Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Thank you for joining us for the Weekly Briefing. 

The 23rd Meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Economic and Foreign Trade Activity of the SCO Member States begins in Islamabad today.

The meeting was preceded by the meeting of the Commission of Senior Officials from 10-11 September 2024 in Islamabad to negotiate the documents to be adopted by the 23rd meeting of the Ministers of the SCO member States responsible for Foreign Economic and Foreign Trade Activities.

The two-day Ministerial Meeting is a regular annual mechanism of SCO and will make important contributions in the lead up to the Head of Government Meeting in Islamabad. 

The Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco, arrived in Pakistan last night for a three-day visit. This is the first ever visit to Pakistan by any Secretary General of IMO.

Secretary General Velasco will hold meetings with Pakistan’s leadership and senior government officials in Islamabad and Karachi. 

Today he is participating in the "International Maritime Business and Finance Conference", in Islamabad. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar is the Chief guest at the Conference.

In his remarks at the Conference in Islamabad, the Deputy Prime Minister underlined the importance of fostering peaceful relations, ensuring shared prosperity and addressing common challenges of security, environmental protection and sustainable resource management.  He underlined Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to upholding the highest standards of maritime safety and environmental sustainability. He outlined Pakistan’s priorities for a vibrant blue economy as a key pillar for economic development and for the sustainable utilization of marine resources for economic growth, job creation and environmental stewardship. 

The Deputy Prime Minister also explained the importance accorded by Pakistan as a maritime nation to expanding trade in fisheries and maritime trade; promoting coastal tourism and exploring offshore resources including gas and petroleum.

Pakistan strongly condemns the airstrikes by Israeli occupation forces on the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone in Khan Yunis, Gaza on 10 September 2024, which claimed the lives of 40 civilians. Executed in an area designated as a safe zone for displaced persons by the Israeli occupation forces themselves, constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.

The carnage in Khan Yunis, without prior warning and in defiance of basic protections, demonstrates a disregard for human life and Israel’s genocidal designs against the Palestinian people. The targeting of individuals seeking refuge in a designated safe zone represents a gross breach of international humanitarian law which necessitates the protection of civilian populations and humanitarian zones.

We call on the UN Security Council to play its role in preventing Israeli occupation forces from continuing with their genocidal campaign against the Palestinian people and holding them accountable for their war crimes and crimes against humanity.

We strongly condemn the recent decision by the Delhi High Court to uphold the Indian decision to proscribe several political parties, advocating the rights of the Kashmiri people. Banning of indigenous political parties is part of India's relentless campaign to subjugate the Kashmiri people, stifle dissent, and consolidate its occupation of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Parties that advocate the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are being silenced under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) — a law that has increasingly been used as a tool for repression of the Kashmiri people. 

Indian judiciary’s role in legitimizing these actions follows recent decisions sanctioning the suppression of legitimate political voices in Jammu and Kashmir. Last year, the Indian Supreme Court upheld the illegal and unilateral acts of 2019 in IIOJK. 

We urge India to remove the ban on all political parties illegally outlawed in IIOJK; respect the rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people; release all political prisoners and human rights defenders; and faithfully implement the UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.

I thank you all.

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Naveed Siddiqui, Talon News: Ma'am Indian Minister Rajnath Singh, in a recent statement, said that Pakistan considers Kashmiris as foreigners while we consider them our own people. Your comments please?

Spokesperson: Kashmiris are our brothers and sisters who have been under Indian subjugation for the last several decades. Pakistan has always stood for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and their right to live in freedom and dignity. India's attempts to portray its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir as an internal matter, and its claims of considering Kashmiris as its own ring hollow, in the face of the harsh reality of the situation in IIOJK and the decades long suppression of the Kashmiri people.

Mateen Haider, GTV News: Pakistan will be hosting Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. This week there were unconfirmed reports regarding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he's not coming to Pakistan. Has there been any such communication made by Indian Ministry of External Affairs to Pakistan that their Prime Minister is not coming, and if he's not attending, have they communicated who will attend. Secondly, what security measures are being adopted to provide extraordinary security to this event in Islamabad in mid-October?

Spokesperson: On your first question, as I have said in the past, Prime Minister of Pakistan has extended invitations to the Heads of government of all SCO member states. At this point, I'm not aware of any communication from the Indian government regarding their representation. 

Secondly, Pakistan takes its responsibility as the host of the SCO heads of government meeting very seriously. And in that respect, all arrangements are being made for smooth holding of the conference, including all security arrangements.

Shaukat Piracha, Aaj News: The Chief Executive of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa yesterday announced that they will directly hold talks with the Afghan Government. The foreign policy or talking to other governments is prerogative of the Federal Government, as it's a federal subject not even devolved during the 18th Amendment. Will the Foreign Ministry assist the Chief Minister of KP in holding direct talks with the Afghan government? 

Spokesperson: First of all, I would like to affirm what you had just said, that foreign policy is a federal subject; and secondly, it is the prerogative of the Government of Pakistan to pursue its foreign policy. Any proposals which come from any public figure in Pakistan will be considered by the Government of Pakistan and decisions will be taken in Pakistan's national interest. 

Abdullah Mohmand, Dawn News: Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asia, Donald Lu is on official visit to India and Bangladesh, where he will discuss the economic issues as well the other related issues with the both countries. Why he's skipping Pakistan in such an important visit?

Spokesperson: This question may be addressed to American officials. Pakistan and the US have several channels of communication and officials from the United States visit Pakistan on frequent basis. These visits are determined by the priorities of two countries to hold talks. So I do not understand why Pakistan should comment on relations with third countries. 

Anas Mallick, Capital TV: So, you spoke about the SCO in the opening statement. Can you just give us detail on which delegation is participating in person today, and at what level and who is participating in a hybrid mode in the Trade Ministers, Economic Ministers, meeting.

Supplementary Question

Almas Haider Naqvi, Daily Dunya: Ma’am, as Pakistan is hosting 23rd Conference of Minister of Trade of SCO, there is no Minister level participation except Tajikistan. So, how do you see this development because this will set the stage for the summit level?

Spokesperson: According to the information that I have received, the SCO trade meeting is being attended by Ministers or Deputy Minister or vice-Minister level officials. This includes the Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan; the Deputy Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan; the first Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Belarus; the Deputy Minister of Industries and Mining & Trade of Iran; the Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic;  the Vice Minister of Commerce and Industry of India who is attending virtually; the Vice Minister on National Economy of Kazakhstan, who's also attending virtually; the Vice Minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of China; and Director of the Department for Multilateral Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.  

Adeel Bashir, Roze News: A Pakistani man with ties to Iran has been charged for allegedly plotting to kill a US official in retaliation for the assassination of Revolutionary Guard Commander Qasim Soleimani. They also said that they will continue to hold accountable those who would seek to carry out Iran's lethal plotting against American. So, what's your stance on it?

Spokesperson: I do not know which particular case you are referring to. There are pending cases of consular access requests on which Pakistan awaits information from the US authorities.

Tang Binhui, Xinhua News Agency: Latest data from the General Administration of customs of China shows that during January to July this year, Pakistan's frozen orange juice exports to China reached a new level, which shows the growing demand for Pakistani produce in the Chinese market. As both countries continue strengthening economic ties, how do you view the future of Pakistani agriculture products in Chinese market?

Spokesperson: Pakistan and China have committed themselves to enhance bilateral trade and economic ties, including in the domain of agriculture. We are encouraged with the recent trends of enhanced trade and hope that trade in agriculture will continue to increase.

Anas Mallick, Capital TV: With regards to Afghanistan, there have been renewed border clashes since the seventh of September, and have continued until day before yesterday. Has the matter been taken up diplomatically, through diplomatic channels with Afghanistan? Because the military sources indicate that these are unprovoked border clashes, actually started by the Afghan side, which has been befittingly responded by the Pakistani side?

Spokesperson: Yes, I can confirm that the incident of 7 September was an unprovoked attack on Pakistani check posts from across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Pakistani forces responded. We believe that the attacks across the international border are not acceptable. Pakistan will continue to defend itself from any attacks. I am not aware of any diplomatic communication on this matter.

Saher Baloch, BBC Urdu: Is there an update on the TAPI pipeline? And I have another question as well about the Asif merchant case. Is there an update in that case as well? 

Spokesperson: I do not have any update on the Asif Merchant case. We are awaiting details from the US authorities about the case.

With regards to the TAPI, I can only restate what Pakistan has said in the past. The TAPI Project is important for the energy security of Pakistan. It is an important project that offers numerous opportunities for our region. Pakistan will continue to work with its partners for development of the project.

Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International: My question is also related to TAPI Project. Yesterday, the Afghan Government confirmed that the work on the project from their side is being started. Have they approached Pakistan diplomatically?

Spokesperson: We have noted this development. The recent development is being evaluated by the concerned department. Pakistan remains committed to the project.

Abdullah Mohmand, Dawn News: The Australian High Commission in a letter on 29th of July to Pakistan's Foreign Office, vide Note Verbal number 299/24, asked Pakistan to cooperate in the removal of Hasan Askari from ECL. Hassan Askari was court martialed in 2020 due to some controversial letters. Will you confirming this letter, and what are the developments? 

Spokesperson: First of all, the diplomatic communications between governments are privileged communications, so I cannot comment on a particular communication that you are referring to. However, with respect to this case, Pakistan has been engaged with the Australian authorities. Our view is that placement of an individual on the Exit Control list is the sovereign decision of Pakistan and that decision rests with the Ministry of Interior. They will, therefore, be in a better position to share details with you.

Anwer Abbas, Aik News: On 8th September, Israel targeted various installations in Syria. Does Pakistan condemn this? 

Spokesperson: Pakistan strongly condemns the blatant aggression by Israeli forces targeting several areas in Syria on the evening of eighth of September, which resulted in several deaths. We offer our condolences to the families of the victims and the people and the government of the Syrian Arab Republic. Pakistan considers these attacks as a dangerous provocation and a violation of international law with the seeds for further escalation in the region. These attacks are an unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of Syria and undermine its stability and security. Pakistan calls on the international community to prevent Israel from its adventurism in the region that is endangering the security of countries in the region.

Naveed Siddiqui, Talon News: Ma'am, I'm asking this question on the request of my colleagues from Karachi and Islamabad. The unannounced restrictions by the American authorities on the Pakistani journalists, especially, who are demanding illogical things. I mean, Note Verbale or Introductory Letter for the visas, and most of the journalists are being denied American visa. They are desirous to cover American elections and UNGA session?

Spokesperson: Number one, we respect the prerogative of the US authorities to grant visas for individuals who wish to visit the United States. Secondly, we believe that the issues relating to visas of journalists are important issues that need to be resolved as early as possible. We are in communication with the US Embassy, which has assured us that private journalists interested in visiting the United States do not require official sanction or notes from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We remain engaged with them and any cases that are brought to our notice of visa officials seeking such communications are being brought to the notice of the US Embassy.

Rano Mal, Daily Sindh: Ma’am, Chief Minister KP has just said in a video message that he is sending a delegation to Afghanistan to foster peace and stability in KP. Don’t you think that this is the domain of federal government and the Foreign Ministry? Can a delegation be sent to Afghanistan on a foreign tour by a province? 

Spokesperson: I think we have just discussed this question, Pakistani officials and Pakistani nationals can visit any foreign country as private individuals and the Government of Pakistan does not provide them directions when they undertake these private visits. With regards to any official engagements, we believe these issues are premature for us to comment. When such a proposal comes before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we would be able to comment on them.

Saqib Ali Rathore, Daily Kashmir Times: Ma’am, India Minister Rajnath Singh has said that they are ready for dialogue with Pakistan if they stop militancy in Jammu Kashmir. On the other hand, Mushaal Hussein Mullick who is the spouse of Mr. Yasin Malik, hurriyat leader said that we won’t hold any dialogue. What is foreign office’s comment on this?

Spokesperson: Pakistan’s position is clear. Pakistan believes that the future of South Asia lies in peace and the road to peace goes through a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Pakistan believes that it is the responsibility of the Indian authorities to develop an environment for dialogue in the region. The Jammu and Kashmir dispute will remain a priority for Pakistan when such a dialogue takes place.

Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News: This SCO ministerial today is of trade ministers. So, what is the expectation of Pakistan about cooperation in this region in terms of trade and economy, especially when India is also part of this organization?

Spokesperson: Pakistan believes that SCO can make important contributions for development and security of this region. Pakistan remains committed to working within the context of SCO to find solutions for regional prosperity. Today’s trade Ministerial meeting is reflection of our commitment. An important aspect of regional cooperation is in the domain of regional connectivity. Pakistan has made several proposals for connectivity and economic cooperation in SCO. We will work for consensus on issues pertaining to regional economic cooperation and connectivity.

Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International: In Gujarat India, Mr. Modi’s own state, hurdles are being created for Muslims and Islamophobia is rampant there. Minorities, especially Muslims are being mistreated. Pakistan has always strongly advocated the issue of Islamophobia in OIC. Will Pakistan take up the issue of Islamophobia again?

Spokesperson: Pakistan has continued to raise the issues of Islamophobia and xenophobia at all international forums, including at OIC and at the United Nations, and we will continue to do so.

Mateen Haider, GTV News:    United Nations General Assembly session, is quite close. Who will be leading Pakistan delegation in UNGA 79? And on the sidelines, there is also UN Future Summit. Will Pakistan also be participating in UN Future Summit, and what ideas Pakistan is going to say about the future?

Spokesperson: Pakistan will be represented at both the UN General Assembly, high level segment as well as the Future Summit. I will share the level of our participation at these events in a subsequent media briefing.

Anwer Abbas, Aik News:    Has Iran informed Pakistan that it is reaching International Tribunal Paris forum regarding Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline?

Spokesperson:    I'm not in a position to share with you the details of our communications with the Islamic Republic of Iran on this matter. However, the two countries remain engaged. Details are with the Ministry of Petroleum. As I said in the past, Pakistan remains committed to finding amicable solutions to any issues that arise, including with respect to the pipeline project.

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