Assalam-o-Alaikum,
 
Thank you for joining us for the Weekly Briefing.
 
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar is in Banjul, the Gambia to attend the 15th OIC Summit and OIC Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting preceding the Summit. On the sidelines, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister will hold bilateral meetings with leaders and Foreign Ministers participating in the Summit.
 
At the Summit and  CFM, Pakistan will highlight the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, the imperatives of solidarity and unity of the Ummah, rising Islamophobia, issues of climate change, terrorism and other contemporary global challenges. Pakistan will underline the need to find collective solutions to challenges confronting the Muslim Ummah.
  
This week the US Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass and Principal Assistant Secretary of State Elizbeth Horst visited Pakistan. At the Foreign Office, they held a meeting with Acting Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Rahim Hayat Qureshi on 30 April. 
 
The two sides discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation and underscored the importance of sustained engagement through various dialogue processes including in the areas of trade, investment, energy, health, education, agriculture and climate change.
 
Pakistan and the United States have robust bilateral institutionalized mechanisms including on (Trade and Investment, US Energy Security, Climate Change and Environment, Health and Counter Terrorism. Pakistan will continue to engage with the United States to enhance bilateral cooperation and understanding.
 
As the genocide takes place in Gaza, Israeli occupation forces continue to take illegal steps in the West Bank in violation of international law. Pakistan strongly condemns the rising violations of human rights by Israel and the increasing number of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
 
Israel's actions constitute a breach of international law, including international humanitarian laws and pertinent United Nations and OIC resolutions. These acts also undermine any prospects of a two-state solution. Pakistan is also deeply concerned about Israeli leaders’ bellicose statements to attack Rafah. Any ground assault by Israel on Rafah is unacceptable.
 
The international community must exert every effort to prevent Israel from committing these egregious crimes in Palestine. The UN Security Council must impose an immediate, permanent ceasefire to prevent Israel from escalating its aggression any further, and urge Israel to lift the siege of Gaza, facilitate humanitarian assistance, protect the civilians and hold the perpetrators of the Gaza genocide accountable.
 
Pakistan reiterates its full support to the people of Palestine and renew our call for establishment of an independent, viable and contiguous Palestinian State with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
 
In the past few days, different parts of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have witnessed heavy rains, flash floods and landslides, resulting in loss of life and property. We express our sympathies with the victims of these natural calamities, pray for the eternal peace of the deceased and wish speedy recovery to the injured. 
 
Pakistan strongly condemns India’s continued campaign of attacking and seizing the property of Kashmiris in Indian Illegally-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The reality is that the harsh statements and colonial strategies have been unsuccessful in quelling the Kashmiris' determination for freedom and these measures are destined to face similar outcomes in the future.

Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions.
 
Thank you!
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 (Saima Shabbir, Arab News): My question is regarding Indian security forces, allegedly Indian security forces on Sunday arrested 14 Pakistani nationals from Gujarat coast and they claimed to have seized 86 kilograms of contraband drugs worth 600 crore rupees, Indian rupees of course from their position. So, ma’am I need your comment on that. 

Spokesperson: We have seen these media reports and we are awaiting independent confirmation of the claims made by the Indian authorities. We will make our comments known once we have details of this incident.

(Naveed Siddiqui, Dateline Islamabad): Ma’am, Pakistan has been demanding Afghanistan to stop its soil from use against Pakistan but we saw more than 77 militant attacks only in April which resulted in more than 70 fatalities including the security forces. Your comments? And has Pakistan taken this issue again with Afghanistan through diplomatic channels?

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Pakistan has been victim of terrorism for decades and recently, the Foreign Minister of Afghan Interim Government talked about terrorism taking place in Afghanistan. They have not named any country responsible for terrorism inside Afghanistan, directly. Your comments? Whom does Pakistan hold responsible for terrorism in Afghanistan?

Spokesperson: Pakistan condemns terrorist acts wherever they take place including inside Afghanistan and we express sympathy for the victims and their families. As far as terrorist incidents in Pakistan are concerned, in cases where law enforcement authorities have been able to identify the links with elements inside Afghanistan, we have conveyed our concerns to the Afghan authorities and we have urged them to take effective action against these individuals and groups which continue to target Pakistan and support terrorist incidents inside Pakistan.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Three separate questions, not linked. Firstly, in your opening statement you mentioned that the Deputy Prime Minister is leading the delegation at the OIC but last week from this podium you had announced that the Prime Minister would be leading the delegation. So, what is the reason that the Prime Minister is not leading now that the Deputy Prime Minister is in charge? Number two, the former adviser to the government, Shahzad Akbar had faced an alleged acid attack last year in November, you had commented on that as well. He has now lodged a case against the Pakistani government implicating senior intelligence officials by naming them. What is Pakistan’s take on the matter? And number three over the weekend, we saw some unruly behavior by a diplomatic dignitary, the German Ambassador, during a conference in Lahore, when there was protest that was very well being done under the democratic ambit for Germany's support on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. What is Pakistan’s take on the matter? Is this allowed? is this on?

Spokesperson: Okay, regarding your first question, the Prime Minister was planning to visit the Gambia for the OIC Summit. However, because of certain domestic considerations, he had to change his plans and now the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will represent Pakistan at the Summit and at the Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting. Regarding your second question, we categorically reject the allegations made by Mr. Shahzad Akbar, against the state of Pakistan and its institutions and agencies. These claims are baseless and are politically motivated. As we have said in the past, safety and security of Pakistani nationals, wherever they are, are a matter of priority for Pakistan. It is not the policy of Pakistan to target its own nationals abroad. Several high-profile political dissidents have been living in the United Kingdom for several decades. They have often indulged in vitriol and invective against Pakistan and some of them have maintained links with terrorist entities inside Pakistan. Pakistan has not engaged in any extra-territorial acts against these individuals. So, Mr. Shahzad Akbar's claims are simply preposterous. 

On the third question, the exchange between the German Ambassador and students is regrettable. Late Asma Jahangir was an icon of democracy and human rights in Pakistan. Throughout her life, she stood for the freedom of expression and opinion. It is understandable that some participants wanted to exercise their fundamental right to speech at an event honoring her memory. The ongoing genocide in Gaza has distressed people and heightened passions around the world, including in Pakistan. We hope this weekend's incident will be a time for reflection and would trigger a constructive dialogue on selectivity and double standards on human rights issues.

(Mateen Haider, G News): So, after Indian Intelligence Network, which was earlier busted in United States, Canada and in United Kingdom, now that spies network has been detected in Australia. Australian intelligence and Australian Government, they have expelled their spies, detected that network, which was meant to steal information, secret strategic information and also to spy on expatriates. What are your comments? This India's, this intercontinental or you may say transnational spies and terror network is gradually reaching out to several countries and being detected which is a threat to the global security your thoughts?

(Jaleel Akhtar, VOA): This is regarding the Washington Post story, citing unnamed sources, has named the RAW officers in connection with the alleged plot to kill a pro-Khalistan leader in the soil of the United States. What are your comments on that please?

Spokesperson: Okay, so, without going into details of these particular cases, we would like to remind what Pakistan has said in the past that India’s network of espionage, subversion and extraterritorial and extrajudicial killings, which has been very active in South Asia, over the last several decades, has expanded to several continents and is now an issue of concern for the international community. Pakistan has presented concrete evidence of involvement of Indian agents in terror attacks inside Pakistan and extraterritorial and extrajudicial killings of Pakistani nationals on Pakistani territory. These acts are illegal. These are a violation of international law, of the UN Charter and the basic precepts of justice and due process. We therefore urge the international community to hold India to account for its illegal acts and for the actions that it is taking in foreign countries in violation of international law.

(Jaleel Akhtar, VOA): Pakistan, China and Iran are set to hold the trilateral meeting on counterterrorism. The last meeting was held in China in June last year. This meeting is happening at that time when Pakistan is also facing some terrorism challenges. The other part of my question is that Pakistan and Iran are set to agree to a security pact and the border management, to deal with the border management issues. Could you share the details of that security pact? And when that is going to happen? Also about the trilateral meeting, when that is due and what will be its venue and a bit detail about its agenda?

Spokesperson: On your first question, Pakistan, Iran, and China trilateral dialogue is an important mechanism. At this point, there are no dates for it to be held. When we have an announcement, we will share with the media. I would however, like to underline that Pakistan and Iran have important channels of communication. These are bilateral channels of communication to discuss counterterrorism and security matters. These channels of communication have been further strengthened in recent months in order to ensure that the border between Pakistan and Iran is peaceful, free of terror activities, and is a border of peace, prosperity and friendship. And we will continue to engage with Iran in further strengthening cooperation in this domain and any further details and agreements, if and when finalized, will be announced by the relevant departments.

(Kausar Lodhi, Waqt Magazine): Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with Energy Minister of Saudi Arabia Shahzada Abdulaziz at the World Economic Forum recently. Can you tell us about any progress, outcomes and developments of this meeting? 

Spokesperson:    Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have a robust dialogue in the energy domain. This dialogue has continued over the last several decades and has gained even more momentum in recent months. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are engaged in consultations with each other in terms of increased Saudi investments in Pakistan, including in the energy domain.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Second round of questions. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the political rally in Karnataka has said that he had particularly informed Pakistan before the Balakot strikes and after the Balakot strikes of 2019 February, and I quote, “I had asked the forces to call the media and inform them but I said before that I will inform Pakistan through telephone about the airstrikes at night and the destruction caused but Pakistan people did not come on the phone. So, I asked the forces to wait and after informing them we later disclosed to the world about air strikes that happened during the night.” Your take on the matter?

Spokesperson:    First of all, since the incident, that you are referring to in February 2019, there has been a rewriting of history from the Indian side. They have made statements which are not based on facts, and which are many times geared towards political mileage inside India. So, I would not like to comment on this particular statement by the Indian Prime Minister. However, I would like to highlight that as Pakistan demonstrated in 2019, the people of Pakistan and its armed forces are ready to defend the country against all intrusions from any quarters.

(Allah Noor Wazir, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, some Pakistanis overseas and other foreign nationals troll Army and the Army Chief on social media. Has Pakistan contacted those countries or is there any chance of taking action against them?

(Naveed Siddiqui, Dateline Islamabad):    In a recent past, action was taken against Adil Raja a retired Pakistan Army Major and still they speak against Pakistani government, Army and Security forces and carry out propaganda. What is being done to stop this? Have we contacted foreign governments to take action against such people?

Spokesperson:    We condemn such trolling and baseless media and social media campaigns against Pakistani officials and Pakistani institutions. 

(Zeeshan Yousaf Zai, Dunya TV):    Ma’am, recently a US delegation visited so, have there been any talks on energy sector? Especially on Iran Pakistan Gas pipeline, on which the Americans have also given some statements. Before leaving for Saudi Arabia, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that we don’t care for anyone, we will do anything that is in our national interest. So, are there any talks held with them?

Spokesperson:    As I said in our opening remarks, the discussions between the Pakistani and the American delegations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were wide ranging and various aspects of bilateral cooperation were discussed and this included a sustained engagement between the two countries through various dialogue processes in the areas of trade, investment, energy, health, education, agriculture and climate change. Pakistan will continue to engage with the United States to enhance bilateral cooperation and understanding. I will not go into details of the conversations that have taken place between the two sides. However, I would like to reiterate what we have said in the past, actually in my last briefing, that as far as Pakistan is concerned, Pakistan does not believe in zero sum relationships. Pakistan has good relations with the United States and it has good relations with Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan will continue to pursue both relationships in pursuance of its national interest.

 (Sardar Aamir, Daily Maddar): There is news that Pakistan is going to give two airbases to US. Comments?

Spokesperson:    This speculation is completely unfounded and we reject it. There is absolutely no basis of these social media speculations.

(Anwar Abbas, Aik News): I need a clarification regarding previous question because I couldn’t hear properly. Have you said that the speculations about providing bases against Iran are baseless?

Spokesperson: Pakistan has no plans to offer bases to a foreign government or military directed against anyone.

(Ali Hussain, Business Recorder): America is a self-proclaimed champion of human rights. Sometimes it lectures us regarding elections and political agitation. What is Pakistan’s take regarding the ongoing crackdown on the pro-Palestinian protestors the various universities in the US?

Spokesperson: Okay. As a matter of principle, we do not comment on the domestic affairs of other countries and we expect them to also abide by the same principle of non-intervention and desist from comments on our internal affairs. The war on Gaza has been going on for eight months and during this period over 34,000 people have been killed, of which two-third are women and children. The international community has failed to protect the people of Gaza from massacre and bloodshed and people of conscience around the world are concerned about the situation and are making their voices heard. Pakistan is likewise concerned about the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

(Shahzad Hassan Mirza, Royal News): Prime Minister met Malaysian Prime Minister during his visit to WEF and has invited Malaysian Prime Minister and their delegation regarding trade and business to Pakistan. Can you share something about the schedule of visit? And secondly, Prime Minister also asked the trade and business group of Saudi Arabia to visit Pakistan so, have you got their schedule as well?

Spokesperson: First, Pakistan and Malaysia have very close historic relations and we have emphasized enhanced high level engagement between the two countries, especially at the leadership level. And during the meeting between the leaders of the two countries, this principle was again reiterated by the two sides. We are looking forward to the visit of the Malaysian Prime Minister to Pakistan at an early date. With respect to the visit of Saudi investors, the investors have been coming to Pakistan in recent months and engage with SIFC in terms of exploring opportunities for Saudi investments in Pakistan. This is an ongoing process and we expect similar high level business delegations to undertake visits to Pakistan in coming days and weeks as well.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Again, the question that opposition leader and National Assembly Ayub Khan has claimed that they have some information that Pakistan is providing bases to United States inside Pakistan. So, what are the basis of these reports? 

Spokesperson: This question may be posed to the Leader of Opposition, because I have given you the reality and the facts in response to an earlier question today.

 (Kamran Raja, Huashang Media): My question is regarding China. Pakistan’s high-profile delegation including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is going to visit China. The 14th of May is the expected date. So, how many people will go in that delegation? Any details regarding this visit?

Spokesperson: 14th of May? I have no such announcements to make from this podium today and when a date is finalized for any high-level visit, we will of course share with the media.

I thank you!

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