occupied Gaza. It is not just a flagrant violation of the obligations of the occupying power but a dangerous provocation that may lead to further escalation of tensions in the region.

Pakistan condemns in the strongest terms the invasion and seizure of the Rafah border crossing in southern Gaza by Israeli occupation forces in defiance of international warnings and acceptable international behaviour.

With its latest actions, Israeli occupation authorities have once again demonstrated their contempt for international humanitarian law as they continue to pursue an abhorrent policy of genocide and extermination in Gaza. For months, they have bombed, starved and humiliated the people of Gaza. And they now are moving forward to forcibly displace civilians from the last remaining shelter for millions fleeing from the inhumane assault in the rest of the besieged Gaza Strip.

These war crimes and crimes against humanity must end. We call on the international community to take urgent measures to bring an end to this aggression and genocide. Measures should be taken to fully protect civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law and the occupation forces must be held accountable for the Gaza genocide.

Pakistan welcomes the reaffirmation by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation of its strong and unequivocal position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute during the just-concluded 15th Islamic Summit of the OIC held in Banjul, the Gambia on 4-5 May 2024.

The Summit’s Final Communiqué and the ‘Banjul Declaration’ reaffirmed unwavering support for and solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their quest for realization of their inalienable right to self-determination in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The Summit also called on India to revoke all unilateral and illegal actions taken since 5 August 2019 in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and respect the rights and freedoms of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Summit emphasized that the settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute was indispensable for a durable peace in South Asia.

The OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir was the only OIC contact group which met on the sidelines of the Islamic Summit, reflecting OIC’s strong solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their right to self-determination.

Pakistan also welcomes the report of the OIC Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Jammu and Kashmir on his visit to Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The report highlights India’s continuing violations of international law in IIOJK.

The OIC resolutions and pronouncements are the collective voice of the Islamic world and reinforce Pakistan’s call for settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.

Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions.

Thank you!

*

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Ma’am, Minister of Energy and his delegation went to Saudi Arabia yesterday and held talks. Do you know in which energy project Saudis are interested for investments? And specifically, what was the agenda of this delegation’s visit?

Spokesperson: First of all, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are engaged in a robust dialogue on cooperation in diverse domains, including in the energy sector. And the two sides are also engaged in discussions for increased Saudi investments in Pakistan. The visit that you are referring to is ongoing and at this point, I do not have the readout of the visit. Perhaps the concerned Ministry would be in a better position to give you the details of the discussions held.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): With regards to China, we see that the Planning Minister and SAPM Tariq Fatemi are currently in China. Would you enlighten the purpose of the visit? Number two, yesterday the Afghan Defence Ministry Spokesperson rejected what they say are pieces of allegations that were said or heard during the DG ISPR press conference in the context of the Besham attack on the Chinese nationals. He also went on to allege that Pakistan is not just harbouring terrorists, but also providing safe havens for ISIS attacks. What do you have to say about that?

Spokesperson: The visit of the Minister for Planning to China is in the context of the collaboration that Pakistan and China have under CPEC and the two sides are engaged in discussions preparatory to the JCC which will be held in the coming days. Regarding your second question, you must have seen the statement made by ISPR in which it was very clearly elaborated that we have evidence of the involvement of Afghan nationals in terrorist attacks inside Pakistan. We have also found evidence that the attack in Besham has links with terrorists currently residing inside Afghanistan. The suicide bombing, as said by DG ISPR, connects to across the border. The planning of this terrorist attack took place in Afghanistan and the terrorists and their facilitators were being controlled from Afghanistan. We expect Afghan authorities to take effective measures against these terrorist entities. With such effective measures, they should be able to demonstrate that these terror groups do not have sanctuaries and hideouts inside Afghanistan. With respect to any other allegations that have been made by Afghan authorities, we reject them completely and we believe that such statements are unwarranted and instead of such irresponsible statements, the Afghan authorities should take effective action against all terror groups, based in Afghanistan.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Has Pakistan decided that it will take decisions regarding gas pipeline in respect of its national interest? Please comment on it.

Spokesperson: I do not like to make any new statement on this matter. As you know, two days ago, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan was asked a question on this matter and he clearly stated that Pakistan will watch its interest and will take decisions on the basis of its own national interest and Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline is a priority for Pakistan.

(Siyar Ali Shah, Khyber News): Ma’am, you said those involved in Besham attack have links to Afghanistan; the planning took place in Afghanistan. You said from this podium some time back that if we find evidence then we’ll raise this issue with Afghanistan. Now that there is clear evidence, has this matter been taken up with Afghan authorities and what has been the response from Afghanistan? Secondly, regarding Yasin Malik, his case’s hearing is in the next week and Indian authorities are demanding his death penalty on the allegations they have made against him. Need your comment on this too.

Spokesperson:  Okay, regarding your first question, yes, as we have said in the past, when we receive comprehensive information and intelligence data from our law enforcement authorities, we share it with the Afghan authorities. But, you would realize that there are several channels of communication between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Our respective embassies are one channel but there are other channels including in the security domain through which Pakistan exchanges information and its concerns related to these terror groups. We have been calling on the Afghan authorities to take effective action against TTP and other related terror groups.

Regarding the question on Mr. Yasin Malik - we have on several occasions expressed our deep concern that the Indian authorities have sought a death penalty against Mr. Yasin Malik. You would recall that OIC contact group also denounced this move in its communiqué last year. We also believe that the life sentence that has been awarded to Mr. Malik is unfair, and it is marked by a denial of a fair trial. He is currently held in inhumane conditions in the infamous Tihar jail. His health situation is deteriorating, and he is being denied access to his family and to quality health treatment. We urge India to bring an end to this farce of a trial against Mr. Yasin Malik and to provide him with quality health treatment. He should be allowed to live freely among his people and with his family. We have raised the case of Mr. Yasin Malik at various fora including international bodies and we will continue to raise our voice against the injustice that he is facing.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): The US has shown reservation over the safety of Imran Khan and other prisoners in recent briefings. So, what is the point of view of the Foreign Office? And PTI’s Sher Afzal Marwat yesterday, in a press conference mentioned that the Saudi Ambassador in Pakistan has shown reservation over his appointment as PAC Chairman and this message was conveyed to Imran Khan as well. So, what was the reservation of the Saudi Ambassador and what is the view of the Foreign Office?

Spokesperson:  Regarding your first question, I think you have misread the statement which was made by the US State Department. They have made a general remark about the situation of prisoners wherever they are. Secondly, I would like to underline that Pakistan has a judicial system that is capable of taking decisions in light of our law and constitution, and due process and justice are key elements of our law. So, we do not need directions from anyone with regards to Pakistan's domestic laws. With regards to the second question that you have asked, that question is, again, political in nature. I would like to underline that Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are close friends and partners and we hope and expect that Pakistan's relationship with Saudi Arabia, or indeed with any other country, should not become a target of political bickering inside Pakistan.

(Allah Noor Wazir, Mashriq TV): Ma'am, DG ISPR also said in his statement that the safety of borders is assured. 98 percent of work has been done on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Is Afghan soil still being used against Pakistan? And the second question, is Pakistan in contact with the American government regarding Dr Aafia Siddiqui? There are some reports that she is being handed over to the Afghan government. Similarly, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan will prosper soon so, is there any other country's investment expected in Pakistan other than Saudi Arabia? Almost a year and a half back, Mr. Ishaq Dar was the Finance Minister, he said that he would bring down the dollar to the price of 200. So, will Pakistan prosper with the incoming investment?

(Ghazala Noureen, Suno TV): Afghan soil is being used against Pakistan. That has been repeatedly stated by the Foreign Office. Evidence presented in a recent press briefing by DG ISPR that Afghan soil is being used in terrorism against Pakistan. My question is that it is being demanded by Pakistan regularly but there is no enforcement. Are there any discussions about destroying terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan by air strikes like it was done on the border with Iran?

Spokesperson:  First regarding Ms. Aafia Siddiqui. Pakistan’s Missions in the United States, especially in Washington and in Houston have been in contact with Ms. Aafia Siddiqui and with US authorities to ensure that her stay is comfortable and that she is provided with all the facilities that are due to her. With regards to foreign investment, as you know, Pakistan is now focused on enhanced engagement with countries especially in the Middle East to encourage foreign investment and in that respect, SIFC is taking certain measures to provide incentives to foreign investors. In that context, talks are underway, not just with Saudi Arabia but with other countries in the Middle East. Details may be sought from SIFC.

With regards to Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, as I said just now and I would like to reiterate that Pakistan is concerned about the terror threat that it faces from terrorists having links with individuals and entities inside Afghanistan. And we have urged Afghan authorities to take effective and meaningful action against these individuals and entities so that they do not pose a threat to the people of Pakistan.

With regards to your question, Ghazala, I think that is based on speculation. We would not like to comment on it. Pakistan has demonstrated that it is ready to defend itself when the need arises and this has been demonstrated earlier this year with respect to a terror attack that emanated from Afghanistan.

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Ma’am, my question is that a Pakistani named Irfan Bhatti has been handed over to Norway while his case is under trial in the Supreme Court. Also, there is no agreement between Pakistan and Norway to exchange prisoners. Was the Foreign Office on board on his handing over to Norway?

Spokesperson:  I would advise you to contact the Ministry of Interior, which is the focal ministry on such matters including on extradition matters. They will be in a better position to give details about this case.

(Farhan Ali, Public News): Ma'am, my question is that in which sectors Saudis have shown their interest for investments or have been finalized before the visit of the Saudi Crown Prince?

(Naveed Siddiqui, Dateline Islamabad): When is the Saudi Crown Prince visiting and how much investment is expected? Also, can you share Kuwait’s Deputy Foreign Minister’s visit to Pakistan? Do we expect investment from Kuwait as well?

Spokesperson:  As you know, we do not make announcements of visits prematurely so I am not in a position to give you the dates of any of those visits. Secondly, as I said earlier Pakistan has been in contact with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and indeed the GCC countries and exploring together avenues of investment and bilateral engagement. Further details, especially with respect to any agreements which are being negotiated with the Saudi side can be sought from the SIFC and other relevant Ministries and departments.

(Shabbir Waghra, PTV World): Yesterday Pakistan and the US conducted counterterrorism talks in Washington. So what was concluded in these talks? Can you share the agenda and the outcome of these talks and who represented Pakistan over there?

Spokesperson:  First the counterterrorism talks between Pakistan and the United States are ongoing and the two sides will discuss issues related to security and countering violent extremism and combating terrorism financing. The Pakistan delegation is led by Additional Foreign Secretary (United Nations) Ambassador Syed Haider Shah and when the talks conclude we will be able to give you details about the outcome.

(Ali Hussain, Business Recorder): Whenever any activity begins in the region from a bloc in which Pakistan also has some role, the other bloc activates and delegations start to visit Pakistan and channels of communication also become active. There is a debate among the public that something is afoot. When Pakistan showed its commitment towards the IP Gas Pipeline, Saudi delegations started visiting Pakistan; channels with the United States also got activated. Your comments, please?

Spokesperson:  I think you are reading too much into the sequence of these visits. Pakistan has always said that we would like to have good relations with all countries. Pakistan has maintained robust dialogue and engagement with countries in GCC. Similarly, Iran is Pakistan’s neighbour and as we shared with you earlier, the visit of the President of Iran was also long time coming. All these visits have been on the cards for a while and a lot of work goes into preparation before you see a high-level dignitary visiting Pakistan. So, I do not understand why all these visits are being linked with each other. As I said earlier, Pakistan's relations with all these countries are robust and they stand on their own merit.

(Shahzad Hassan Mirza, Royal News): My question is regarding Pakistan’s space probe to the moon. Can you brief us about Pakistan’s collaboration with China in this? Secondly, the Prime Minister's visit to China is expected, are there any dates scheduled?

Spokesperson: First regarding the visit of the Prime Minister to China when the dates are finalized, and the time is right to make the announcement we'll make the announcement. At this point, I'm not in a position to share any details. Secondly, with regards to the moon probe, which was sent recently, this was a project by young Pakistani scientists, scholars and students and we have welcomed their efforts. Pakistan-China collaboration in the domain of science and technology is long-standing and we have many projects that the two sides have worked on in the last several years. This was one example of collaboration between Pakistan and China. You can seek further details from SUPARCO.

(Saqib Ali Rathore, Daily Kashmir Times): Ma’am, in the occupied Kashmir National Conference’s leader Mr. Farooq Abdullah said that India and Pakistan should hold talks.

Spokesperson: With regards to Pakistan-India talks, at this point, there is no dialogue taking place between Pakistan and India and there are no plans to hold the talks in the immediate future.

(Anwar Abbas, Aik News): There are ongoing talks regarding counterterrorism between Pakistan and the United States in Washington. Can you please define the scope of these talks because the US has different definitions and standards for terrorism? For them even Iran is a terrorist state, Iranian authorities are terrorists, and IRCG is also a terrorist group. So, are there any topic discussions on these sensitive matters in these talks?

Spokesperson: As I said earlier, I do not have the readout of the discussions that are taking place between the two sides. When the meetings conclude we will be in a position to share with you the readout of these talks. I would also like to underline that Pakistan believes that terrorism is a collective threat to the international community and it is important for Pakistan to share its concerns about terror groups that are posing a threat to its security in our engagement with our interlocutors. It is a priority for Pakistan to discuss issues of its concern whenever we engage in these talks.

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Today, Black Day is being observed with regards to events of 9th May last year. Has the Foreign Office conveyed any message regarding this day to its Missions abroad? Are there any related activities being observed?

Spokesperson: We must realize that Pakistan's domestic matters are internal to Pakistan and we have the capacity to deal with issues that arise from time to time. This is a principle we adhere to. I would reiterate that Pakistan is a country of laws and Constitution and we remain committed to our constitutional obligations to protect the rights and property of our citizens who enjoy constitutional guarantees and fundamental freedoms, which are underwritten by our judiciary. We are committed to upholding our laws and to holding those responsible for the May 9 events to account and ensure public safety and protect public property. This is a message that Pakistan has given to the international community.

***