Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Ladies and Gentlemen Assalam o Alaikum 

I welcome you all at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. My opening statement today will be brief. 

Pakistani nationals have been in the captivity of Somali pirates for almost over 50 days now aboard cargo ship MT Honour 25. Sadly, we have not been able to secure their release and repatriation, despite proactive engagement with the Somali authorities and the Shipowner, both of whom are negotiating with the pirates and relevant tribes.

Two days ago, Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Abdisalam Ali to discuss ongoing efforts to secure the release of the Pakistani hostages. Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister conveyed Pakistan’s grave concern over the situation and underscored the importance of ensuring the hostages’ well-being, their early release, and safe repatriation. Our DPM/FM urged steps to improving living conditions and provision of necessary amenities to the hostages. Let me add that the while DPM’s message was focused on well-being of Pakistani nationals, he spoke for all hostages that included nationals from Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. FM Abdisalam Ali assured him of his government’s continued and sincere efforts to secure the hostages’ release at the earliest opportunity. Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination until the matter is resolved. The two counterparts also expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral relations between Pakistan and Somalia. The Somali FM also commended Pakistan’s constructive mediation and diplomatic efforts in the broader regional context.

The Government took number of resolute steps to free the Pakistani hostages on MT Honour 25. I mentioned DPM’s telephonic conversation with the Somalian Foreign Minister. This week Somali Ambassador was invited by the Foreign Secretary to discuss further possible steps in this regard. Pakistan Embassy team from Djibouti visited Mogadishu and met with number of important members of the Somali government to seek release of Pakistani prisoners. 

Moreover, early next week a relevant ministries and stakeholder will be held here to further streamline the ongoing efforts and better coordinate the initiatives for the release of Pakistani hostages.

Moving to the Middle East and the standoff in the Gulf Region, 

Pakistan remains deeply concerned at the situation in the region marked by recent escalation. We appeal to the parties to adhere to the understanding reached on the ceasefire and end hostilities to widen the space for dialogue and diplomacy. 

Pakistan reaffirms support for the resolution of all outstanding issues. We are of the view that diplomacy and dialogue should be the guiding principles for achieving negotiated settlement of all contentious issues in accordance with the rights and responsibilities of the parties concerned.

Pakistan’s mediatory and facilitative efforts have endeavored to end hostilities, save lives and give diplomacy a chance. 

In this regard, the Minister of Interior was in Tehran this week where he held important meetings with Iran’s leadership. 

On 29th May, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister held meeting with the US Secretary of State. Upon his return to Islamabad on 1 June, he held telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister and other counterparts in the region. 

Sequentially and following strong advocacy from Pakistan, the US and Israel engaged directly at the summit level on late night early morning of 2nd June Pakistan time. As a result, Israel and Lebanon agreed on a ceasefire. Despite the fragility of the situation on ground in Lebanon, particularly South Lebanon, this was a positive development. 

This week, Lebanese Army Chief Gen. Rodolphe Haykal visited in Pakistan. He called on Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. You covered the readouts issued by ISPR on this important visit. 

Earlier today we issued readout of DPM/FM’s telephonic conversation with Foreign Minister of Türkiye Hakan Fadan which was held last night. They discussed the evolving regional situation and underscored the importance of dialogue, and restraint. Both expressed hope for an early understanding among all parties which would contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region.

Pakistan, along with partners, initiated diplomatic efforts to stop the war and to bring the parties to the table. We have been undertaking constructive diplomatic engagement in supporting de-escalation, ceasefire, and the broader pursuit of stability in the region. Our efforts, and spirit of engagement is guided by the Prime Minister of Pakistan H.E. Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif, articulated in his statement this week and     I quote “Let us continue to remain on the path of peace and diplomacy which have bright prospects of success instead of violence and destruction”.

Thank you – I open the floor for questions. 

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(Amna Ali, Express 24/7): Sir, India's External Affairs Ministry has made statements regarding AJK situation, and also Indian leadership have also spoken about it. So, what is your response?

Spokesperson: Yes, we have seen statements by Indian MEA. We reject India's remarks in their entirety. It's untenable for a state like India, which has consistently denied the people of Jammu and Kashmir their right to self-determination, to claim concerns over the rights of Kashmiris. By making such remarks, India seeks to divert attention from the unresolved status of Jammu and Kashmir and its own abysmal record in the Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K). 

We also reject any insinuation of the false equivalence between the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and matters relating to Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an illegally annexed, internationally recognized disputed territory whose people have suffered systemic abuses under draconian laws and have been denied their rights, including the right to self-determination, as affirmed by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and as promised by the Indian founding fathers to the Kashmiri people. Situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, on the contrary, we are addressing issues arising within the democratic and constitutional framework. Any attempt to conflate the two is misleading and does not withstand objective scrutiny. 

If India sincerely believes that the wishes of the Kashmiri people on both sides of the Line of Control should prevail and their human rights should be upheld, it must uphold their right to self-determination and agree to holding a free and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. Pakistan will continue to support the human rights of Kashmiris, including their inalienable right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and we'll also support the peaceful resolution of this eight decades old disputes in accordance with international law, the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and the wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Mallick, Asia One News):    Sticking to India, we've seen that the latest SIPRI yearbook has suggested that India might have altered its traditional nuclear posture by reportedly deploying around 12 nuclear warheads during peacetime alongside indications of missile system, and a more operationally ready nuclear force. Does Pakistan view this as a destabilizing development for strategic stability in South Asia? Your comments on this?

Spokesperson: Yes, you are quoting from the report of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). We have seen the SIPRI report and their assessment regarding developments and deployments of nuclear capabilities of India, including the reported deployment of nuclear warheads. 

While we do not wish to endorse or lend credence to SIPRI’s methodology, its finding, nevertheless, are not surprising – Pakistan is not surprised by these developments. These findings broadly corroborate concerns which Pakistan has consistently been raising regarding India's continued vertical proliferation. We also believe that open-source estimates, such as SIPRI, may not fully reflect the actual scale of India's nuclear arsenal that may actually be higher than the existing estimates. 

Let me just add that not just the nuclear warheads, Pakistan is also cognizant of developments in India's strategic capabilities, including canisterization of the missile systems, the expansion of sea-based nuclear capable submarines, and the pursuit of increasingly a longer range of intercontinental ballistic missile systems that go far beyond India's periphery neighborhood or its legitimate defense needs. These developments enhance operational readiness, complicate crisis stability, and carry implications that extend beyond South Asia with grave consequences for international peace and security. 

Pakistan does not seek an arm race and matching warheads or arms and ammunitions by number. However, we remain mindful of the evolving security environment. We will continue to take measures essential for preserving strategic stability and deter India's aggression. 

Pakistan urges the international community to closely monitor developments and deployments of India's nuclear arsenal that may affect strategic stability in South Asia and undermine peace and security at the regional and global levels. In this regard, the international community, particularly the suppliers of high technologies to India should understand the implication of advanced technologies and emerging capabilities being incorporated into India's strategic posture with its grave international consequences, as I mentioned by the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles that threaten far beyond South Asia into the wider world.

(Hussein Raza, PTV): Late Tuesday, India's Minister for Water, C.R. Patil, told India's news agency, ANI, that it is certain not a single drop of water will go to Pakistan in coming years, and India actively working on it after directives of PM Modi, quote on quote. So, what is your response on this?

Spokesperson: We have seen this statement attributed to the Indian Water Minister regarding the future flow of water to Pakistan. As we stated previously, any attempt to block or substantially curtail water is vital to livelihood, agriculture, and well-being of more than 250 million Pakistanis, would be a deeply irresponsible act contrary to established international obligations concerning transboundary rivers, and indeed India's own bilateral agreement. Pakistan firmly rejects any notion that water can be treated as a political tool or instrument of coercion or a weapon; as this threatens not just regional peace and security of South Asia and beyond – the responsibility of such consequences would fall squarely on India's shoulder. 

Pakistan's rights and interest in respects of its water resources are non-negotiable. We will vigorously defend those rights through all available diplomatic, legal, political, economic, and other measures consistent with international law and the UN Charter. 

Any deliberate attempt to block water essential to Pakistan’s survival and development would constitute an extremely grave act with far-reaching consequences. As stated by us at the top leadership-level by Pakistan, any such act would be treated with utmost seriousness and could possibly amount to an act of war. Under article 51 of the UN Charter, every state retains the inherent right to self-defense. Accordingly, Pakistan will take all necessary measures to safeguard its economy and its vital national interest and lives of its 250 million people. 

We call upon India to act responsibly, honor its international commitment, and refrain from statements and actions that could further escalate tensions in the region. Pakistan remains committed to safeguarding its interests, as I said, and we will closely monitor developments on the ground in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and elsewhere from where these water resources emerge.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): There were a lot of hopes, but even today when you were making the opening statement, I felt little pessimism about the prospects of permanent peace in our region. I'm talking of US aggressive statements and the counter measures by Iran. So, whether Pakistan has lost the hopes that there cannot be a permanent peace or an agreement between the two countries, as UN Secretary General, a short while ago, he also said that, you know, from ceasefire, it's a partial war that's going on there. What is exact reading or situation over there as Pakistan reads it? 

(Mateen Haider, WE News): So, since this early morning escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, and despite the fact that Iran denied that it did not shoot down US Apache helicopter, various Iranian military sites were attacked, so since Pakistan is in touch with Tehran and Washington, question is: is Pakistan taking any fresh initiative to deescalate situation, any effort with Tehran and Washington, and as Mr. Paracha said, then that may lead to revival of the diplomatic efforts leading to the peace accord. 

(Waseem Abbasi, Arab News): Is there any plan in works to arrange a visit of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Tehran or Iranian counterpart to Pakistan?

Spokesperson: Let me answer these three questions together. You mentioned about pessimism. I tend to agree that it's very difficult to be optimist in the given scenario – now that we have an open exchange of hostilities. But I would refrain from calling ourselves to be pessimist, or as you said, “lost hopes”. I don't think that we have lost hopes. As I said earlier, we remain engaged and we work with a degree of optimism. Such optimism is essentially required for a mediator or a facilitator. If a mediator and facilitator loses hope, or becomes pessimistic, this does not augur well for the peace process. So, Pakistan remains engaged. We understand the challenges, we understand how the diplomatic space has shrunk because of these hostilities. But I will certainly say that we have not lost hopes. Challenges of ceasefire, and cycles in an armed conflict – where you have space for peace, space for dialogue, and then you have a cycle of hostilities are expected in all international conflicts. Situations (in many conflicts) do recur where the peace/ceasefire is interspersed with hostilities and attacks. This is natural progression in conflict situations.

We will continue to work with positivity, I think our Prime Minister very eloquently stated Pakistan's policy in a statement this week – he said and I quote, “This violence is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with the tenuous ceasefire and unbearable consequences it may lead to. As we work earnestly and painstakingly together with our brothers and partners to find a peaceful diplomatic solution to the conflict, and especially when the final objective is just about to be achieved, we sincerely urge all sides to exercise restraint and give peace a little more chance”. And the Prime Minister summarized it very well, “let us continue to remain on the path of peace and diplomacy”. So, Pakistan remains on the path of peace and diplomacy, and indeed we find the same spirit in our key partners. I mentioned about the telephone call of our Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister with his Turkish counterpart late last night. So, these efforts continue. Our Interior Minister was in Tehran. He carried an important message of the Prime Minister, and a letter by COAS and CDF as well. The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister also remains engaged with his counterparts, as I said. 

Let us not draw the curtains on Pakistan's mediation role, and let us not lose hope. Let's work with the spirit of positivity, and indeed this is what is guiding Pakistan's approach to this conflict. 

Finally, as regards to any exchange of visits from Iran or Pakistan, I do not have any specific information right now, but I, certainly do not rule out such visits in the future.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): I will stick to one question, as I remember your last briefing, so I hope you will give me another opportunity. Since you have mentioned about Mr. Mohsin Naqvi’s visit, and you have said that he carried a letter of Prime Minister, is that letter was from Prime Minister or from CDF? Verify that, please. And also, during Mr. Mohsin Naqvi’s visit, we have seen that he was carrying a secret message while enduring that message in front of cameras. So, can you share any detail about that secret message?

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Sir as my colleague just asked a question about Mr. Mohsin Naqvi’s visit to Iran, he handed over the special message to the foreign minister and said that these are the diplomatic norms. So is there any message received in response from Pakistan through foreign office that the message has been received and what could be its response? 

Spokesperson: The visit of Interior Minister Mr. Mohsin Naqvi was part of a continuum of our efforts. It was not a standalone visit. It was a sequel of our previous efforts. So, the efforts continue. As regards the content of the message, the basic content I have elaborated in what our Prime Minister has stated. Beyond that, precise content – well these are interstate communications. They have a certain confidentiality. We are not obliged to divulge the details.  Certainly, this remains the spirit, and as I said, that a mediator ought to maintain confidentiality of the exchanges. Whatever was transpired to Tehran, and whatever message we received from Tehran was sent across forthwith. Our channels of communication, in this regard, were open and are still open.

(Ishtiaq, APP): As you know, xenophobic attacks in South Africa are sweeping, targeting African and Asian nationals, so what is Pakistan's assessment of situation, and what steps are being taken to save Pakistan nationals?

Spokesperson: We have seen the reports of these attacks. Our Embassy in Pretoria is engaged with the welfare and well-being of our Pakistani community, there. These were essentially in our assessment situation arising out of a particular law and order situation. So, we are positive that the South African authorities, are cooperating with us in this regard. We are thankful for them. Our Embassy and the South African authorities are engaged, to keep the situation under control, and to cater for the well-being of our community there.

(Tahir Khan, NNI): Can you confirm if the Afghan Taliban government summoned the Charge d'affaires in Kabul yesterday to lodge a protest over airstrikes? Also, there is a fresh report from the UN office in Kabul, specifically UNAMA, stating that they have documented 13 civilian deaths and 10 injuries, primarily women and children, resulting from airstrikes carried out in Khost, Kunar, and Paktika provinces in eastern Afghanistan on the night of June 9th and 10th. I need your comments on this, especially since we saw a statement from the Pakistani Information Minister claiming that they targeted the hideouts of Pakistani groups and naming certain commanders who were eliminated. Please provide your perspective on both the UN report and the summoning of the Pakistani diplomat.

Spokesperson: On summoning of Pakistani diplomat in Kabul, I do not have details. It is quite possible that he may have been summoned. I have not seen any report on that officially, so I cannot confirm or deny that. 

This attack on the 9th of June was carried out in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in North Waziristan on the 2nd June and police station in Banu on the 9th, particularly on the 9th Banu attack was very grave. So we carried out attack along the Pakistan-Afghan border in areas and hideouts of safe havens of terrorist mastermind and the planners belonging to Fitnah Al Khwarij, who had perpetrated these attacks in Banu and earlier in North Waziristan.

We acted on credible intelligence with selective targeting of camps and hideouts. The targeting was with precision and accuracy. You have seen and referred to the statement by the Minister of Information – this is what the situation on the ground was. 

Let me add that we have strived for maintaining peace and stability in the region. At the same time, safety and security of our citizens remain our top priority. Our efforts under Azm-e-Istehkam would continue. We continue to undertake military strikes with precision and accuracy, eliminating the terrorist hideouts. 

As regards the UN reports. I cannot really comment. This is something new. I will have to check about what exactly has the UN reported. Also about civilian casualties, I mean what is their methodology of measuring that. Our strikes were precise and targeted at the hideouts and the camps of these terrorist elements.

(Abbas Jaffar, Daily District News): The National Assembly of has been informed regarding deportation of 3500 Pakistani nationals from UAE and their assets are left over there. It has also been said that the foreign office is in touch with UAE authorities regarding this matter. Need your comments on it. 

Spokesperson: First of all, this figure of 3500 corroborates with figure quoted here. We underscore that the figures is around 3000 to 400. Any exaggerated five or six digit figures in this regard are rejected. Secondly, the UAE government and Pakistan Embassy and Consulate in that country are engaged. There's a viable administrative and justice system existing in UAE – we fully recognize their strength and institutional credibility. Any assets that is left behind will be recovered, and, as I am sure that the authorities in Abu Dhabi would not want to hold any private assets of any individual. There is no question of any confusion about it. This matter remains a priority for Pakistani diplomatic missions there, who have community welfare sections. Our Ambassador, our Council Generals, and other officers are engaged in this process. Any person whose asset is left behind, can approach us, and as the problem will be redressed.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Once again, China and Pakistan have attempted to add BLA to the International Terror Organization list, but it was vetoed. Can you share any details where Pakistan is lacking in this regard? And a supplementary on Afghanistan, if you can allow, there were reports that the second round of informal talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, known as dialogue 1.5 were held in Istanbul, so was Foreign Ministry involved in this, or if you can share any details regarding that?

Spokesperson: First of all, you mentioned about the listing of BLA and Majeed Brigade in the UN Security Council. This discussion took place within the context of relevant Security Council Counterterrorism Committee. These Counterterrorism Committees have a very precise mandate and strict rules of procedure. The action taken by certain permanent members in the UN Security Council, you mentioned the United States and probably UK as well, were technical in nature. Both these countries have listed BLA as designated terrorist organization within their domestic systems. Australia has listed BLA, a number of European countries have also listed BLA. The fact is that the action in the Security Council was a result of a technical/procedural issue. Our Mission to the United Nations in New York is engaged with the UN Secretariat and with relevant delegations on this issue. 

About track 1.5 on Istanbul, I am not aware of it. If it is a Track 1.5, I should not be aware of it. I should be aware of only Track 1.

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Mallick, Asia One News): Two questions, particularly pertaining to Iran. Firstly, we heard reports of Qatari delegation coming in the first half of this month. Well, the first week of this month, would you want to confirm or deny the Qatari delegation and purpose of its visit? Secondly, is there coordination between Doha and Islamabad when it comes to the mediation efforts or the process, because we heard reports that a Qatari delegation was in Tehran yesterday. So, is there active coordination with regards to this process?

Spokesperson: I am not aware of any Qatari delegation, so I will not comment on that. To my knowledge, Pakistan and Qatar are engaged on mediation and diplomatic processes. We have on record briefed you on a number of conversations at the leadership level, between Prime Minister and the Emir, and also at the level of the Foreign Minister. So, our engagement with Qatar continues. We appreciate Qatar's role in a number of crisis and conflicts, and will continue to engage Qatar in this regard.