Assalam-o-Alaikum,
Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
I begin my opening remarks with the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region.

As you know, earlier this week, the Houthi militia threatened a "maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia's commercial shipping in the Red Sea". There have been reports of attacks against Saudi ships overnight.

Pakistan unequivocally condemns the continued threats by the Houthis against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, which we have stated endanger regional security, freedom of navigation, and global trade.

Pakistan reaffirms that any hostile act against Pakistani-flagged vessels or Pakistan's maritime interests will be regarded as a grave threat to our national security. We reserve the right to take all necessary measures in self-defence, consistent with international law.

Pakistan remains deeply concerned by attempts to draw the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into the Middle East conflict and reiterates its unwavering support for the Kingdom's security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
We issued a detailed press release yesterday on this subject, which you all covered.

Last week, when Saudi Arabia was attacked by armed groups in Yemen, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made a strong statement. The Prime Minister warned that such attacks have "the potential to further undermine regional peace and stability".

Given that the escalation has continued, the words of our Prime Minister resonate even more profoundly. Amid growing hostilities and armed attacks, Pakistan reiterates its call on all parties to exercise restraint.

Pakistan is continuing its diplomatic outreach in support of dialogue and diplomacy. In this vein, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Pakistan this week. During the visit, he met our Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and other senior officials as well as he held important meeting with Chief of Defense Forces / Chief of Army Staff.

The visit reflects the two neighbours' close coordination on regional developments and Pakistan's continued diplomatic engagement with Iran. Pakistan has repeatedly called for restraint by all sides and has stated that dialogue remains the only viable solution to prevent a wider regional conflict.

In similar vein for advocacy of dialogue, on 18 July, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Al-Sabah on regional developments, emphasizing de-escalation, respect for sovereignty, and implementation of the Islamabad MoU. Both sides agreed to remain in close contact.

Yesterday in Manila, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, this was on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum.

The two leaders reviewed developments in the Middle East and underscored the importance of de-escalation and dialogue while emphasizing respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States. They also discussed the broader implications of regional instability, particularly for global maritime trade, energy security, and the world economy.

In Manila, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar also held an important meeting with Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman.

The two leaders exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments. The Omani Foreign Minister appreciated Pakistan's constructive role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and regional peace and security. Both sides expressed concern over the recent developments in the region, stressed the importance of upholding the ceasefire, respecting international law, and working towards lasting peace and stability.

The outreach of the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister will continue in Bishkek, where he will be arriving today to lead the Pakistan delegation to the meeting of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), to be held in Cholpon-Ata, the Kyrgyz Republic, on 23–24 July 2026. During his visit, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister will also call on the President of the Kyrgyz Republic and hold a number of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from SCO member States on the sidelines of the CFM meeting.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar reached Manila yesterday to lead Pakistan's delegation at the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting. Pakistan, an ARF member since 2004, remains committed to promoting regional peace, stability, and cooperation through dialogue.

On the sidelines, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister is holding bilateral meetings with his Philippine counterpart and other participating dignitaries.

Yesterday, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister met Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation. The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan–Russia bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity, and other key areas, as well as enhancing coordination in multilateral forums.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister also met Mr Khalilur Rahman, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and President-elect of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, in Manila yesterday.

Later, he visited the Headquarters of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, where he met the Director General of the Central and West Asia Department, Ms Leah Gutierrez. They discussed the Bank's development agenda and its partnership with Pakistan, and he appreciated the valuable contributions of Pakistani professionals serving at the ADB.
 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar was in Shanghai, China, earlier this week on 16–17 July to attend the signing ceremony establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). The initiative aims to strengthen international cooperation on artificial intelligence governance, research, and capacity-building. As a founding member of WAICO, Pakistan looks forward to enhanced international cooperation on artificial intelligence, particularly South-South cooperation, to harness the technology for sustainable economic development.

While in Shanghai, he also held bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during which they discussed the implementation of CPEC, regional connectivity, SCO cooperation, trade, and the Pakistan–China strategic partnership. They also reaffirmed the Pakistan–China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, paid an official visit to Pakistan on 20 July 2026. This was the first visit by the Canadian Foreign Minister to Pakistan in nearly 20 years. She met the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad where delegation level talks were held, she also met with the Prime Minister at the Prime Minister’s office.  Both sides discussed bilateral relations, trade and investment, regional and global developments, climate cooperation, and people-to-people ties.

Pakistan and Canada signed the Protocol on Phytosanitary Import Requirements for Genetically Modified Canola Intended for Food, Feed and Processing (FPP), facilitating agricultural trade between the two countries. They also agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, security, and development, reaffirming their commitment to institutionalizing bilateral engagement. 

With these remarks, I conclude my opening statement and would be pleased to take your questions.
 
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(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): Many questions, but I’ll ask just one this time. The European Union has published its 5th GSP report. Generally, it’s positive for Pakistan, but it also identifies several areas where the European Union expects further reforms from Pakistan. So, your comment on it.

Spokesperson: The European Commission has published its biannual GSP monitoring review report for 2023–25. This is a biannual cycle. The overall report covers 60 beneficiary countries. As part of this overall report, the Commission has published individual country assessment reports as well, including one on Pakistan that you mentioned. The assessment is the final monitoring report under the current GSP Plus framework on Pakistan’s compliance with the 27 international conventions, so it’s the final report, the last in this series. 

We appreciate the assessment report’s acknowledgement of Pakistan’s legislative progress during the reporting period and the country’s continued compliance with the 27 international conventions. Nevertheless, I would be remiss if I did not express disappointment with the assessment, as the report’s overall narrative does not present a sufficiently balanced picture of Pakistan’s performance. It understates the breadth of reforms undertaken since Pakistan joined GSP Plus in 2014 and places disproportionate emphasis on the lower-than-desirable level of progress in certain areas. GSP Plus remains central to Pakistan’s economic relationship with the European Union, supporting exports, employment, women’s economic participation, poverty reduction, and broader economic development. It is a mutually beneficial arrangement in that respect. 

Beyond GSP, Pakistan’s EU cooperation extends to development, migration, counter-terrorism, regional stability, climate resilience, connectivity, and many other areas. We will remain constructively engaged with the European Commission and other EU institutions and remain committed to the effective implementation of the international conventions underpinning the GSP framework.

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Mallick, Asia One News): The Amnesty International yesterday published a report on the strikes by Pakistan in Kabul and the alleged strike, as they said, on a hospital of sorts. Without much new evidence, what is Pakistan’s response on the matter?

Spokesperson: Yes, this report was published. We have seen it. We completely reject the allegations made by Amnesty International. It is unfortunate that such serious allegations have been presented without any credible evidence. 

The Taliban regime continues to maintain a permissive environment for a range of terrorist organizations, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and other affiliates. The freedom to undertake terrorist activities allowed to these listed organizations, their access to bases and sanctuaries on Afghan soil, as well as their ability to recruit, finance, and execute cross-border attacks, constitute a serious threat to regional peace and security. Thousands of innocent Pakistani citizens have been martyred and injured because of terrorist attacks against Pakistan, which have been planned, financed, supported, and carried out from Afghan soil, all under the watch, patronage, and active facilitation by the Taliban regime. 

No responsible state can remain passive when its civilians and security forces are repeatedly targeted. Any military strikes by Pakistan were undertaken in the exercise of its right to self-defense under the principles of necessity and as a measure of last resort, and were directed only and exclusively—and let me repeat, directed only and exclusively—against terrorists and their logistical support bases in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s response was proportionate to the level of threat, while strictly adhering to the principles of distinction, precaution, and proportionality. The scale and scope of this action reflected restraint, particularly in light of the severity and frequency of terrorist attacks faced by Pakistan. Pakistan rejects any insinuation in this regard. 

Pakistan calls upon Amnesty International and the international community at large to direct rigorous scrutiny towards the Taliban regime’s continued patronage of terrorist groups, the root cause that this Amnesty International report has conspicuously failed to address. We also urge the international community to hold the Afghan Taliban regime accountable for its failure to uphold its obligations under the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, its own commitments under the Doha Agreement, and other related commitments to prevent Afghan soil from being used as a launchpad for terrorism. Pakistan reserves the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety and security of its people.

(Mateen Haider, GTV): Since you spoke about the Iranian Interior Minister’s visit and meeting with the leadership, it has been more than a week, almost 10 days, since mediators, including Pakistan and Qatar, gave a 10-day temporary ceasefire proposal between Iran and the United States of America. Since the Iranian Interior Minister, who is part of the Iranian negotiating team, met the top military and political leadership, what has been the response from Iran on this 10-day ceasefire offer? As we see, the military escalation and hostilities between Iran and the United States are at their peak, and you also issued a very strong statement against the Houthis. So, what are the prospects for peace and an immediate ceasefire?

Spokesperson: I will not comment on any specific offer or proposal that you refer – whether it is a 10-day or a 15-day ceasefire. These are communications that have a certain degree of confidentiality. So, I will neither confirm nor deny them. Fact is that Pakistan has been advocating for peace and the necessity of giving peace a chance through diplomacy and dialogue. We believe that the best template to revert to the peace process remains the Islamabad MoU and the Joint Statement between Pakistan and Qatar, which offers a roadmap for implementing this peace process. 

As regards your question about future prospects, we have not lost hope. We had not lost hope in the darkest days of this conflict cycle, when escalations mounted and there were armed attacks back and forth. Even then, we were not discouraged. We remain hopeful, however grim the situation may be on the ground. It is with the same degree of optimism that we will carry forward our advocacy for dialogue and diplomacy.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Excellency, my question is related to the statement issued by your office yesterday, in which Pakistan itself opted as one of the options to use force in the protection of its national interests and maritime assets. At the same time, how is this a thin line for Pakistan? On the one hand, you are the mediator, and on the other hand, you are threatening the use of force in the protection of your own assets. Whether Saudi Arabia will also join Pakistan if Pakistan takes this option of using force for the protection of its own vital national interests?

Spokesperson: I do not think that there is a thin line when it comes to defending our national security and our assets. This is not a thin line; this is a red line. This red line is strictly within the context of our own national security. This is what our statement yesterday referred to: that any attack against Pakistani-flagged vessels or against our commercial vessels will be treated as an attack against Pakistan and will be met with a swift response in the exercise of our right to self-defense. 

Secondly, as regards the dimension of Saudi Arabia that you raised, we remain committed to implementing all our bilateral agreements with Saudi Arabia, including all bilateral defence agreements and our agreements on mutual defence with Saudi Arabia. I think I responded to this question last week as well.

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Sir, it’s a follow-up question regarding the ongoing tension between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. Will Pakistan provide protection for Saudi ships? And will the Defence Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia become operational if the Houthis attack Saudi Arabia?

(Waseem Abbasi, Arab News): A follow-up to that question and also to your statement yesterday. You said that if Pakistani-flagged ships are attacked, it will be a red line for Pakistan. So, will there be any military deployment or naval deployment following up on your statement in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb to protect Pakistani vessels and to support Saudi Arabia in accordance with the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreements signed last year?

Spokesperson: I think both questions are quite related, and I can answer them in one brief sentence. These operational details regarding deployment, what constitutes an attack, and what will constitute our red line are matters of operational significance. 

The Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb are obviously heavily frequented by commercial vessels. A significant amount of global trade passes through this stretch of 27 kilometer – I believe that is its width. What constitutes a threat or an attack is to be determined technically by our forces. We will remain alert in this area.

All our bilateral agreements with Saudi Arabia, or for that matter with any country, once they have been concluded through due process, including ratification, remain in operation. So, there is no question of any staging with respect to these agreements. We will obviously uphold our commitments under our bilateral agreements as well as under international law. We expect the same from the international community and our partners at large. We remain vigilant regarding the situation on ground, but as I said, the determination of what constitutes a threat and what constitutes an active attack is a matter of operational detail. 

As regards the presence of Pakistani naval forces in the region in the Red Sea, this is again a matter of operational detail to which I am not privy. You can ask the Ministry of Defence or the other concerned quarters.

(Adeel Bashir, ROZE News): We have seen the latest protests by the Cockroach Janta Party in India. The Indian administration is dealing with them harshly. Do you think these are human rights violations?

Spokesperson: This is essentially an internal matter of India. We do not comment on such matters.

(Roohan Ahmad, BBC Urdu): My question is about Afghanistan. When will this IFRP process be completed? We have spoken to some Afghans, and they claim that they were deported from Pakistan even after receiving resettlement offers from other countries. Some of them are high-risk individuals who may face persecution in Afghanistan by the Taliban.

Spokesperson: The Government of Pakistan has been implementing the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP), and I understand that it has been in operation since 1st November 2023. So, it has been about three years now. The objective of the IFRP is to ensure that all foreign nationals residing illegally in Pakistan or holding questionable travel documents are repatriated. It is an ongoing process and may not have a definite timeline for completion. So, it remains open-ended in that sense.

Pakistan has facilitated the resettlement of Afghan nationals to third countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Australia, since 2021. With Pakistan’s assistance, over 89,000 Afghan nationals have been relocated to third countries. However, some countries could not complete their internal processes for the repatriation of all Afghan nationals, which they had committed to do. So, this is something that is lacking on the part of these third countries.

With the launch of the final phase of the IFRP in September 2025, all foreign nationals without valid visas and passports are liable to deportation. We cannot wait indefinitely for these third countries to complete their processes and take back the Afghan nationals.

On your allegation that they may face persecution, these allegations are, in a way, baseless. We remain mindful of the vulnerabilities of women, children, and other such groups. Over 16,000 individuals have been identified for temporary exemption from repatriation on humanitarian grounds through groundwork and due diligence. This figure of 16,000 is a significant number, and I hope you realize that.

Furthermore, the Government of Pakistan undertakes the necessary measures to prevent any instance of harassment or maltreatment of Afghan nationals in Pakistan. If such incidents have taken place, they are sporadic and are dealt with fully in accordance with the law, with the perpetrators duly reprimanded or even investigated. An appropriate mechanism has also been instituted. A 24/7 complaint cell is in operation to address any complaints from returning Afghan nationals.

(Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): Sir, 3,000 Kashmiri youth have been arrested during the past few days after a policeman was killed in an incident. In this respect, 1,500 people were arrested from Shopian district, 700 from Srinagar, and, in total, 3,000 people have been arrested in just a few days. Just to cover up the mobs in Delhi, the Kashmiri people are being suppressed. As we have a commitment of moral and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir, are we raising our voice for them?

Spokesperson: We have been raising our voice and sharing our concerns over the maltreatment and human rights violations committed by the Indian administration and the Indian occupation forces in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K). The fresh wave of arbitrary arrests is not new. In fact, this has been going on, in general, for the past seven or eight decades – more so since August 2019, when India illegally annexed Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Since then, these arbitrary arrests and detentions have increased. Some individuals have languished in jail without due process for months and even years. We will continue to raise our concerns on these issues. The international community, United Nations human rights machinery, and civil society organizations are being briefed constantly on this issue. So, this issue remains our focus in the broader context of our support for the human rights of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. 

Given that this human rights dimension is linked to the overall peace and security dimension of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, as well as its legal status, India, as an occupying power, is duty-bound under international law, particularly international humanitarian law, to uphold the human rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

(Imran Waseem, Aik News): Sir, there are reports that Pakistan has demanded USD 10 billion in the form of a support fund. Is this demand linked to our efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States? Secondly, what is the response of the United States to this demand?

Spokesperson: I will refer you to the Ministry of Finance on this question.

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, AAM News/The Daily Mail International): Sir, a Gaza Peace Board was formed, under which Pakistan has an essential role in the peace process. As we are witnessing, the violations are ongoing and innocent Palestinians are being martyred. Is Pakistan taking any particular action on this?

Spokesperson: We remain cognizant and seized of Palestine issue. We are closely watching developments in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We have been issuing statements in our national capacity. More importantly, in the context of the Board of Peace as well, the Foreign Ministers of Eight Islamic and Arab countries have remained in close contact on this issue, raising their collective voices. We will continue to do so at all relevant platforms, including the Board of Peace, the United Nations, other international human rights platforms and political forums. So, the issue of Palestine remains a focus of our attention, and it will continue with our focus. 

We urge upholding of all the rights of the Palestinian people, including their inalienable right to self-determination and their right to statehood, as guaranteed under international law and by the international community, and reflected in a number of peace plans, for example, the Oslo Peace Process, the Arab Peace Plan and so on and so forth. We will continue to uphold the rights of the Palestinian people in our national capacity and as part of the broader multilateral framework.

(Tahir Khan, NNI):    Sir, my question is regarding civilian casualties, is it still there? And you have just rejected Amnesty International’s report but the same report has been supported by the UNAMA, office in Kabul. Is there Pakistan’s own verification system identify who says what? Secondly, as questioned by BBC correspondent regarding vulnerability, a list of some dialect people has been maintained and has might not been processed, I’m not going to ask you about that because that is between Saffron, Interior Ministry, and the Commissioner office. However, I want to as you on humanitarian issue that many Afghan doctors who are admitted here in different categories which includes refugees, those holding the POR cards, and some are on the quota of UNSCR and some are on the quota of Pakistan. Some are deported especially from Punjab, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, and Multan. Two girls of Islamic University were caught from the Sunday Bazaar and were deported. My question is that as the extension is halted for previous 13 months, the students, doctors, and those with the legal documents,…. If we deport the female students, in light of the ban of education for females above class 6 in Afghanistan, do we have any solution for this? 

Spokesperson:    First of on the so-called civilian casualties, I think I have expressed my statement. It was quite in detail, and I would not want to add anything further. 

On your second question about deportation: I have stated, that Pakistan remains mindful of the vulnerabilities of women, children, and the elderly. We also remain mindful not to deport anybody without substantial legal basis. However, if an Afghan national, be it a student, be it enrolled in an education institution or doing business, if he is found without valid travel documents and is deported, this is a general practice that we will continue. This practice, in accordance with the international law and with the normal behavior of states. Citizens residing illegally in a third country are subject to deportation as a routine. I do not know why this issue is given media spotlight as if Afghan nationals have a right to live in Pakistan. No, they don't have the right to live in Pakistan, just like a Pakistani national has not the right to live in Afghanistan indefinitely, without valid documents.

Secondly, you refer to a case of certain student, a lady student. I stated earlier that there may have been sporadic cases here and there, but this is not a routine. It is not a trend. If there is sporadic or a single isolated incident of this nature, they could be brought to the attention of the authorities, and remedial action will be taken. 
Finally, one important thing I would urge all of you to remain mindful is the fact that there have been Afghan nationals recently who have committed terrorist acts in Pakistan. We are not talking of Pakistani nationals or third country nationals operating under various terrorist banners. These are Afghan nationals committing terrorism (in Pakistan). In any other country, if a series of such terrorist incidents was to take place by a single country national, that single country would have been subjected to hate attacks, maligning and stereotyping to no end. We have seen this practice. Yet we say, without anger hate, that normal peaceful Afghan citizens are our brothers and sisters. They have the right to live in Pakistan with legal documents. They have lived here for many decades. 

We will not let the hate permeate our society against Afghan nationals, despite the fact that many of them have committed terrorist acts against Pakistan. This is a virtue of our society, which needs to be appreciated and projected by our media. Despite these terrorist attacks in Pakistan by Afghan citizens, there is no stereotyping or xenophobic hate against Afghan people, and I think this is a value, or tradition that certainly we in Pakistan are proud of and we cherish and nurture. This shows that we Pakistanis have a large heart, Pakistanis have a large heart, I think this must be projected by you.

(Syed Asif Ali, Din News):    In previous month Pakistan and America had an agreement of 68 Crore, 60 lakh dollars for upgradation of Pakistani F-16 fighter jets in which there are 65 block 15, and 15 block 52 jets are included. Has any time-frame been set for this upgradation because we have seen in the past that Pakistani F-16 fighter jets have a great influence on Indian nerves and they always try to abandon such deals. 

Spokesperson:    As regards the details of this deal, its timeline you can check from the Ministry of Defense. This is part of Pakistan's multi-sectoral cooperation with the US. Certainly defence cooperation is prominent amongst those sectors. As regards its dispensation, timeline, and implementation, I refer you to the Ministry of Defence.

(Syeda Qurat ul Ain, Independent Urdu):    I have a couple of questions. I don't know which of these have been asked already. First is the response to the Houthis attack on Saudi vessel at the Red Sea today, I want your comment. Has Pakistan discussed with Iran and US for the 10 days ceasefire? Has the Iranian Interior Minister carried a message from the Supreme Leader of the president, and what was in that? 
Spokesperson:    The first two of your questions are fully addressed. Third question is partially addressed. So, I am liable to answer only half of your three questions. 

We do not want media to be privy are important diplomatic exchanges. So I am not going to give you the details of how the messages between the two governments (Pakistan & Iran) are transpired. This was an important visit by Iranian Interior Minister. He held important meetings with our leadership. The visit had a strong bilateral component in terms of our relations, and cooperation between the two Interior Ministers on issues within their respective jurisdictions. So these was an important bilateral component. But yes, peace and dialogue in the Middle East was also discussed. Issues of regional peace and security also came up under discussion.

(Mateen Haider, GTV):    Two questions. One back to Washington, where U.S. administration has imposed additional trade tariffs on 60 countries, including Pakistan, for violating labor laws. Although at a time, Pakistani finance minister is taking up this issue with the U.S. administration that additional tariffs may be waived, but assurances you will make that Pakistan will ensure that labor laws are properly implemented and there is no child labor in Pakistan. If we take the fresh trade tariffs to attach to the previous one, it makes nearly 29 to 30 percent tariffs on Pakistani products reaching to American market. That will make it very difficult for Pakistani exporters to earn something. Second thing, Indian media in last 24 hours is exploiting distorting and misleading facts about Kargil War. So, what official position is of Pakistan on Kargil War of 1999? At a time, the then Foreign Minister, Mr. Sartaj Aziz, is also visited India and met the then Indian Prime Minister as well, with whom you have worked, Mr. Sartaj Aziz. What is precise? What is Pakistan's official position on Kargil war?

Spokesperson:    First, on Pakistan-US Agreement on Trade, a good answer would be that I refer you to Ministry of Commerce. A bad answer would be that I answer in detail. Let me exercise the second option.

Well, these the discussions are ongoing, so there is no finality about it. The Reciprocal Agreement on Trade has not been finalized. As such issues are on the table.  Child labor issue is one of these issues, and on that we have our commitment under International Labor Organization (ILO) as well as under our own laws. So, this position is being explained to the US. All of this is being discussed with them within the rubric of this discussion on trade and tariff.

I think you should not ascribe a figure as to 29-30% or x-digit tariff. Let us wait for the final outcome. And this I remind is a bad answer. The good answer is that please do refer to Ministry of Commerce.

On Kargil, this is a part of history. I am not aware of any new statements on this issue. You mentioned Sartaj Aziz Sahab. May Allah bless him – a great individual, civil servant and politician whom I had a privilege to work with for a long time. He has mentioned it in his book. I would respectfully refer all of you to read this book, excellent memoirs of Sartaj Sahab.

(Roohan Ahmad, BBC Urdu):    There have been so many questions about Houthis, but I'll come back to it. Since the Houthis are an ally of Iran, has Pakistan shared its concerns with Iranian leadership?

Spokesperson:    Obviously, you know when we have discussions on regional developments, all regional issues are discussed. So, I will not be surprised if these discussions took place. The manner or substance of these discussions is obviously subject to a confidentiality between the two states.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News):    Well, I'm afraid that you will refer me to some other ministry, but let me ask this question: that there was some news about Pakistan and Qatar, some defense pact. So, I wish your comment on it.

Spokesperson:    Please check from Ministry of Defence.

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Mallick, Asia One News):    On 17 July this year, we marked seven years of the ICJ verdict on Kulbhushan Yadav, the Indian naval commander who continues to be in Pakistan’s custody. On 2nd of September this year, we remarked seven years to the unprecedented second time consular access that Pakistan gave to commander Yadav to India to be able to see and converse with Commander Yadav. I wish to know if there is any update on the case because a third consular access was also offered by Pakistan. A meeting with his father and children were also offered by Pakistan. A new law was introduced. An act was introduced as well for India to be able to do a lawyer. Is there any update on the matter?

Spokesperson:    Kulbhushan Yadav is a living emblem of India's constant support, sponsorship, and engineering of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. He is a living emblem. This wider trend of Indian sponsored terror in Pakistan, we have been highlighting, and which we will continue to highlight with solid proofs. There have been terrorist incidents with incontrovertible evidence of Indian support. So, Kulbhushan Yadav is a living example of that. I am not aware of any fresh consular access demanded or given. I can check the details.