Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Thank you for joining us for the Weekly Briefing.

Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif attended the “World Leaders’ Climate Action Summit” of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change held from 11-22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The Prime Minister addressed the World Leaders Climate Action Summit and High-Level sideline events of the Summit including the “Climate Finance Roundtable” hosted by Pakistan; and the “Glaciers 2025: Action for Glaciers” hosted by Tajikistan.

At the "World Leaders’ Climate Action Summit", the Prime Minister outlined the urgent need for immediate and bold action to address the crisis. He called for scaling up climate finance to help developing nations in combating climate change while maintaining economic stability.

On Climate Finance, the Prime Minister emphasized the urgent need to redefine the global climate finance framework; and called for a mechanism to track unfulfilled climate finance pledges. He also called for non-debt finance solutions; simplified access to funds; and more robust resilience financing for nations more vulnerable to climate change.

At the “Glaciers 2025” event, the Prime Minister highlighted the critical urgency of global action to address glacier melt and ensuring sustainable water resources. He also underscored the need for regional collaboration; data-sharing; and standardized monitoring of glaciers.

The Deputy Prime Minister represented Pakistan at the high-level event “Delivering Early Warning for All and Addressing Extreme Heat”.  He highlighted the importance of early warning systems for climate-induced hazards, he urged developed nations to honour their climate finance commitments and provide accessible, grants-based financing to help developing countries achieve their climate goals.

On the sidelines of the Summit, the Prime Minister held meetings with the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev; President of Türkiye Recip Tayyip Erdogan; President of the UAE Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan; President of Kazakhstan Kassym Jomart Tokayev; President of Nepal Ram Chandra Paudel; Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir Keir Starmer; Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala; Prime Minister of Denmark; Mette Frederiksen; Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang; and the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif participated in the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit on the Situation in the Middle East held on 11 November 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar who also attended the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers’ Preparatory Meeting for the Summit.

At the Summit and the Council of Foreign Ministers, Pakistan condemned the Gaza genocide, Israeli aggression against Palestine and Lebanon; and the recent strikes on Iran. He cautioned that such escalations constitute a dangerous threat to international peace and security and could unleash a broader war.

The Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister called for the necessity of continuing operations of UNRWA. He expressed support for Palestine’s admission as a full member of the United Nations. He also called for comprehensive review of Israel’s membership of the UN; holding Israel accountable for war crimes; and imposing an immediate arms embargo on Israel.

The Prime Minister called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire; imposing an immediate arms embargo on Israel; lifting of Israel’s siege of Gaza; humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza; and accountability for Israel’s war crimes. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to Palestine’s right to self-determinationand our un-wavering support to establish, an independent, viable, and contiguous state of Palestine, with Al-Quds-Al-Sharif as its Capital. 

We welcome the resolution adopted by the second Joint Arab-Islamic Summit on the Situation in the Middle East.

The leaders endorsed the collective all on the UNSC by a group of countries including Pakistan to impose arms embargo on Israel. They called on UNSC to take necessary decisions including sanctions in order to stop the escalating Israeli measures in the West Bank and undermining the two-state solution.

The leaders called for suspension of Israel’s participation in UNGA in view of its illegal actions and threat to international peace and security. They also called on UNSC to form an independent and credible international investigation committee to investigate Israeli crimes of genocide, enforced disappearances, torture and ethnic cleansing.

We urge the international community to heed to this call and to uphold international law, safeguard human rights and protect the people of Palestine.

The fourth round of Pakistan-Denmark Bilateral Political Consultations was held this week in Islamabad. Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe), Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan and the Denmark the State Secretary for Foreign Policy of Denmark, Ambassador Lisbet Zilmer-Johns co-chaired the talks.

The two sides held extensive discussions on a range of bilateral issues, and agreed to further strengthen political relations, trade and investment, and cooperation in climate action, renewable energy, infrastructure development and enhance people-to-people contacts.

The Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation on Afghanistan, Ambassador Zamir Kabulov is visiting Pakistan today. He will call on Foreign Secretary Ms. Amna Baloch and hold detailed consultations with Additional Foreign Secretary (Afghanistan and West Asia), Ambassador Ahmad Naseem Warraich. The two sides will review the situation in Afghanistan and discuss the role of neighbouring countries in promoting regional peace and stability.

Pakistan reiterates its serious concerns about the plight of Kashmiri political prisoners. A sizeable number of these prisoners remain incarcerated outside Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Many detainees are enduring inhuman conditions in jails, including confinement in overcrowded cells, denial of necessary medical care and continued detention without due process. Their protracted confinement has caused enormous distress for them and their families. We urge the Indian authorities to drop fabricated charges against all political prisoners, activists and human rights defenders and release them immediately.

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.

Now an announcement;

At the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, will participate in the 15th Sir Bani Yas Forum being held from 15-17 November 2024 in the United Arab Emirates.

At the forum, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister will engage in high-level dialogue with global leaders and experts, addressing critical issues of regional security, economic cooperation and sustainable development. He will underscore Pakistan’s strategic perspective on fostering diplomatic solutions to complex regional challenges and advancing collective prosperity.

I thank you!

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(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Madam, you talked about COP29, Baku, in your opening statement. Similar conferences have been held previously in Sharm al Sheikh and France but the promises and commitments made in these conferences were not fulfilled. What is different in this summit that you feel now developing countries have gained respect while previously they were being ignored. Your comments on this please.

Spokesperson: We are disappointed that the commitments which have been made in previous international conferences on climate change have not been fulfilled and our planet continues to move towards an environmental catastrophe. We urge all countries to fulfill their commitments. COP-29 was an important conference where developing countries expressed their disappointment at the failure of developed countries to fulfill their commitments; underlined the importance of enhancing climate financing; and presented a joint resolve to work towards a clean and green planet.

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Ma’am, the matter relating to Chinese security is coming up again and again. Chinese investors and Chinese authorities also keep talking about this. It is being said that a joint mechanism is also being discussed. Is there any plan for both countries to solve the security issues together?

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): There are reports that Beijing is pushing Islamabad to allow its own security staff to provide protection to the Chinese nationals working in Pakistan. There are also reports that there is a joint strategy or joint mechanism being discussed between the two countries. So, can you comment please?

(Saima Shabbir, Arab News): China has demanded a joint mechanism for the security of its citizens in Pakistan. What would the joint security management system look like? What kind of powers and roles will Chinese have? Will they be given a role at a policy level, or will they have ground presence as well?

(Anwar Abbass, 24 News): Ma’am, if the joint security mechanism plan between Pakistan and China is accepted then would not it be a reflection on our security forces? Your comments please.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): We’ve had this question earlier as well after the Prime Minister’s visit to China. The Defense Minister in an interview with Mr. Hamid Mir, had said that a joint surveillance mechanism was agreed upon during the Prime Minister and the Army Chief's meeting with President Xi and the Defense Minister during Prime Minister's visit to China in June. What is the progress on that joint surveillance mechanism?

Spokesperson: First, let's not get carried away with speculation. I would not like to respond to media speculations that are based on unreliable sources and motivated by an agenda to create confusion about the nature of Pakistan-China relationship. We advise the media to ascertain the motives of individuals who are feeding them such stories. Pakistan and China have a robust dialogue and cooperation on a range of issues, including counter terrorism and security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan. This dialogue is based on mutual respect, mutually beneficial cooperation and respect for each other's sovereignty. We will continue to work with our Chinese brothers for safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan. As iron brothers and strategic partners, Pakistan and China have the resolve and capability to foil any attempts to harm Pakistan-China relations, including by spreading stories about the nature of this relationship which is based on mutual trust, mutual confidence and mutually beneficial cooperation. As my Chinese counterpart said, attempts to undermine the mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries will not succeed. We will not allow any efforts or stories to derail the Pakistan-China Strategic Partnership.

(Shrouq Tariq, AFP): I wanted to know if MOFA wrote a letter to India on the smog situation. If yes, did you get a reply? And do you hope to initiate more regional cooperation on the climate issues with India?

Spokesperson: I already spoke about this when I was asked this question last week. I do not have any update to share with you.

(Mateen Haider, GTV News): After an attack on the High Commission vehicle carrying ex CJP, now, there is another attack on visiting Pakistani defense minister in London, while he was on board a city train. There was threat of knife attack by one of the passengers. According to reports, the Pakistan High Commission has prepared a complaint which is likely to be lodged. Would you like to give us an update since the official is a Pakistani Defense Minister?

(Bashir Chaudhary, Urdu News): Ma’am, last time you said that contact is being established with the British authorities regarding what happened to ex CJP in London. Kindly update on that matter. Has any formal complaint been lodged there? What are the updates?

Spokesperson: On your question, yes, our High Commission in the United Kingdom is in contact with the UK authorities with regards to the unfortunate incident with the former Chief Justice of Pakistan and the attack on Pakistan's High Commission’s vehicle. With regards to the question that Mr. Mateen Haider asked, we reiterate our belief that any protests shall be within the limits of decency. Use of abusive language and threats of violence are unacceptable. Pakistani nationals, whoever they are and wherever they are, deserve to be treated with respect. We therefore, strongly condemn the use of abusive language and threats of violence against the Defence Minister of Pakistan.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): We've seen reports that the Indian cricket team has declined coming to Pakistan, and there are reports in the Pakistani media that the PCB has referred the matter to the Government of Pakistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. What is Pakistan's official take on this particular situation?    

Spokesperson: The Pakistan Cricket Board is in contact with the International Cricket Council to discuss the arrangements, including participation of different teams at the Champions Trophy to be held next year. We would refer you to the Pakistan Cricket Board for any comments or clarification with regards to this issue.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): With regards to the new US administration that is incoming, their previous comments, particularly with regards to Pakistan have not been very encouraging to say the least. How would Pakistan want to have working relationship with the new administration in the United States post 20th of January?

Spokesperson: First, Pakistan does not comment on appointments of officials in other countries. It is the prerogative of the US President to make appointments in his administration. Pakistan, therefore, has no comments to offer on any names that have been floated. As we have said in the past, Pakistan desires to continue building strong relations with the United States, including under the incoming administration.

(Saima Shabbir, Arab News): Ma'am, Pakistan and Saudi companies signed $2.2 billion worth MOUs and deals during the visit of the Saudi Investment Minister. How many of these deals have materialized so far? If you have some figures please?

Spokesperson: These agreements and memoranda of understanding are important for economic and investment collaboration between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and are a reflection of enhanced cooperation between our two countries in the economic domain. As far as their materialization is concerned, the details are available with SIFC, which is the lead department in this matter.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): It's good to hear from you, madam, that Pakistan wants good relations with United States, but having an experience of working with the same president who is elected once again, President Donald Trump, what is your expectation from the United States towards Pakistan and in this region, especially Afghanistan and South Asia?

Spokesperson: Pakistan and the United States have a long history of friendly relations, and it is in our mutual interest to continue to build on this relationship on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest, and on the basis of non-interference in each other's domestic affairs. Pakistan is an old partner and friend of the United States, and we consider United States an old friend and partner of Pakistan. We hope that going forward, this relationship will continue to prosper.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, you are aware of the security situation in Balochistan and KP. There was a suicide attack just this morning in Charsadda and there are reports that there was a drone strike in north Waziristan too. Who is behind this drone attack? Furthermore, an audio of TTP’s leader Mufti Noor Wali and Gat Haji was leaked yesterday, that substantiate the link between TTP and Afghan authorities. Pakistan have shared such details with the Afghan Government and made protests. So, what steps is Pakistan taking with Afghanistan for peace and security? Or does Pakistan plans to start any operation there?

Spokesperson: First, we express our deep concern and condemnation at the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and extend our condolences to the families of the victims. Secondly, Pakistan remains committed to fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to root out terror groups that continue to threaten Pakistan's security. Pakistan has said repeatedly that we are determined to defeat the forces of terror, and we also have the determination to protect Pakistanis from all threats, internal or external. Pakistan has opted for dialogue with Afghanistan; not just Afghanistan, but also the neighboring countries of Afghanistan, who have called on the Afghan authorities to take action against these terror groups that have found hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. We continue to urge Afghanistan to take effective action against terror groups and ensure that Afghan territory is not used against Pakistan or any other neighbouring country of Afghanistan.

(Mateen Haider, GTV News): It's just follow up of what Mr. Allah Noor Wazir asked another horrible angle is that the Taliban Administration is supporting these terror groups, particularly Fitna e Khuwarij and the conversation that surfaced yesterday clearly indicates that they have clear support from Afghan Taliban. So, do you think Afghan authorities are officially patronizing and supporting these terror groups, which could not only be a source of concern, but devastating for Pakistan’s security?

Spokesperson: As expressed by Pakistan on several occasions and by the countries of the Moscow Format and the neighboring countries of Afghanistan, it is incumbent on the Afghan authorities to take action against these terror groups. Support for these terror groups by any entity, individual, whether official or private, is unacceptable for Pakistan. The patience of Pakistani people shall not be tested. We would urge Afghan authorities to take Pakistan's repeated requests seriously and take effective and immediate action against these terror groups.

 (Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Madam, IG of the KP province in a press conference said that their own constable was involved in the suicide attack. He went to Afghanistan, was arrested there and then released after his arrest. So, do we have any intelligence sharing with Afghanistan on such issues? You have said that we are providing concrete evidence to Afghanistan. Then why no action has been taken till now? A police constable goes, gets trained there, comes back and gets involved in terror activities. Is it our departments’ inefficiency or is there not enough intelligence sharing?

Spokesperson: I do not have any details further than what the police authorities have shared on this matter. Pakistan has conveyed its concern, and as I said just now, the Afghan authorities must take our concerns seriously and not test the patience of Pakistani people with respect to the terror threat that we continue to face from the entities and individuals who have found sanctuaries inside Afghanistan.

(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Ma’am, in the Chinese report which was being discussed earlier, it is also said that Pakistan has requested China to provide assistance in improving Pakistan’s intelligence sharing and surveillance system.

Spokesperson: As I said in my statement earlier, Pakistan and China have a robust dialogue and cooperation on a range of issues, including counter terrorism and security matters. This dialogue is based on mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation. We will continue to engage with our Chinese friends and partners with respect to security and counter terrorism matters. With respect to any specific proposal in the domain of security and intelligence, I would not comment, given their sensitive nature.

(Bashir Chaudhary, Urdu News): Madam Ex U.S. envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad has been regularly targeting Pakistan, its establishment and its organizations, and especially emphasizing on the implementation of Doha Agreement. Your comment on this please.

Spokesperson: On this, I have said several times that we do not comment on statements of individuals who do not hold any official positions and their statements on social media may therefore not be taken seriously by the Pakistani media as well.

(Syed Asif Ali, Din News): Ma’am when CPEC project was initiated, a special task force was being formed for security of Chinese nationals. What is the progress of that task force as it was supposed to operate under Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence. Secondly, before the recent attack on Chinese nationals some SOPs were set in which security related matters were discussed and the use of bullet proof cars was made mandatory. What is the recent status on this matter? Is this mechanism being improved?

Spokesperson: Pakistan is serious about providing full security to Chinese nationals, institutions and entities in Pakistan. For that matter, we remain engaged with the Chinese government as well as Chinese companies which are based in Pakistan. The SOPs on security continue to be strengthened. I will not go into the details of these SOPs and the mechanisms that are devised to enhance security of Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan. Pakistan has raised a security force to protect the CPEC projects in Pakistan and this security apparatus continues to provide security to the CPEC projects inside Pakistan.

(Afzal Reza, IRNA): Madam Spokesperson, following the recent high level exchanges between Tehran and Islamabad, we have seen some activities near Iran Pakistan Border. The General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces in a recent statement thanked Pakistan Army and Pakistan security forces for their timely and swift action against the terrorist elements and the enemies of the peace of the common border. More recently Iranian defence delegation led by General Qureshi, the deputy defense minister, visited Islamabad and held high level meetings with the military and defence officials of Pakistan. How do you evaluate these developments in both countries’ relationship, especially in this field of security and counter terrorism cooperation?

Spokesperson: Both Pakistan and Iran have stated that we would like to ensure that the border between Pakistan and Iran is a border of peace and amity. We will also ensure that the terror groups and entities do not operate along the border between Pakistan and Iran. We are also committed to fighting smugglers along the border between Pakistan and Iran. As we said last week, in line with our commitment to root out smugglers, an operation was carried out against smugglers by Pakistani security forces west of Panjgur. The operation took place 30 kilometers within our borders against smugglers and these efforts will continue.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News):   Indian diplomat and Joint Secretary Ministry of External Affairs of India, recently visited Kabul. During the visit he met with the acting Foreign Minister and Defense Minister of Afghanistan, as well the former President, Hamid Karzai. In these meetings they discussed bilateral relations, as well as people-to-people contacts between Afghanistan and India. So, what is your reaction?

Spokesperson: Same as I said earlier, we do not comment on bilateral relations between other countries.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): BLA took the responsibility of the terror attack that occurred in Balochistan. Similar incidents have occurred previously and Pakistan has always said that India is the mastermind behind such activities. Have the investigations revealed that India or any other entity is behind the recent attack in Balochistan?

Spokesperson: As you know, this unfortunate terror attack that killed so many innocent people is under investigation. Our law enforcement agencies will provide further details after the investigations are complete. However, I would like to underline Pakistan’s concerns about the support that these terror organizations receive from India, which is an established fact. If you would recall, a few years back, we arrested an Indian naval officer who was active in Balochistan and was the mastermind of espionage and terror activities in Balochistan. We remain concerned about the role that India plays in backing these terror organizations.

(Aftab Jehan, News One): Ma’am, there is a general perception that Pakistani passport is the weakest passport. Now according to recent reports, the UAE is banning visas on Pakistani passports. Have there been any talks between the Foreign Office and its UAE counterpart? And what are the reasons highlighted by them for not issuing visas? Your comments?

Spokesperson: First, I would like to reiterate that according visa to any individual is the sovereign right and decision of the country concerned. Secondly, we do not subscribe to the impression that there is a ban on visas for Pakistani nationals. Pakistani nationals continue to travel to the UAE. Any issues that arise with respect to the issuance of visas and stay of Pakistani nationals in the UAE are important agenda items between Pakistan and the UAE, and we continue to discuss these issues with the Government of the United Arab Emirates.

(Syed Asif Ali, Din News): India has said that it will not participate in Champions Trophy in Pakistan. There are also some speculation that this event may be shifted to South Africa. In the past cricket diplomacy played an important role in improving Pakistan-India relations. Is the Foreign Office pursuing this matter to bring the Indian Cricket team to Pakistan for ICC Trophy? The former Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif in an interview to the Indian media expressed his wish to meet the Prime Minister of India. So, is there any back channel or any talks in any other format taking place to bring the Indian team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy?

Spokesperson: There is no back channel with India to specifically discuss the Champions Trophy and bilateral Cricket between Pakistan and India. Further details with regards to the holding of Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the participation of the various teams is available with the Pakistan Cricket Board, which can share with you the outcome of their efforts.

(Mateen Haider, GTV News): Ma'am, you rightly said that these matters could be taken up with the PCB. However, India routinely compromises sporting events by politicizing them, which reflects India's typical prejudice mindset. How would you comment on India’s tendencies to politicize cricket?

Spokesperson: Pakistan has always said that sports should not be politicized. As I said, the issues relating to the holding of the Champions Trophy cricket are being dealt with by the Pakistan Cricket Board and they have the lead on this.