Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Thank you for joining us for the Weekly Briefing.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar is currently in Samoa, leading the Pakistan delegation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

This morning, the Deputy Prime Minister participated in the Commonwealth Intergenerational Youth Dialogue. In his speech on the occasion, he emphasized the transformative role of youth in shaping future policies and a resilient and inclusive Commonwealth. He outlined the steps taken by Pakistan for youth empowerment including the establishment of a platform for young parliamentarians; and its contributions in establishment of the Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA), which provides a platform for youth leadership in education, employment, and sustainability.

The Deputy Prime Minister also delivered a keynote address at the Commonwealth Business Forum. He underscored the important role of the Forum as a platform for collaboration in trade and investment. He called for increased investment in digital infrastructure and transformative technologies to accelerate economic modernization and enhanced productivity across the Commonwealth.

The Deputy Prime Minister has also attended the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting ahead of the Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for tomorrow. In the Ministerial Meeting, he emphasized Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the core principles of the Commonwealth, particularly in fostering resilient societies and advancing inclusive and equitable development. He highlighted the alignment of the Commonwealth’s progressive priorities—gender equality and intergenerational dialogue—with Pakistan's dedication to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Deputy Prime Minister underscored the importance of collaboration among the Commonwealth nations in building societies that can withstand and adapt to global challenges. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to climate adaptation and disaster resilience and outlined its efforts to enhance disaster response coordination and implementing nationwide environmental preservation projects. He also expressed Pakistan’s full support to the Commonwealth in working with Member States to develop robust solutions to common challenges.

In Samoa, the Deputy Prime Minister has held meetings with Prime Minister of Samoa Ms. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa; Foreign Minister of Singapore Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan; Foreign Minister of Rwanda Mr. Olivier J. P. Nduhungirehe; Deputy Foreign Minister of South Africa, Ms. Anna Thandi Moraka; Foreign Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis; the Trade Minister of Togo; and Secretary General of the Commonwealth Patricia Scotland.

As the Gaza genocide continues unabated the Israeli occupation forces continue to act with impunity in occupied Palestine and Lebanon.  

We unequivocally condemn the brutal and indiscriminate Israeli airstrikes on Beit Lahiya, which resulted in the tragic loss of over 80 Palestinian lives, including women and children. Its siege of northern Gaza and the ensuing humanitarian situation is a blot on human conscience.  

Targeting densely populated residential areas without warning and collective punishment of civilians by depriving them of food, water and essential medicines constitute war crimes.

As Israel continues its aggression against the civilian population in Lebanon, the UN peacekeepers have become the latest victim of Israeli aggression. Pakistan strongly condemns the deliberate and unlawful attacks by Israeli forces on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers.

The Peacekeepers must be able to fulfill their mission without fear of attack or obstruction. We appreciate that despite the attacks, the UNIFIL has remained operational. Pakistan calls upon the international community to press Israel to cease all aggressive actions against UNIFIL immediately and forthwith cease its attacks against the people of Palestine and Lebanon.

Israel should also be held accountable for its war crimes and crimes against humanity and the people of Palestine should be protected from the Israeli aggression.

The 27 October 2024 will be marked as ‘Black Day’ in Pakistan and around the world, on the occasion of the 77^th anniversary of the Indian troops’ landing in Srinagar. The Kashmiri people have never accepted Indian occupation of their land and persistent denial of their right to self-determination. Their aspirations for their rights and liberty remain alive despite decades of occupation and suppression.

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.

I thank you all!

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(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): I draw your attention to, once again, some letters written by US Congressmen regarding founder of PTI, Mr. Imran Khan, how you respond this time, as it was done last time, and we got your response. Secondly, something which is purely constitutional in Pakistan. A UN official from Geneva has also spoke about it. How does Pakistan view these two developments which are purely internal in terms of Pakistan's politics?

Spokesperson: Let's respond to your second question first. We have seen the statement by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. We believe it is based on misinformation and inaccurate understanding of the developments in Pakistan. It has made unwarranted and misplaced conclusions. These communications are based on media reports, social media posts and speculative analysis of manifestly political nature. We therefore reject baseless insinuations and advise the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to focus on actual and grave situation of human rights violations where either the international human rights law has been rendered ineffective or draconian laws have been enacted to oppress the illegally occupied peoples.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): My second question is about yet another effort of US Congressmen to write a letter in favour of founding chairman of PTI. This exercise was done earlier. This time again, around 60 congressmen have written a letter. What's the response from the Government of Pakistan on purely an internal matter of Pakistan?

Spokesperson: Pakistan values its bilateral relations with the United States. We believe in constructive dialogue and engagement to address any concern. However, comments on Pakistan's domestic affairs are contrary to inter-state conduct and diplomatic norms. We believe such letters and statements are counter-productive and not in line with positive dynamics of Pakistan - US bilateral relations. These letters are also based on incorrect understanding of the political situation in Pakistan. We hope that the US Congress will play a supportive role in strengthening Pakistan - US ties and focus on avenues of mutual collaboration that benefit both our peoples and countries.

(Naveed Siddiqui, Dateline Islamabad): Pakistan and Russia are getting closer day by day, which is evident from the recent high-level visits from Russia. There are reports that high-level visitors are expected in next month, like Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is coming to Pakistan.        

Spokesperson: I cannot confirm any visit at this stage. As you know, we make announcements at the appropriate time of any incoming or outgoing visits. However, Pakistan and the Russian Federation have a robust dialogue, and the communications between Pakistan and the Russian Federation at senior levels continue. You may have seen that there was substantive discussion between the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Russian Prime Minister when he visited Pakistan for the SCO Meeting. Our conversations with the Russian officials at all levels will continue.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): With regards to the BRICS summit in Kazan. From this podium, you had confirmed that Pakistan had applied for the BRICS membership. What is the status of the Pakistani membership? And with regards to the recent participation, as I understand, there is no one representing Pakistan at the BRICS right now. Can you confirm?

Spokesperson: Yes, Pakistan was not invited to the BRICS meeting held recently. Pakistan is not a member of BRICS. Pakistan, as a developing country and an ardent supporter of inclusive multilateralism, believes that it can make important contributions in this grouping. That is why Pakistan applied for membership of BRICS. We believe by joining BRICS Pakistan can play an important role in furthering international cooperation and revitalization of inclusive multilateralism. We therefore hope that BRICS will move forward on Pakistan's request in line with its commitment to inclusive multilateralism.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Since you just mentioned the SCO, there was a visual that came out. There's been a lot of speculation with regards to a possible pull aside, or hallway diplomacy, or a meeting between the Indian External Affairs Minister and the Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister. What was the nature of the interaction between the Indian External Affairs Minister and the Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, because the Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson has said that nothing of the sort that has been reported happened.

Spokesperson: It is customary for delegations in multilateral settings to exchange pleasantries and hold informal conversations over lunch and dinner, especially between the host and the guests who are participating. There has been no formal meeting between Pakistan and India at the foreign ministers level, including at the SCO.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): America has blacklisted more than two dozen companies due to their alleged involvement in weapons programmes. Names of Iran, Pakistan and some other countries have been taken and it has been said that these companies are responsible for proliferation. Religious extremism and sectarianism in Pakistan has also been mentioned. Need your comments please.      

Spokesperson: Pakistan considers the latest action by the US authorities as biased and politically motivated. Similar listings of commercial entities in the past were based on mere suspicion. It involved items not listed under any export control regime, and yet were considered sensitive under broad, catch-all provisions. It is widely known that some countries, while claiming strict adherence to Non- Proliferation norms, have conveniently waived licensing requirements for advanced military technologies to their favorite nations. Such double standards and discriminatory practices undermine the credibility of the global Non-Proliferation regimes, increase military asymmetries and endanger international peace and security.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News) There has been an understanding between China and India on the line of actual control LAC, wherein they have agreed to negotiate and settle their differences. How Pakistan perceives such an effort for peace in the region, and especially any implication on LOC, as this is also a dispute between India and Pakistan? I'm talking of the Kashmir dispute.

Spokesperson: We are following these developments as they progress. We have always called for peace and dialogue in the region, and expect that all countries to work towards settlement of bilateral disputes in conformity with international law.

(Czechangez Khan Jadoon,Daily Payam-e-Khyber): Former federal minister and a former MNA Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani has written a column in the Jang Newspaper in which he expressed lack of confidence in Foreign Office. Your comments?       

Spokesperson: Pakistan is an open society and the people of Pakistan have the right to critique the functioning of the government departments. So, we do not make comments on their personal views.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): On the 13th of October, the Prime Minister wrote a letter to President of the United States that has now been the part of the court documents with regards to seeking clemency for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. What is the status with regards to talks on Aafia Siddiqui? Has the matter been also taken up through diplomatic channels not just at the high-level delegation? Has there been a response from the US side?

Spokesperson: Yes, I can confirm that the Prime Minister of Pakistan has written a letter to the US president requesting for favorable consideration of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s mercy petition on humanity grounds. Pakistan has remained in contact with the US State Department, the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Prisons to extend all possible support for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui for her welfare, and to explore all options with regards to her stay in the United States. Our Missions in Washington and Houston have also remained in continuous contact with the family of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui and her legal team.

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International):   Ma’am, we have seen that recently an MOU has been signed between India and Pakistan regarding Kartarpur Corridor. Are the pilgrims, who travel from Pakistan to India also a part of this MOU? Because from last two years, it has been observed that Pakistani people are either not issued visas or visas are issued at the very last minute.

Spokesperson: Pakistan has renewed the agreement with the Republic of India for the facilitation of pilgrims visiting the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur for an additional period of five years. This decision is in line with Pakistan's commitment to the rights of religious minorities and the long-cherished aspirations of the Sikh community for an access to one of the most revered religious sites of the Sikh religion. With regards to the exchange of religious pilgrims between Pakistan and India, there is a bilateral protocol of 1974 that remains operational, and pilgrims from Pakistan and India visit these religious sites, as per the understanding between the two countries.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma'am, is it correct to that Pakistan had agreed with Russia that it would be sending football team to Russia in the second week of October, but despite assurances, Pakistan didn't send the team.

Spokesperson: I am not aware of this particular situation. Perhaps the Pakistan Football Federation would be in a better position to share the information.

(Mateen Haider, GTV News): Pakistan, like other countries, is also observing United Nations Day. So, what are your comments on this international body, multilateral forum, which has failed to address some of the core issues in the world, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza Palestine and Lebanon. So, request Pakistan’s views on UN Foundation Day and its future and role in resolving conflicts.

Spokesperson: Pakistan is a strong proponent and supporter of the UN Charter and the multilateral system, with United Nations at its core. We believe that the Charter provides the foundation of inter-state relations, and it is important for all countries around the world to support the UN Charter, its purposes and principles and work together for upholding international law and for peace and development.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today):  After 10 years, local elections were held in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in which ruling party, BJP lost very badly. But now National Conference’s government has been formed there and during their pre election campaign, it was a part of their manifesto that they would restore the pre August 2019 status of IIOJK. How Pakistan see this situation?

Spokesperson: We have already expressed our views about the elections of the Legislative Assembly in IIOJK in our press briefing of 19 September 2024. Pakistan has never accepted the validity of the Indian Constitution in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and any electoral exercise in pursuance thereof. We do not acknowledge the applicability of any provision of the Indian constitution in IIOJK. We believe that the people of Jammu and Kashmir shall decide their own future on the basis of the UN Security Council resolutions that provide for a UN supervised plebiscite to determine the views and aspirations of the people of Kashmir.

(Mateen Haider, GTV News): It was already known to everyone that Pakistan was not invited to the BRICS meeting, and you already commented. How do you see Indian endorsement for Pakistan's membership of BRICS? There have been reports that India endorsed Pakistan's membership at the BRICS.

Spokesperson: We are not aware of any such statement, so we do not need to comment on social media speculation.

I thank you all

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