Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Thanks for joining us for the Weekly Briefing. 
 
The Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, visited Pakistan on 22-25 July 2024. 

Foreign Minister Meredov called on President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. He held extensive talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The two Foreign Ministers also co-chaired the Third Round of Pakistan-Turkmenistan Bilateral Political Consultations. 

The agenda of the talks included discussions on bilateral trade, investment, energy cooperation, connectivity, and people-to-people linkages. The two sides committed to enhance high-level dialogues and exchanges. They agreed to intensify efforts in political, economic, and defence cooperation; to foster parliamentary, cultural, and educational exchanges; and strengthen collaboration in multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Economic Cooperation Organization. Important connectivity projects including TAPI Pipeline and TAP Electricity Transmission Line were also discussed. The two sides also exchanged views on global and regional developments including the situation in Afghanistan and IIOJK.
 
The outgoing Secretary General of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Ambassador Khusrav Noziri, arrived in Islamabad yesterday at the invitation of Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi for an official visit to Pakistan from 24-26 July 2024.

The Secretary General will meet with the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, and the Minister of Commerce. In these meetings the Secretary General will discuss ECO’s initiatives and activities undertaken during his tenure as well as his reform agenda to revitalize the Organization.

Secretary General Noziri is on his farewell visit to Pakistan as he concludes his term next month. Starting next month, former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Dr. Asad Majeed Khan will assume the position of the Secretary General of ECO for a three year term. His appointment was approved by the Council of Ministers and notified in May 2024.
 
Pakistan is hosting a two-day Regional Conference on Export Control Programme for Dual-Use Goods in Central Asia on 24-25 July 2024. The Conference has been organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the European Union (EU). Senior officials and experts from Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, the US, the EU, the UN, and other international organizations are participating to discuss national approaches to strategic trade controls and promote international cooperation in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1540.

At the inaugural session yesterday, Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi emphasized Pakistan's commitment to non-proliferation and disarmament while advocating for developing countries' access to dual-use goods and technologies. The Regional Conference highlights Pakistan's robust cooperation with regional and global stakeholders in non-proliferation efforts and demonstrates Pakistan's commitment to the implementation of strategic trade controls in line with the objectives of UNSC Resolution - 1540.
 
Pakistan welcomes the ‘Declaration of Unity’ by the Palestinian political factions in Beijing. We recognize and commend China’s role in bringing the factions together for meaningful negotiations. 

Unity amongst the Palestinian people is of paramount significance in view of the ongoing war crimes against the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza, and the blatant disregard for international law by the Israeli occupation forces. 

Pakistan once again calls upon the international community to intervene immediately to bring an end to the ongoing illegal and incessant aggression in Gaza. We also reiterate support for the realization of the inalienable right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, their right of return to Palestine and the establishment of an independent state of Palestinewith Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
 
The Human Rights Committee in Geneva has recently concluded its consideration of the fourth periodic report of India on how it implements the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. During the proceedings, important questions were raised about arrests under draconian laws like Public Safety Act and Public Security Act, and frequent suspension of mobile internet service in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This demonstrates continuing concerns of the international human rights machinery about the dismal human rights situation in IIOJK. We call on the international community to take note of these human rights abuses by India in IIOJK and to bring an end to the suppression of the Kashmiri people. 

Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions.
 
Now a couple of announcements.

At the invitation of the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will visit Tehran on 30 July 2024, to attend the inauguration ceremony of the President-elect of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian.

The visit attests to the commitment by the two countries to strengthen leadership level engagement and bilateral cooperation. 
 
Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi will lead the Pakistan delegation at the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting, being held on 27 July 2024 in Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

At the ARF Ministerial Meeting, the Foreign Secretary will take part in discussions on political and security issues pertaining to the Asia-Pacific region to foster collective solutions through dialogue and collaboration. He will share Pakistan’s perspective on important regional and global issues. On the sidelines of the 31st ARF, the Foreign Secretary will hold bilateral meetings with the participating dignitaries.

Thank you!
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(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Regarding the incident at Pakistan Consulate in Germany, what steps have been taken by Pakistan regarding security of its consulates in other countries? Especially, will there be any change in the policy for Afghan refugees?

Spokesperson: Regarding the unfortunate attack on Pakistani Consulate in Frankfurt, Germany, Pakistan has expressed its concerns with the government of Germany. We are engaged in discussions with the German authorities to ensure the protection of Pakistani consular missions and Pakistani diplomats. You may have heard the Prime Minister yesterday; the security of Pakistani Missions abroad and of our diplomats is of paramount importance. We will continue to take measures to ensure the protection of our missions and work with the host governments to ensure that our missions are safe from any attacks. 

(Kiran Butt, Khorasan diary): Ma’am, on 29th June, Ambassador Masood Khan while addressing a sitting of policy-makers said that Pakistan has started Azm-e-Istehkam for which we will be needing small arms. And yesterday $101 million assistance was approved by US Congress and in the statement, it was said by Mr. Donald Lu that, “China is the past in terms of investment, and we are the future.” The impression was that we are balancing it out to reduce the influence of China in Pakistan. So, is this aid being given with a pre-condition that China’s influence will be reduced in Pakistan? And if we can get some more details like if this aid is being given for fighting against terrorism or to strengthen democracy or to boost Pakistan’s economy? 

Spokesperson: I think there are a number of questions in this one question, so maybe I can unpack your question and respond to these aspects separately. I would like to underline that we have noted the hearing that was held by the US Congress on 23rd of July and, as we have noted before, this is an internal debate between the US Congress and the administration. Pakistan values its close relationship with the United States and believes in constructive engagement. We would like to develop this relationship on the basis of sovereign equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each other's domestic affairs. We believe that deliberations of legislative bodies should contribute to promoting positive dynamics in bilateral ties and should be based on mutual respect and understanding. 

Your second question was regarding the budgetary allocation. On that too, we have noted the statement made by the US Assistant Secretary of State, Donald Lu, at the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. We believe this is an internal debate between the US Congress and the administration. We do not comment on State Department's budgetary requests. Traditionally, such allocations are made for support to civil society in areas of strategic priorities of the United States government. As for the third part of your question, Pakistan has said on several occasions that it does not believe in zero-sum relationships. For us, relations with the United States and relations with China are both important. We do not believe in situations where relationship with one country can be sacrificed on the altar of relations with another. China is an all-weather strategic cooperative partner of Pakistan, and Pakistan will continue to strengthen this relationship going forward.

(Saima Shabbir, Arab News Pakistan): Ma'am, my question is about the debate in the Parliament of the UK where over more than a dozen UK parliamentarians attended. They said that Mr. Khan, the ex-Prime Minister, should be released and the Pakistan Government should be pressurized by the UK Government. I would like to get your comment, and don't you think that it is interference in the domestic politics of Pakistan?

Spokesperson: Again, we have taken note of the discussions at an event that took place in London. As far as we understand, it was a private event held in a side room of the House of Lords, and the event was organized by a political party that had invited some members of Parliament. We have taken note of the discussions that took place. As we have said on several occasions, it is important that members of legislative bodies contribute to promoting positive dynamics in bilateral relations and contribute to developing mutual understanding and mutual respect between the two countries. 

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): With regards to the situation at the Chaman border, while there has been an agreement that has been reached leading to the sit-in being called off after 274 days and opening of the border. But we're yet to see an official notification coming in. The Taliban authorities on the other side of the border have said that the Pakistani side is not adhering to their part of the deal. Your comments on the matter?

(Siyar Ali Shah, Khyber News): We implemented the one-document regime policy with Afghanistan but first traders and transporters were given a relaxation, now travelling is again permitted. Is this a departure from the one-visa regime policy?

(Abdul Hadi Mayar, Hum Pashto 1): Ma'am. Yesterday, the Afghan authorities on the border refused entry to Pakistanis and even Afghan nationals. They said that we are not part of this arrangement between the Pakistan Government and the Chaman participants. Your views?

Spokesperson: Okay, first of all, regarding the discussions or negotiations that took place between individuals who were doing a sit-in in Chaman and our authorities, we would advise you to contact the relevant authorities, including the government of Balochistan, for any details of the understandings reached between the protesters and the authorities. However, I would like to underline that one-document regime remains in place, and no foreigner can come to Pakistan without a valid passport and visa.

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): Ma’am, American Ambassador recently indicated that he is going to meet Imran Khan, prisoner number 804. Is it allowed for a foreign Ambassador to meet such a person who has several charges and is facing charges of treason and attacks on law enforcement authorities?

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Will Pakistan allow any diplomat to meet Imran Khan in jail?

Spokesperson: First of all, I have not seen the statement of the US Ambassador that you have referred to. We have, however, commented on this particular aspect in the past, and we have underlined that any such requests will be determined on the basis of Pakistani laws and the decisions of the Pakistani courts.

(Imran Waseem, Aik News):    Ma’am, my question is regarding the Saudi investment that it was said that they are going to invest heavily in Pakistan and the visit of Mohammad Bin Salman to Pakistan was also expected but then it was delayed till last week of June. Has the date of his visit been determined and what is the plan of his visit?

Spokesperson: Regarding the visit of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, I have said on multiple occasions that when the visit is finalized and it is time for us to make an announcement, we will make that announcement from this very podium. We have not made any such announcement in the recent past, so I do not wish to comment on speculative reporting.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Madam, US State Department has showed its concerns over banning of PTI. Need your comment on it. Simultaneously, they have talked about human rights as well. What is your comment on it? Is this intervention?

Spokesperson: I think on this, you asked the question, somebody asked this question in the last briefing. And I did comment on it. I would reiterate what we have said in the past that recent decisions of the Pakistani courts, including the Supreme Court of Pakistan, show the strength of Pakistan's legal and judicial system and the ability of Pakistani nation to deal with domestic political challenges. And we therefore believe that commentary from abroad is an unwarranted and unacceptable interference in Pakistan's domestic affairs.

(Sarah Zaman, VOA): So recently, the Government of Pakistan in order to end the sit-in of a certain religious political party sat down with them and then said that Netanyahu is a terrorist and that we will send more aid to the Palestinians. Yesterday, the Cabinet also issued a statement in support of Palestinians. What is the Foreign Office's official position on Netanyahu? Is he a terrorist? Is that the government's official position, or was that just a statement made to placate a religious political party? And follow up on this, it was also promised that 1000 tonnes of aid would be sent to Palestinians. What is the status of that because Rana Sanaullah said that would happen by the end of this month? 

Spokesperson: First, I would not like to engage in a commentary on the discussions that took place between government officials and the protesters. The details of those discussions have been announced by the relevant departments, including by the Minister for Information. Pakistan's position on Israel's war on Gaza has been clear and consistent. We are concerned that Israeli terror unleashed on the defenseless people of Palestine constitutes war crimes and crimes against humanity. Pakistan has also welcomed South Africa’s case before ICJ, as per the statement we made on 11th of January regarding Pakistan's support for the application of South Africa at ICJ concerning Israel's violations of the Genocide Convention. Yesterday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Israel's unprecedented acts of violence in Palestine targeting innocent civilians, including children and women. Also yesterday, the Federal Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, adopted a resolution supporting Palestinians and condemning Israeli actions. The resolution called for war crimes proceedings against Israel. I have no further comments to offer besides what the Cabinet has already said. 

(Sarah Zaman, VOA): What about the humanitarian aid?

Spokesperson: Pakistan has sent several consignments of assistance, humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. This flow of assistance continues. We are working to send the next consignment of humanitarian assistance in coming days. However, it must be understood that the key issue is not the lack of humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza, but the siege that has been imposed on Gaza, which prevents the entry of humanitarian assistance for the people suffering under the Israeli occupation in Gaza. 

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Yesterday, the State Department expressed concerns about freedom of expression. And also yesterday, the US Ambassador, Donald Blome, spoke at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad. He said that the US will continue to advocate for upholding the rights of all Pakistanis, especially the freedom of expression, assembly and worship. And then he continues that without such stability, the prospects for investment economic growth appear far less certain. Is that not something which a political party says in Pakistan that without these liberties, there will be no inflow of investment, as Pakistan is in dire need of investment? How is US position echoing in parallel with the political party in Pakistan?

Spokesperson: First, it is normal for Ambassadors to make policy statements at think tanks. We appreciate statements which are respectful in tone and are aimed to at promoting bilateral cooperation and friendship. At ISSI, Ambassador Blome presented a vision of comprehensive and strategic partnership between United States and Pakistan built on shared interest and mutual respect. We believe it is important for the two countries to understand each other's perspective and priorities. Pakistan will continue to work for a strong relationship with the United States on the basis of mutual respect, mutual confidence, sovereign equality and non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs. 

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, what are the reasons behind the incident that happened in Germany? Have the German authorities arrested anyone? And, is the policy of Pakistan regarding Afghanistan the reason behind this attack?

(Imran Waseem, Aik News): Ma’am, my question is regarding the attack on Pakistan Consulate. How many people have been identified by the German authorities and what actions are being taken against them?

(Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): Minister for Information held a press conference regarding the attack on Pakistan Consulate in which he said that we are looking for the involvement of Pakistanis. So, are there any reports regarding involvement of Pakistanis because the Minister for Information pointed it out?

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): Ma’am, it is being said that the two individuals who were arrested in Frankfurt, travelled to Germany on Pakistani passport. What is the veracity of this report?    

Spokesperson: First of all, the issue of attack on Pakistan's Consulate in Frankfurt has been raised with the German authorities. The German government has expressed regret at the incident, and they have conveyed that the attack on the consulate would be thoroughly investigated and all those involved in the attack would be brought to justice. They have assured us of full support and cooperation. Our Consulate General in Germany and our Embassy in Berlin remain in contact with German law enforcement authorities for identification and arrest of those involved in the attack. We will continue to work closely with the German authorities to ensure that individuals who are involved in this attack will be brought to justice and action would be taken against those responsible for lapses in security of the Pakistan Consulate in Frankfurt. At this stage, we do not have a confirmation about the nationality of individuals involved in the attack.

(Mateen Haider, GTV): Ma’am, among bad news, there was good news that Washington is announcing over $100 million assistance to strengthen democracy and help Pakistani authorities in fighting terrorism. How do you see this development? Is this assistance being announced by the United States at its own or if in the background there was any request from Pakistan to support Pakistan’s action against the fresh wave of terrorism? So, will the US assistance come for strengthening democracy or fighting terrorism?

Spokesperson: I think I answered this question earlier in response to a question raised by our colleague, Kiran, but I would like to reiterate that we have noted the statement made by the US Assistant Secretary of State at the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. We believe this is an internal debate between the US Congress and administration. We do not have a comment on State Department's budgetary requests. Traditionally, such allocations are made for supporting civil society in areas of strategic priorities of the United States government.

(Aghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Ma’am, China has a significant role in mediation at global level and recently it played a major role in mediation between militant groups in Gaza especially between Al Fatah and Hamas. How does Pakistan see this? If China tries to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan, will Pakistan welcome it?

Spokesperson: Regarding the first part of your question, I have spoken about it in my opening statement. Pakistan welcomes the efforts by China in bringing the different Palestinian factions on one platform and the outcome that has been announced. We appreciate the positive role that China has played in the region, including in the understanding that was reached last year between Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Pakistan will continue to work with China on all matters of mutual interest. Your second question, I would like to underline that Pakistan has a direct channel of communication with Afghanistan. Our Embassies are functional and we have been discussing areas of mutual concerns and areas of cooperation directly with the Afghan authorities.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Ma'am. Yesterday, the former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari issued a statement saying at least three Pakistani nationals were kidnapped in Myanmar. Is there an update on that? And second question, again, a different question. Last week from this podium, you commented on the United Nations monitoring team report, with regards to the mention of the TTP in Afghanistan. In the same report, it said that a key associate of Osama bin Laden, Amin ul Haq was arrested by Pakistani authorities in March. However, his arrest was declared last week while you were speaking, at the Media Briefing; the Counter-terrorism Department in Punjab said he was arrested last week. So, would you share some clarity and shed light on whether he was arrested in March 2024 or was he arrested on the 18th of July?

Spokesperson: Regarding your second question. Mr. Aminul Haq, an al Qaeda operative who is on UN Security Council sanctions list, was arrested by Pakistan law enforcement agencies in March 2024 while crossing into Pakistan from Afghanistan illegally. We conveyed this information to the United Nations in March and that is what the report is referring to. The CTD is taking lead in investigation and prosecution of Mr. Amin Ul Haq. You may like to seek further clarification from the CTD. 

As for your first question, we are aware of these reports. Our Mission in Myanmar has approached the relevant authorities for the release of Pakistani nationals who have been illegally detained by criminal gangs and to assist in the recovery and early repatriation of these individuals to Pakistan. When we have further information, we will share it with the media and as well as the families of these Pakistani nationals. It is important to note that transnational criminal networks and organizations operating in some parts of South-East Asia pose a serious threat to regional security. These groups engage in illegal and sophisticated scamming operations to ensnare and trap individuals seeking job opportunities. Their modus operandi includes human trafficking, forced labor, and ensnaring victims into forced criminality. We believe that these concerns need coordinated international response to challenges of human trafficking and transnational organized crime. We will continue to work with the relevant governments to ensure that Pakistani nationals who fall victim to these criminal networks are released and brought back to Pakistan.

(Siyar Ali Shah, Khyber News): Who is participating from Pakistan in the meeting of UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which is being held in India?

Spokesperson: Pakistan participated in the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi. The Committee is a committee of UNESCO and is responsible for implementation of the World Heritage Convention. Pakistan's Head of Delegation was Ms. Huzaifa Khanum, who is our Deputy Head of Mission in Paris and our focal point for UNESCO affairs.

(Syed Asif Ali, Din News): Ma’am, now that Biden administration has announced $101 million aid for Pakistan, can it be considered as the complete support of Pakistan operation against terrorism? Secondly, will America also provide technical assistance to Pakistan in the future because terrorists possess the same weapons that were left by America during the fall of Kabul?

Spokesperson: I think both these questions would be better answered by the US authorities and it is not for me to respond to this question.

(Aftab Jahan, News One): Madam, last time you said that some medical students would come to Pakistan for medical education from Gaza. What is the update on that? Have all the arrangements been done? Because PMDC is already controversial regarding Pakistan’s own medical students. So, how far the arrangements have been made and how many students from Palestine will come to Pakistan?

Spokesperson: As we discussed last time, the decision has been taken in a committee meeting headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan. Implementation of this decision will be done by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council. They, I understand, are in the process of identifying these colleges where these students will study. But I would advise you to contact PMDC for details on implementation of the decision. 

(Saima Shabbir, Arab News): Ma’am, yesterday in the Cabinet meeting, it has been decided and announced that almost 126 countries’ citizens would be given visa and their visa fee would be exempted to enhance trade and tourism, etc. Any Arab countries included in that list, if you can give few names?

Spokesperson: Yesterday, the Cabinet approved the enforcement of online visa application system for citizens of 126 countries and the objective is to promote business investment and tourism. It has also been decided that these visas will be processed within 24 hours with no processing fees. I do not have a comprehensive list of these 126 countries, which will be maintained by the Ministry of Interior. However, Pakistan's traditional friends and partners in the Middle East, including the GCC countries, are included in this list.

(Shahzad Hasan Mirza, Star Asia News): 14,000 foreign nationals were arrested in Saudi Arabia in the month of April who were residing there without Aqama or legal permit. Do you have any details if it includes Pakistanis and what is their total number?

Spokesperson: I do not have specific details of the individuals that you are referring to. However, any Pakistani nationals who are arrested abroad are a priority for our Embassies and Missions in terms of consular access. And we have impressed on Pakistani nationals, including those traveling to Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries to respect the laws, customs and values of the countries that they visit.

(Mateen Haider, GTV): Ma’am, day before yesterday, there was a briefing chaired by Prime Minister in which he gave orders to different authorities and departments including Commerce and Foreign Office on economic diplomacy of $60 billion export target for Pakistan. How you see it at a time when Pakistani economy is facing challenges? And how Foreign Ministry, whose job is to pursue economic diplomacy and trade with different countries through its trade officers, will be helping achieve this national target of $60 billion exports?

Spokesperson: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs works in concert with the relevant departments, including the Ministry of Commerce, Board of Investment and SIFC to promote economic diplomacy. Our missions and our ambassadors are under instructions to pursue opportunities for trade and investment, and as you yourself, underlined, this is a collective effort of all government departments Pakistan Foreign Office will continue to play its role in achievement of targets set by the Government.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): The Bangladeshi Foreign Minister yesterday in a televised interview has said that members of the Pakistani diaspora were involved in protests in Chicago and in Los Angeles. Your comments on the matter?

Spokesperson: We have no reports to confirm the veracity of this claim. As a matter of principle, we follow a policy of non-interference in internal affairs of other countries. And this is the first advice that our Mission in Dhaka gave to Pakistani students in Bangladesh. And we are not aware that this issue is of concern to Pakistani diaspora in any other country around the world.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): The Minister for Finance is visiting China. It is said that he is visiting to renegotiate the terms of Chinese IPPs.

Spokesperson: As per my information, most of the reports that we see in the media are based on speculation. The Minister for Finance is travelling to China to discuss the range of issues for bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and China and any details regarding the agenda of the visit may be sought from the Ministry of Finance.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): There are reports that Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with Ministry of Interior on a policy under which those Pakistanis who are deported from different countries, their passport will be blocked. Is this true? And the second one is, last day a Pakistani family was brutally assaulted on Manchester airport by the police. So, what are the updates?

Spokesperson: On the first question, I have no such information, so I can't comment on it. Regarding your second question, we have seen the disturbing reports about the incident at Manchester Airport. Apparently, it involves dual-national Pakistanis. We are obviously concerned about the conduct of the police and the excessive use of force in the viral video. Our mission in Manchester is in contact with members of the Pakistani community and the local police. We also advise all Pakistani nationals abroad to abide by the laws of the host country and respect the local culture, customs and legal system and cooperate with the local police.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV):  Ma’am, DG ISPR, in a conference said that most of the smuggling is being done from Iran. So, is Pakistan in contact with Iranian authorities to hinder such activities with mutual cooperation?    

Spokesperson: Pakistan and Iran have robust channels of communication, including on issues pertaining to the activities of smugglers and terrorists in the border areas. And this is an issue of great concern to both countries. We, therefore, remain engaged to ensure that these criminals do not contribute to lawlessness along the border between Pakistan and Iran.

Thank you.

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