Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Let me touch on few important and emergent issues.

Firstly, on the abrupt variation of the flow of River Chenab: 

We observed abrupt variations in the flow of River Chenab during the past week (07-15 December), particularly 07 December onwards. Pakistan views these variations with extreme concern and seriousness. They allude to unilateral release of water into the Chenab River by India, without any prior notification or data, information sharing with Pakistan. Our Indus Water Commissioner has written a letter to his Indian counterpart seeking clarification on the matter, in accordance with the procedure enshrined in the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). 

Any manipulation of river flow by India, especially at a critical time of our agriculture cycle, directly threatens the lives and livelihoods as well as food and economic security of our citizens. We call upon India to respond to the queries raised by Pakistan’s Indus Water Commissioner, refrain from any unilateral manipulations of river flows and fulfill all its obligations in letter and spirit under the IWT provisions. 

Pakistan would like to reiterate that the IWT is a binding international agreement which has been an instrument of peace and stability in the region. Its breach or violation on the one hand threatens the inviolability of international treaties and compliance with international law. On the other hand, it poses serious threats to regional peace, principles of good neighborliness and norms governing inter-state relations. The international community must take notice of India’s continued disregard of a bilateral treaty and counsel India to act responsibly in accordance with international law and established norms.  

Pakistan remains committed to peaceful resolution of disputes and issues with India, but will not compromise on the existential water rights of its people.

There has been an incident involving the mistreatment of a Muslim woman by the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Bihar, followed by the public mocking of the incident by a minister in Uttar Pradesh.

The forcible removal of a Muslim woman’s hijab by a senior political leader, and the subsequent public ridicule of this act, are deeply disturbing and warrant strong condemnation. This action risks normalizing the humiliation of Muslim women. The conduct also demonstrates public disrespect of India’s religious minorities, particularly its Muslim citizens. Such conduct reflects a broader and troubling pattern associated with Hindutva-inspired politics — namely, the alarming rise of religious intolerance and Islamophobia. 

We urge all responsible stakeholders and the Indian Government to recognize the seriousness of this incident and to reaffirm their commitment to the protection of minority rights, respect for religious freedom, and the preservation of human dignity.

Now moving to the roundup of this week’s activities:

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif undertook a two-day visit to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, last week to participate in the International Conference on Peace and Trust. 

On the sidelines of the Conference, the Prime Minister held meetings with the Presidents of Turkmenistan, Türkiye, Russia and Iran.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, accompanied the Prime Minister as part of his entourage to Ashgabat and held various meetings with counterparts and leaders who participated in the Conference, including Secretary General of ECO and the Foreign Ministers of Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Oman and Türkiye, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Upon the completion of his visit to Ashgabat, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister embarked on a visit to Abu Dhabi to participate in 16th Sir Bani Yas Forum from 12-14 December 2025, He was invited to the event by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE.

The Sir Bani Yas Forum is a high-level annual gathering that convened senior statesmen, policymakers, and global experts to deliberate on key regional and international issues, including peace, security, and economic cooperation.

On the sidelines of the Forum, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister engaged with international leaders and experts on matters related to regional stability, sustainable development and the expansion of economic partnerships. 

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister held meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor of the UK; Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Ministers of Poland, Belgium and Luxembourg; Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Azerbaijan; President/CEO of International Rescue Committee (IRC).

Yesterday, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister held a telephone conversation with the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Iraq, Dr. Fuad Mohammed Hussein. 

Both leaders reaffirmed the brotherly Pakistan–Iraq relations, exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation and highlighted the importance of high-level exchanges. 

They also underscored their commitment to enhancing engagement across political and economic affairs, as well as promoting people-to-people ties.

On the storming of UNRWA headquarters by Israeli forces and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, our Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, along with the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the UAE, issued a joint statement last week to reaffirm the indispensable role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in safeguarding the rights and well-being of Palestinian refugees. 

For decades, UNRWA has provided protection, education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance to millions of Palestinian refugees in its areas of operation, in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (1949). 

The Ministers condemned the storming of the UNRWA headquarters in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem by Israeli forces, as this attack represents a flagrant violation of international law and the inviolability of UN premises. The attack also violates the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice dated 22 October 2025, which clearly states that Israel, as an occupying power, is under an obligation not to impede the operations of UNRWA and, on the contrary, to facilitate them. 

In light of the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, the Ministers underscored the essential role UNRWA plays in delivering humanitarian assistance through its network of distribution centers, ensuring that food, relief items, and basic necessities reach those in need fairly and efficiently, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2803. 

Accordingly, the Ministers called upon the international community to ensure sustainable and adequate funding for UNRWA, and to provide the Agency with the political and operational space needed to continue its vital work “in all five fields of operations”. 

This week marked the eleventh anniversary of the abhorrent terrorist attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar.

Pakistan solemnly remembers the innocent children and teachers who were martyred in an act of sheer inhumanity. Their sacrifice stands as an enduring symbol of the nation’s resolve to confront and defeat terrorism in all its forms.

On the horrific attack at Bondi Beach at a religious gathering,

Pakistan strongly condemns this attack. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people and Government of Australia. 

Pakistan unequivocally condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations.

On the attack against UN peacekeepers in Kadugli, Sudan which resulted in the tragic deaths of six peacekeepers from Bangladesh serving with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), and injuries to several others,

Pakistan, in the strongest possible terms, condemns this heinous attack. We express our deepest condolences to the Government and people of Bangladesh on the loss of these precious lives, and we stand in solidarity with the bereaved families in this tragic hour.

UN peacekeepers remain at the forefront of international efforts to prevent conflict, protect civilians, and support peace under the UN flag. We pay homage to the ultimate sacrifice made by these Blue Helmets in the line of duty for peace and stability in the region.

I thank you all.

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(Mateen Haider, We News):     The UN Security Council, in its latest report on the presence of terrorists and their hideouts in Afghanistan, has debunked the claims made by the Afghan Taliban regime that no such havens exist in Afghanistan, thus, clearly validating and vindicating Pakistan's security concerns on the threat of cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. The report has also identified close linkage between the TTP and Al Qaeda. How do you view this development?

Spokesperson: The UN report on Afghanistan, as I understand, was also discussed in the UN Security Council where Pakistan made a statement. The report corroborates what Pakistan has been saying to the Afghan Taliban regime in Kabul and to the wider international community all along – that the presence of these terrorist elements in Afghanistan not only poses a major threat to peace and security of the region but also undermines any efforts of development and state consolidation inside Afghanistan by the regime in Kabul. 

The Security Council report also elaborates on the configuration of various terrorist elements inside Afghanistan, particularly with reference to the TTP/Fitnah Al Khwarij (FAK). This reaffirms Pakistan's assertion on major impediment to developing bilateral relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan with respect to the lasting ceasefire, the closure of border gates, closure of trade. 

The findings of the report are in sync with Pakistan's official position, and this is heard loud and clear across international capitals.

(Zeeshan Syed, Neo TV): The report by the UN Security Council that Mr. Mateen Haider has alluded to also states that Noor Wali Mehsud currently resides in Kabul on a monthly stipend of $43,000 from the Afghan Taliban regime. In light of this report, which is based on evidence, has there been any contact between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime? If not, are there any prospects of dialogue between the two sides? A thousand ulema in Kabul also adopted a declaration last week. What are your comments on this?

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Iran hosted regional talks on Afghanistan which also urged the resumption of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan, Taliban regime. Has any progress been made in this regard? 

Spokesperson: On the first question, I will neither comment on the individual terrorist nor would I say anything on the remunerations that he may be receiving from the regime in Kabul. There is sufficient evidence, including UN reports, which clearly states that terrorist elements inside Afghanistan enjoy the support of the Afghan Taliban regime. As regards the name of these individuals or the amount of money or “stipends” that they receive, there are certain credible reports on that account as well. 

As for dialogue between the two sides, we have diplomatic channels. The ambassadors of both countries are in the respective capitals. These issues may be discussed in these diplomatic exchanges. 

We participated in the regional talks of Special Envoys on Afghanistan hosted by Iran. Pakistan’s Special Envoy, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, participated in the meeting. Issues, be it the particular issue of a certain terrorist element or otherwise, were discussed in a broader rubric of the presence of the TTP and other terrorist elements inside Afghanistan. 

The meeting in Iran is one of the regional mechanisms. It is important to have such mechanisms, not only just for developing a consensus but also for facilitating discussions and exchanging perspectives on the situation inside Afghanistan. The meeting of special representatives of the neighboring countries in Tehran was part of one such mechanism. Pakistan remains supportive of continued regional engagements on Afghanistan.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): I have two questions. Firstly, what is the status of ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan? Has it been extended? Secondly, there have been media reports claiming that the Chief of Army Staff/Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal General Asim Munir, is due to visit Washington in the near future where he is expected to hold important meetings, including with the President of the United States. Could you confirm the veracity of these reports?

Spokesperson: The ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as I have elaborated on in the previous briefings, should not be read or interpreted in the context of a traditional ceasefire that exists between two parties in war or in immediate aftermath of a conflict. This ceasefire was more on an understanding that terrorist attacks that emanate from Afghanistan into Pakistan would be stopped. As such, these terrorist attacks constitute as firing from Afghanistan. We have sufficient evidence to believe that these attacks are supported by the Afghan Taliban regimes’ personnel and forces deployed across the border. So, the nature of the ceasefire is this. Terrorist attacks against Pakistan, emanating from Afghanistan soil, constitute a fire that needs to cease. That ceasefire, unfortunately, is not holding. 

Pakistan, in good faith, had agreed to the ceasefire. This move by Pakistan has not been reciprocated with the same positivity from the Afghan Taliban regime. 

As regards the visit of the Chief of the Army Staff and the Chief of Defense Forces, I do not have any information right now. I have seen the reports, but I have no information to share with you.

(Zafar Mehmood Malik, Mainichi Japanese): The Pak-Afghan border has now been closed for months for obvious reasons. However, there are reports of acute shortage of necessary medicines in Afghanistan. In light of these reports, is Pakistan considering to reopen the border for the flow of medicines into Afghanistan? Also, in a previous briefing, you stated that Pakistan, upon receiving requests from various UN agencies, decided to reopen the border for humanitarian aid to flow into Afghanistan. What is the latest update on this decision taken by Pakistan?

Spokesperson: Both of your questions are interlinked. Two weeks ago, we had allowed humanitarian assistance into Afghanistan. I had referred to a meeting between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce. The issue was resolved from our end. We gave clearance for the passage of the aid cargo to Afghanistan. I must mention here that the entire process of clearance was accomplished with the personal intervention and efforts of the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan. 

From our side, there is no hindrance in the dispatch of humanitarian aid. I recall, medicines constituted the first and the second batches of the aid convoy that was allowed to pass. Various UN agencies were also involved in the dispatch of that aid. 

If there are any impediments to the flow of humanitarian assistance from the Afghan side, I am not aware of it. There was a statement from the Afghan Taliban regime that they are not willing to receive anything. 

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Malik, Capital TV): Last week, there was a whirlpool of media reports surrounding the Prime Minister's meeting with President Putin in Turkmenistan on the sidelines of the International Conference on Peace and Trust. Would you like to clarify the matter for the record? Moreover, you spoke about the Indus Waters Treaty in your opening remarks and the letter written by the Pakistani side to the Indian Indus Water Commissioner. Is Pakistan planning on invoking Article 9 of the Indus Waters Treaty on the settlement of differences and disputes? Earlier this year in April, India unilaterally announced to hold the treaty in “abeyance” but Pakistan did not invoke Article 9 then. However, in light of the latest development regarding River Chenab, are there any chances of Pakistan invoking Article 9 this time?

Spokesperson: The Prime Minister's meeting with the President of the Russian Federation took place in Turkmenistan. It was a very productive and positive meeting. The disinformation on its schedule, was actually aired by a news agency's office in India. The purpose behind this fake news was nefarious and a negative portrayal of our leadership. You must have also noticed that, subsequently, that news organization deleted its post on X, acknowledging that it was a misrepresentation of the facts. So, this is where the matter rests. 

On the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), we have all options. Pakistan is fully committed to the various processes of dispute resolution under the IWT.

On the interpretation and downstream working of the treaty, including Article-9, we have all options available that can be exercised. For now, the particular concern is the disturbing pattern of the flow of Chenab River, the water of which legitimately belongs to Pakistan. 

All options would be exercised to ensure that our water supply is not restricted by India. We would also ensure that India does not weaponize water, as this is a flagrant violation of international law, particularly international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Right to Life, is linked with the availability of water. It is a fundamental human right. We would ensure its fulfillment.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): You have not negated the media reports, also published by Reuters, on the visit of the Chief of Army Staff/Chief of Defence Forces to the US. In the past, when General Zia ul Haq visited the White House, he was hosted by then US President Ronald Reagan and, as a result of the visit, Pakistan received a massive assistance package. Similarly, when General Pervez Musharraf was hosted by President Bush, Pakistan, again, ended up receiving a massive assistance package. Now that the Chief of Army Staff/Chief of Defense Forces is expected to visit the US, and you have not negated the reports on the visit, are there any prospects of Pakistan-US collaboration on the economic front, i.e.: trade enhancement or investment like the one announced for Reko Diq? Secondly, you spoke about fake news by the Indian media. A similar pattern followed in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack, where, for two days, Pakistan was defamed. Do any fora, at the global level, exist which Pakistan has approached to raise this issue of disinformation from India? Moreover, what is the status of Pakistan's participation in the International Stabilization Force vis-à-vis the Gaza peace plan?

Spokesperson: On the visit of the Chief of Army Staff/Chief of Defense Forces, as reported by the Reuters, I can contradict Reuters story in its essence that it seemed to suggest that the visit has been planned and there is a finality about it. So, I am contradicting that. 

As stated, I do not have any information on the visit. We would wait for an official announcement from the Government of Pakistan in the event of such a visit. Our political and military leadership visits different capitals, and when an official visit is organized, an official announcement is made prior to it, which in this case, has not been made.

On Bondi Beach attack – the vilification of Pakistan, in the wake of the Bondi beach attack, was extremely regrettable. 

We were very responsible when this incident took place. A certain name followed by a picture of a Pakistani origin individual were aired by the media. Then this gentleman came to the fore and contradicted the reports. 

This incident was picked up by the Indian media to malign Pakistan. A constant conveyor belt of falsehood and disinformation went on for about 24 to 36 hours. Eventually, the individual turned out to be of Indian origin and Indian passport holder, and probably had traveled to another country on an Indian passport. So, this is not the first time that the Indian media, including its Indian mainstream media and analysts, jumped on the bandwagon of disinformation against Pakistan. 

This is not the first time that Indian media has been egg faced on being proved wrong. They should reflect on their conduct – how they behave, and how their visceral hate for Pakistan exudes when such developments take place. The Indian media ought to act more responsibly. 

On taking this matter to an international forum, yes, there are certain fora where such developments are reported. 

The ultimate price that the Indian media pays for such disinformation is the loss of its own credibility, which has been considerable in the past six months, particularly during Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos, and now after this Bondi Beach terrorist incident. 

About Pakistan's participation in the ISF, I mentioned previously as well, we have not taken a decision to participate in ISF as yet. We will inform you about any development that takes place in this regard.

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): In a follow up to Mr. Piracha’s question, not only was India involved in this disinformation campaign but Israel and Afghanistan were also complicit in their propaganda against Pakistan. Is there any mechanism to address fake news regarding terrorism? Secondly, according to reports, Naveed Akram has been arrested and, similar to the case of Kulbhushan Yadev, a RAW agent, when he was taken into custody by the authorities in Balochistan, the Australian authorities are currently in liaison with RAW. Do you see any parallels between the two cases? 

Spokesperson: On the first part of your question about disinformation on the Bondi Beach attack, yes, the initial reports on the perpetrator’s false identity were published by an Israeli newspaper. There were certain handlers on X and other social media from Afghanistan that were, indeed, involved. As stated, they do not have any credibility. It depicts that they want to stereotype Pakistan into a certain bracket through such false news. 

On the similarity of this attack with other attacks – these are news reports on the roguish role of RAW in incidents in various parts of the world. I would not rule out RAW has its fingerprint deep into the crime committed at Bondi Beach. This is for the Australian authorities to investigate.

(Tahir Khan, NNI): Has there been any contact, visit or any backchannel diplomacy with the Afghan Taliban regime after the conflict of 12 October 2025? You have mentioned that the embassies are open in both capitals, can you share some more details on it? Moreover, yesterday, a meeting was chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister at the Foreign Office to deliberate on foreign policy initiatives. Pakistan’s foreign policy, traditionally has emphasized on good neighborly relations. Was this aspect of our foreign policy also revisited and reviewed during yesterday’s meeting? 

Spokesperson: On official contact with Afghanistan, the diplomatic channels exist. I am not aware of any backchannel diplomacy. During the regional talks on Afghanistan hosted by Iran last week, the Afghan Taliban regime did not send a representative. Had they sent a representative to the meeting, some exchange might have taken place. 

About the meeting chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, it was not solely on Afghanistan. Wider issues, particularly with regard to the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) of which Pakistan has assumed the chairmanship, were discussed. The Secretary General of the ECO himself is an ex-Foreign Secretary, Dr. Asad Majeed. So, the overall developments were reviewed. We stand by our foreign policy of good neighborly relations. Pakistan has not given up this objective. Our efforts for good neighborly relations will continue, despite all these challenges “Hum Parvarish e Loh-o- Qalam Kartay rahen gy”.

(Syeda Qurat ul Ain, Independent Urdu): Last week, the Indian Cabinet approved the opening up of nuclear insurance sectors for private investment. I would like your comment on this matter.

Spokesperson: We have seen these media reports. There were remarks by the Indian Prime Minister and subsequent news reports. We monitor these developments very carefully, given India's troubling history of nuclear security lapses, including multiple incidents of radioactive material theft and unlawful sale of radioactive material reported since the 1990s. The involvement of private sector in handling of sensitive nuclear material and knowledge could be a matter of concern, this may pose a challenge to the global efforts for countering access of private individuals to sensitive nuclear materials. We hope that enough safeguards would be placed to prevent such eventuality.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): 2025 is ending soon. What have we gained and lost on the diplomatic, defense, and economic fronts? Secondly, what are the outcomes of the visits of the Prime Minister and other Ministers during this year?      

Spokesperson: We have a number of diplomatic achievements to showcase for 2025 and these achievements place at a pedestal where we hope that we would build on our achievements in 2026 and beyond. We will give you a comprehensive review of it close to the end of the year, or may be at the start of the next year.

(Syed Asif Ali, Din News): Pakistan has extended its ban on the use of airspace by India till 23 January 2026. Does Pakistan think that there is a threat of another misadventure from India? What are the initiatives are required before the reopening of airspaces? 

Spokesperson: The status of Pakistan’s airspace for India stays the same. It is reflective of the relations between the two countries, the threats that are brandished against Pakistan, including the statements being made by the senior Indian leadership about another wave of aggression against Pakistan. So, these factors continue to prevail in the decision to close the airspace. As regards the future, we remain committed to peace, dialogue and diplomacy. We will, however, not be coerced into a compromise by brandishing force or threats of aggression against us.

(Amjad Ali, EFE Spanish News Agency): Pakistan has not taken any decision on the deployment of its troops as part of the ISF to Gaza yet, but my question is whether the international community, especially the US, has asked Pakistan to send any forces to Gaza or not?

Spokesperson: The discussion on International Security Force is ongoing in certain capitals. I am not aware of any specific requests made to Pakistan on sending troops. As stated, we have not taken any decision on this subject, as yet.

(Afzal Raza, IRNA): Has Pakistan consulted any regional countries on ISF, like Iran and Saudi Arabia?

Spokesperson: Not to my knowledge. Broadly under the subject of Gaza and Palestine, ISAF may have come under discussion during our various interactions. But if you ask whether this was a specific agenda item for a meeting or a telephone call, I do not think so. Palestine remains an important issue of our discussions with all our regional partners, particularly relevant Arab-Islamic forum, UN and the UN Security Council. 

(Amir Saeed Abbasi, Nukta News): In September 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA). What has Pakistan contributed under the framework of this agreement?

Spokesperson: Pakistan-Saudi Arabia have ongoing defense cooperation. This cooperation existed before the SMDA and it will continue in the future. SMDA codifies and further elaborates this defence cooperation. This agreement should not be read solely in the context of deployment of troops. There are trainings, joint exercises etc. which are ongoing.

(Mateen Haider, We News): This month, Pakistan observed the anniversary of SAARC. Since SAARC is almost defunct and dormant, there have been media reports that Pakistan, Bangladesh and China, are closely engaged on the creation of a new regional bloc. What is the veracity of these reports? Secondly, what is the update on the participation of the Norwegian Ambassador to Pakistan in a proceeding at the Supreme Court of Pakistan? Was it a violation of diplomatic norms, i.e.: the Vienna Convention?

Spokesperson: I would reiterate the response I gave to a similar query on SAARC last week, i.e.: the blockade of SAARC is regrettable, and we would want it to be revived. We welcome the statement from Dhaka on ways of alternate regional cooperation mechanisms. 

Pakistan remains committed to multilateralism, promoting regional development and connectivity, and in that spirit, we would be part of any initiative that would promote regional connectivity, including with the countries that you mentioned.

Regarding the Norwegian Ambassador’s participation in the Supreme Court’s proceedings last week, firstly, let me clear that this matter rests now. The Norwegian Ambassador was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We issued a statement. So, this matter rests.

We can talk about the broader principle of a diplomat’s presence in court proceedings. In principle, the presence or attendance of an ambassador in a court of law is not their right. Ambassadors enjoy diplomatic immunity, and this comes with a certain responsibility. The presence of diplomats in a court, particularly if they meet or are greeted by a party to a case, can be seen to influence or as seeking to influence a judgment. This may undermine the judicial process. Moreover, the privilege of diplomatic immunity also necessitates that the presence of ambassadors/diplomats in court proceedings need to be regulated. 

Therefore, in principle, diplomats wishing to attend a court proceeding anywhere in the country need to approach the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for approval. This approval would be processed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I also believe that diplomats wishing to attend a court proceeding may have to have their diplomatic immunity waived off. This matter is, as I said, in principle. These are the principles that I am telling you. I am not commenting on a particular case or on the case of the Norwegian Ambassador, which, as I said, rests now. 

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Malik, Capital TV): Tensions between the US and Venezuela are escalating. How does Pakistan view these developments? 

Spokesperson: We hope relevant parties will resolve this issue through dialogue. At the heart of it is, I understand, the issue of Narcotics Control. We would want the parties to resolve this issue through peaceful, diplomatic means.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News):  Whenever any ambassador to a country is appointed, they are handed over certain rules of conduct. Have any changes been made to these rules? Previously, ambassadors have attended open court hearings on high profile cases, such as Panama, Memogate, etc. How is the Norwegian Ambassador’s participation in a court proceeding last week a violation, a move that has been defended by Norway?

Spokesperson: As I have stated before, the case of the Norwegian Ambassador’s appearance in a court has been addressed. So, in response to your question, I can only talk of principle. Let's keep the Norwegian Ambassador incident out of this discussion and let that disclaimer stand out as a heading of our discussion. 

On the rules of conduct of diplomats, I do not think that ambassadors/diplomats are handed over a particular set of dos and don'ts. This is part of the customary training of all diplomats across the world, which is why we have diplomatic training institutes that share cooperation agreements with one other, and they exchange the syllabi and teaching instructions. So, this is part of the diplomatic syllabus.

In principle, the fact is that ambassadors/diplomats seeking to appear in a court have to seek permission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan. This is very clear. In previous instances of court cases that you referred, I do not know, they might have applied for permission from Foreign Office that may have been granted. 

Court appearances are not automatic. It is not the right of a diplomat to just walk into a court and observe court proceedings and meet and greet one party or another. This has to be regulated. Such regulation is also essential because ambassadors/diplomats have the privilege of diplomatic immunity. 

Let's assume a hypothetical situation where a court proceeding is going on and a diplomat goes, becomes rowdy or his behavior is untoward or tries to impede the proceedings. Can a court of law hold him in contempt? No. This is not a straightforward situation. I am sure you would appreciate the complexity of this issue. Ambassadors/diplomats cannot walk into a court like they would walk into a grocery store. 

Therefore, anyone wishing to attend a court proceeding will have to come through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We will have to see how far his diplomatic immunity needs to be waived off in order to allow him to take part in proceedings. This is principle. There is no new rule. It has always existed. 

Drawing from my own experience in serving in various capitals, I myself have attended a court hearing in an important Supreme Court case in a country that I was posted. But that was at explicit approval at the invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the host country as they want diplomats to view their judicial processes. This is a customary diplomatic rule of engagement that has always existed. If our diplomats posted to other countries wish to attend a court hearing, they would have to go through the MoFA of the host government.

Thank you.

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