Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Thank you for joining us for the Weekly Briefing.
 
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrives in Doha, Qatar this morning on a two-day official visit. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar is accompanying the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister will hold bilateral meetings with His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar and Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister / Minister for Foreign Affairs. The focus of these meetings will be on bilateral cooperation in trade and investment and discussion on regional developments. 

The Prime Minister arrived in Doha from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where he attended the 8th Edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) themed “Infinite Horizons: Investing Today, Shaping Tomorrow”. 

In his address at the conference, the Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to leveraging investments in Artificial Intelligence, education, and health to drive human advancement. He stated that by investing in AI, Pakistan would enhance productivity by leveraging it for advancement of education and health, empowering future generations; and shaping a future that’s inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.

The Prime Minister held a meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders assessed the ongoing bilateral engagements, especially in follow up to the decisions taken in previous high-level meetings held in Makkah and Riyadh in April 2024. They reaffirmed economic and strategic partnership between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

The two leaders exchanged views on regional developments. The Prime Minister appreciated the Kingdom’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability in the Middle East.

The Prime Minister also met with the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh; Minister for Investment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Engineer Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih and Advisor at the Saudi Royal Court, Mohammad Bin Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri and entrepreneurs at the 8th Edition of FII Conference.

The Speaker of the Federation Council of Russia, Valentina Matvienko visited Pakistan from 27-29 October 2024 at the invitation of Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani. She held separate meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani. She also addressed the Senate of Pakistan. The visit is a manifestation of continuing engagement and dialogue between Pakistan and the Russian Federation at the leadership level. The two sides will continue to engage in bilateral parliamentary exchanges.

Pakistan strongly condemns the recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon's Bekaa Valley and Baalbek region resulting in the tragic loss of civilian lives, including women and children, and the displacement of over a million people. These airstrikes are a violation of Lebanon’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity; and constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law and the UN Charter.

Pakistan also unequivocally condemns continuing Israeli assault against the people of Northern Gaza and the indiscriminate airstrike on Beit Lahiya which has resulted in the tragic loss of over a 100 Palestinian lives, including women and children. 

Targeting densely populated residential areas without warning, day after day, with absolute impunity, reflects Israeli disdain for international law and human suffering. The siege of Gaza and uninterrupted Israeli attacks are piling on heaps of misery, devastation and death upon the already battered people of Gaza.

At a time when the people of Palestine are in urgent need of humanitarian relief and assistance, Israeli attempts to dismantle the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) are unacceptable. Preventing UNRWA from carrying out its vital tasks is a manifestation of Israel’s systematic campaign to dehumanize the Palestinian people. 

We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Palestine and Lebanon; protection of civilians; and unrestricted humanitarian access to those in urgent need. The international community must step in to end Israel’s genocidal campaign against the Palestinians in Gaza. We also urge the international community to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Pakistan remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Lebanon and Palestine. Last week Pakistan sent 2 more planeloads of humanitarian aid to Lebanon. Thus far, four special cargo planes with essential humanitarian supplies have arrived in Lebanon from Pakistan. Our support will continue.

On 27th of October marking the 77th anniversary of the arrival of Indian troops in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government and people of Pakistan reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister has addressed letters to the leadership of the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), highlighting the ongoing situation in Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He has called for the full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and urged international action to address human rights concerns, including the release of Kashmiri political prisoners and activists.

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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(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Has Pakistan contacted the British government regarding action against protestors, protesting peacefully against Former Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Essa in London? Interior Minister said that measures will also be taken to block the attackers' identification cards and revoke their passports, will there be an action upon it?

(Saqib Ali Rathore, Daily Kashmir Times): High Commissioner Dr. Faisal said that we will request initiation of legal proceedings against the protestors so, under which criteria will such a request be made as they are not Pakistani nationals.

Spokesperson: Regarding Allah Noor’s question, the Minister for Interior has already made a detailed statement on this matter. We believe that any protests shall be within the limits of decency. We are investigating the incident against the vehicle of the Pakistan High Commission. We are concerned at the High Commission's vehicle being targeted, placing the security of its staff potentially at risk. With regards to your question, I am not aware of any statement on this matter by our High Commissioner.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Former CJP is a retired Pakistani national. In which capacity was he provided the facility of using High Commission’s car and is this facility also available to ordinary Pakistani citizens?

Spokesperson: There are certain courtesies that our Missions extend to senior officials, including former justices, when they visit abroad and it was in this context that our High Commission’s vehicle was provided to the former Chief Justice of Pakistan.

(Adeel Bashir, Roze News): Pakistan wants to become a member of BRICS, but India is creating problem. So, Minister Aurangzeb during his visit to Washington said that Pakistan and India should have a balanced relationship so the region could benefit. Do you think that any sort of bilateral talks or back door talks between Pakistan and India could take place somewhere?

Spokesperson: I would not comment on a statement that the Finance Minister has made. With regards to BRICS, Pakistan has expressed its interest in joining this grouping. We believe that as a developing country and a proponent of inclusive multilateralism, Pakistan is fully qualified to becoming a member of BRICS. We hope that BRICS will live up to its own commitment to inclusive multilateralism and accept Pakistan's request for membership.

(Mateen Haider, GTV News): Latest Canadian investigation reveals that Indian Home Minister Amit Shah was directly involved in the assassination of Sikhs on Canadian soil. How do you see these growing Indian transnational crimes and terrorism in different countries, which has been duly exposed, not only by the Canadians but also by the American investigation agencies?

Spokesperson: We do not wish to comment on bilateral exchanges between other countries. However, as far as India's extraterrestrial and extrajudicial killings are concerned, you are aware that Pakistan has voiced its concerns and shared concrete evidence earlier this year. We hope the international community will urge India to refrain from its activities of extra-territorial and extrajudicial killings in Pakistan and around the world.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Is there any chance of resumption of regional trade between Pakistan and India?

Spokesperson: As you know in 2019, certain steps were taken by the Government of Pakistan, including with regards to suspension of trade with India. I am not in a position to predict the future, but currently Pakistan's position with regards to trade with India remains unchanged.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Elections going to be held in America on 5th November. Keeping in view, the world's biggest issues like tensions in the Middle East, the IIOJK, and the terrorism in Pakistan, what will be the expectations of Pakistan with the new US government? Your comments?

Spokesperson: Pakistan has no position with regards to the politics in the United States. We do not believe in commenting on domestic affairs of other countries, just as we do not welcome commentary from abroad in our domestic affairs. Pakistan has a desire to have a multifaceted, trouble-free relationship with the United States, and we will continue to work towards this end going forward.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): In a recent seminar the Chinese Ambassador showed apprehensions regarding security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan and he responded to the statement of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Will any action be taken against the Chinese Ambassador for violating the diplomatic norms and rebuking our Foreign Minister?

Spokesperson: Chinese nationals in Pakistan are our valued guests. They are making invaluable contribution in the development of Pakistan. As DPM outlined in the seminar on Tuesday, Pakistan is committed to providing full security to Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan. Our commitment has been conveyed at the senior most levels of the Chinese government, including during the meeting between the Prime Minister of Pakistan and Chinese Premier on the sidelines of the SCO Heads of Government meeting held in Islamabad. The statement of the Chinese ambassador is therefore perplexing in view of the positive diplomatic traditions between Pakistan and China. We will continue to engage with our Chinese brothers to reassure them of Pakistan's complete commitment to their security and well-being in Pakistan.

(Afzal Reza, IRNA): Considering the escalation of tensions in the region, mainly because of the Israeli aggression and the recent aggression by Israel against Iran, what kind of consultation do Iran and Pakistan have in order to help the peace and security in the region and for the bilateral relationship. Is there any high-level delegation exchange extended between two countries in near future?

Spokesperson: Pakistan has already issued a statement on the recent developments in the region and the conflict between Iran and Israel, as well as on the situation in the region. We believe that the region shall be saved from the ravages of war, and the international community must play a role to ensure that the theatre of war, does not extend and the genocide in Gaza comes to an end. Pakistan and Iran have remained engaged on the developments in the region at various occasions, and our conversations continue. We will be having high level engagements and consultations with our Iranian brothers with regards to the recent developments in the coming week as well.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Mr. Zalmay Khalilzad, in his latest tweet, has once again requested Pakistan to release former Pakistani Prime Minister, Mr. Imran Khan. Previously, he has been making such statements which Pakistan declared were an interference in Pakistan's internal affairs. Have we investigated whether Mr. Zalmay Khalilzad is working at his own or he is hired by some lobbying firm there in America?

Spokesperson: I do not wish to comment on the statement by an individual who does not hold any official position and has a habit of making unwarranted commentary on Pakistan's domestic affairs.

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Ma’am, recently an Afghan diplomat made a statement that Afghanistan does not support any terror group which has been involved in terror activities against Pakistan. He also said that currently there is no such diplomatic dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Are attempts being made for holding dialogues between Afghanistan and Pakistan?

Spokesperson: I am not aware of the statement that you're referring to but Pakistan has always opted for dialogue and consultation for resolution of any issues that exist between countries, including with our brotherly people of Afghanistan. Pakistan has expressed its serious concerns about the ongoing activities of terror groups, which have found hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. We have also discussed with Afghanistan other aspects of bilateral cooperation and this dialogue with Afghanistan will continue.

(Nayyar Ali, Samaa TV): My first question is regarding the visit of the President of Pakistan to China for 5 days. What are his engagements there? And my second question is regarding the incident in London involving Justice Qazi Faez Esa. What actions have been taken there and to which extent would such incidents be condemned?

Spokesperson: Regarding your first question, as per our practice, we do not make commentary on any potential visits before the time has come for the announcement. So, I'm unfortunately not, in a position to comment on the question that you have asked. With regards to the incident of yesterday in London, I already answered this question in response to a previous question in which I referred to a statement made by the Minister for Interior, I would advise you to refer to the Ministry of Interior for further details of the statement by the Minister for Interior.

(Anwar Abbass, 24 News): Ma’am, the Swat terror incident involving the visit of 12 Ambassadors to Swat without informing the Foreign office. A renowned private person of Islamabad had arranged the event? What actions have been taken? Has foreign office given any recommendations regarding this issue? 

Spokesperson: As I said in the past, we are in the process of strengthening our protocols and informing all relevant departments and institutions about the requirements that need to be fulfilled when a foreign diplomat or a group of diplomats visit any city from Islamabad. Consultations are ongoing. I am not in a position to share internal discussions with regards to the details of this incident, but I can underline Pakistan has strengthened the procedures for the security of foreign diplomats in Pakistan. They are our honored guests, and we will continue to ensure their security and facilitate their work in Islamabad.

(Mohammad Al Ekkad, Sputnik): Some reports have appeared about the kidnapping of a Russian citizen in Dera Ismail Khan. The Russian Embassy in Islamabad has spoken about their investigation in this matter. So any information that can be shared?

Spokesperson: We have seen the social media reports. And we do not have any confirmation about these reports.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Ma’am, the Prime Minister wrote a letter regarding Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s release and few days ago, the Foreign Minister said that we will lobby for her release. So, has the request been declined? What is its status?

Spokesperson: See, this is a legal process in the United States, where a convicted person can file a clemency appeal with the President of the country. Pakistan has supported that petition of Ms Aafia Siddiqui. We are not aware of the further developments with regards to that clemency appeal.

(Amna Ali, Daily Express): Ma’am, according to the recent reports, Pakistan hired three international firms and an Australian Consul to pursue the matter of the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project, which is also in the Paris Arbitration Court. So, why has Pakistan hired three firms when Iran is not actively pursuing this matter, and can you share the expenses of hiring these firms?

Spokesperson: As I have said in the past, the Ministry of Petroleum has the lead on this issue of Iran Pakistan pipeline and they would be in a position to share with you the details of this case, our strategy with regards to it, and the hiring of any firms that may have taken place.

(Kiran Butt, The Khorasan Dairy): Afghan interim government in the morning confirmed that on October 17, there was a clash on the border between Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. So, two of the Afghan nationals have been killed, and more than 34 are injured. And the interim government confirmed that they are in talks with Pakistan authorities to repatriate those Afghans who are, you know, injured on Pakistan side. So, any detail regarding that event?

Spokesperson: I have not seen the statement from the Afghan interim government, so I'm not in a position to comment on it.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, regarding the ongoing situation in KPK, Afghan Charge d Affaires in Pakistan Mr. Sardar Ahmad Shakib stated in a seminar in the Institute of Regional Studies a few days ago that the Afghanistan government is not involved in what is happening in Pakistan. He also stated that the issue of TTP is not new and it should be engaged in a dialogue. What is Pakistan’s stance as Pakistan has time and again said that they should take action against TTP, and Pakistan has informed them about their sanctuaries many times but they are inviting for dialogues instead of taking action. What is Pakistan’s stance on this issue? 

(Anwar Abbass, 24 News): Ma’am, in the same event, Sardar Ahmad Shakib also said that interference cannot be stopped whatever happens. He also said that they do not back non-state actors, that this is not their policy; their interference cannot be stopped. How does Pakistan see this statement? 

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma'am. In the same event, Sardar Shakib also said that Afghan government has issued a religious decree that no Afghan should attack Pakistan, but he has not mentioned the TTP. So, have we pursued it with Afghanistan? And if yes, any details?

Spokesperson: Okay, first of all, we reject any offers or advice with regards to dialogue between Pakistan and TTP. We have done that on several occasions, and I am reiterating what we have said on numerous occasions in the past. Pakistan has absolutely no interest in talks with terror groups who are responsible for murder of Pakistani civilians and law enforcement officials. We believe such recommendations and advice are an affront to people who have lost their loved ones because of the activities of TTP. Secondly, we believe that the Afghan authorities have the primary responsibility to take action against the terror groups, primarily TTP, that are based in Afghanistan. We have provided them concrete evidence with regards to their activities and the terror apparatus that they run in Pakistan. Thirdly, Pakistan believes that any decrees that are issued should extend to all individuals who have found refuge inside Afghanistan. It is therefore critical that Afghan authorities take action against these terror groups. And you may have seen that this is not just the demand of Pakistan, but the countries of Moscow Format also made similar demand on the Government of Afghanistan that they take concrete action against these terror groups and prevent the Afghan soil from being used against its neighbours.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Ma’am, on 23rd July 2024 Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in a high-level meeting in Foreign Office reversed the policy, the notification of the passport directorate, in which the issuance of passport to asylum seekers was banned. The Deputy Prime Minister reversed that policy. But still, more than 3000 cases are pending with the Ministry of Interior and overseas Pakistanis are complaining that they are not processing their passport. What are your views?

Spokesperson: Pakistan's policy is clear, as we have said previously. The policy is that Pakistan will not revoke the passports of individuals who are abroad seeking asylum. With regards to any individual cases and the delays in issuance of passports or renewals of passports or Nadra cards, that is something on which the Ministry of Interior and the relevant departments can share the details with you.

(Ali Rizvi, Iranian National TV): Last week in an attack on Iranian border forces within Iranian side, 10 Iranian soldiers lost their lives. Additionally, unrest and attack on Pakistani forces in Balochistan continue, considering that the two countries recently appointed their security representative for exchange and security military information. How do you assess the level of cooperation between the two countries in controlling terrorist group?    

Spokesperson: First, we unequivocally condemn the terrorist incidents in the Khash region leading to loss of lives. Terrorism is a regional threat, and Pakistan and Iran are committing to fight it with collective efforts. The appointment of liaison officers is a positive development in this regard. As this mechanism gains strength, we will be able to further coordinate our efforts against terrorists who undermine the security along the Pakistan-Iran border.

(Sarah Zaman, VOA): You said earlier that the statement by the Chinese ambassador was perplexing, but this whole year, we have seen a pattern that very senior Chinese officials have pressed Pakistan very publicly about taking action against terrorists that harm Chinese citizens and also bringing those to account who have done so. So why does this statement seem perplexing when there has been a pattern that shows the frustration of the Chinese? A follow up to this is what increased measures is Pakistan willing to take? Is Pakistan willing to allow Chinese security personnel to come to Pakistan and support Pakistani efforts to secure Chinese citizens?

Spokesperson: First of all, Pakistan has, and I said it in my statement, Pakistan has reaffirmed its strong commitment to provision of security of Chinese workers, projects and institutions in Pakistan. This reaffirmation and commitment has been given at the leadership level between the two sides and with regards to any discussions that the two sides are having bilaterally to ensure the safety and security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan, I would not be able to comment because these are sensitive matters and bilateral matters between Pakistan and China.

(Sarah Zaman, VOA): So, you've just said that even at the highest level of leadership of Pakistan, there have been assurances, and still, we see that despite those assurances, the Chinese are very publicly expressing their frustration.

Spokesperson: I have just made my statement, so I do not know what else do you want me to say.

(Mateen Haider, GTV News): Has Pakistan shared its investigations with the Chinese authorities over these, particularly this year's two deadly incidents targeting the Chinese. Is there any progress as Foreign Minister / Deputy Prime Minister statement also stated that the culprits have been apprehended and they are in the process of courts or something like this. Please update us whether the investigations have been completed and the culprits have been apprehended?

Spokesperson: There have been some very unfortunate incidents with regards to Chinese nationals in Pakistan. We understand the concerns of the Chinese people, the Chinese government and the Chinese Embassy, with regards to the concerns about the safety and security of their people. Pakistan has shared evidence with regards to several strands of investigation of previous incidents, and we continue to engage with our Chinese brothers with regards to these investigations. I will not be sharing details of these investigations at this stage.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): German Ambassador wrote a letter to the Army Chief regarding five IPPs which were closed and asked the Army Chief to intervene. Was the Foreign office taken on board and can any Ambassador write directly to the Army Chief?

Spokesperson: We have seen the media reports about this letter and we do not understand the rationale of such communications from any Embassy, without taking into confidence, the relevant ministries that deal with this issue.

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Ma’am, Doha agreement is being violated by the Afghan government. As the Prime Minister is on a visit to Qatar, will this issue be raised with the stakeholders because all the groups which are involved in illegal activities and terrorism in Pakistan are banned on international level and are threat to the whole region. 

Spokesperson: Please wait for our advice that we will issue after the meetings have taken place, because I'm not in a position to comment on the dialogue that will take place between the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the leadership of Qatar.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Some concerning reports about those Pakistan you were held hostage in Myanmar, Laos and as well in Cambodia. So, any contact with the relevant authorities by the Pakistani High Commission or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding those 16 Pakistanis who are still in the custody of those?

Spokesperson: The Pakistan Embassy has been in contact with the relevant authorities for the release of Pakistani nationals who have been illegally detained by criminal gangs and for recovery and early repatriation of these individuals to Pakistan. As we have said in the past, it is concerning that transnational criminal networks and organizations operating in some parts of Southeast Asia are engaged in sophisticated and illegal scamming operations that trap individuals seeking job opportunities. We have therefore advised Pakistani nationals applying for job opportunities abroad to ensure the authenticity of these job offers before they decide to accept these job offers.

(Mateen Haider, GTV News): Would you like to give us update how many Pakistanis are in different prisons in different parts of the world, particularly in the Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia, Europe and other countries. And secondly, what efforts are underway by Ministry of Foreign Affairs to get these Pakistanis released, those who have completed their sentence?

Spokesperson: First, I do not have the complete statistics of Pakistani nationals who are imprisoned in various parts of the world. Second, they change, and as more and more people get released after completion of their terms. Thirdly, Pakistani Missions, wherever they are, fulfill their obligations towards Pakistani community and provide consular access to individuals, who are arrested and then visit those who are serving their sentences at various prisons across the world, including in the Middle East. We therefore advise all Pakistanis, wherever they are, to abide by the laws of the host country and respect the local cultures and customs and legal systems and cooperate with the local police. This is critical for Pakistanis who live abroad. Pakistan Missions abroad will continue to extend consular assistance to all its citizens abroad.

(Sarah Zaman, VOA): So just to follow up on this question about the prisoners, there are so many Pakistani prisoners around the world. Why has Pakistan decided to take Aafia Siddiqui’s case so publicly at the highest level of the state, when there are so many other individuals also who have been either not proven guilty or are serving harsh punishments, even facing death sentence. Why is Aafia Siddiqui’s release being pursued at the highest level of Pakistani state when she's an individual citizen?

Spokesperson: The case of Ms. Aafia Siddiqui is special. It is a case that touches the hearts of the people of Pakistan. The circumstances of her arrest and the conditions in which she was sentenced, have been a source of debate in Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan is following up on the sentiments of the people of Pakistan, as well as the directions of the Pakistani courts where this case has been taken up, and the courts have given certain directions to the Government of Pakistan, with regards to the release of Ms. Aafia Siddiqui.

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