Assalam-o-Alaikum,

 

Thank you for joining us for the Weekly Briefing.

 

Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyed Abbas Araghchi visited Pakistan from 4 to 5 November 2024. During his two-day visit, he held meetings with the Prime Minister of Pakistan and Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

 

The two sides agreed to strengthen regular high-level exchanges; advance cooperation and dialogue on trade, energy and security; and enhance border management and people-to-people contacts. The Prime Minister of Pakistan condemned Israel's October 26 attack on Iran and reaffirmed Pakistan's support for Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 

The two sides also discussed the situation in the Middle East and the ongoing genocide in Gaza. They reaffirmed support for the right to self-determination of the Palestine people and for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian assistance, and the creation of a Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

 

We welcome the latest report of the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine, Francesca Albanese, calling out Israel for pushing through a systematic agenda of forced displacement, annihilation and genocide in Gaza and the West Bank. The report highlights how Israel has been committing genocide against the Palestinian people through acts of territorial expansions and ethnic cleansing.

 

Pakistan endorses Ms. Albanese’s stance that Israel is obstructing international investigation efforts, including denying the entry of fact-finding teams from the United Nations. We support her call on the international community in acting decisively in bringing an end to Israel’s unbridled atrocities against the Palestinians and to ensure unhindered humanitarian assistance to Gaza and full financing and protection of UNRWA.

 

Pakistan is also concerned about Israeli action against the relief workers and agencies including UNRWA and its continuous war on hospitals and vaccination centers. After destroying the health infrastructure in Gaza, Israeli occupation forces are now targeting hospitals in Lebanon. So far, 34 hospitals have been damaged; 111 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) have been killed; and 107 ambulances have been targeted in Lebanon. Such attacks on the humanitarian structures, agencies and actors in Palestine and Lebanon  prevents people from seeking urgent medical care while creating long-term health risks for millions including children.

 

Pakistan, therefore, calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Palestine and Lebanon; protection of civilians; and civilian infrastructure and unhindered humanitarian access and healthcare to those in urgent need.

 

We are also concerned about the reports of deteriorating health of Kashmiri leader, Mohammad Yasin Malik as he observes a hunger strike in protest for the poor conditions and insufficient medical care in New Delhi’s Tihar Jail. After being framed in fictitious cases, Mr. Malik remains incarcerated for the last several years and is facing a death sentence.

 

We urge the Indian authorities to provide quality medical care to Mr. Malik and immediately release him.

 

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.

 

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the second Joint Arab-Islamic Summit being held in Riyadh on 11 November 2024.

 

The Summit will be preceded by the preparatory session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) on 10 November 2024. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will participate in the preparatory CFM.

 

The Summit is being convened at the initiative of the Government of Saudi Arabia, to discuss the situation in the Middle East. This will be a follow up to the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit held on 11 November 2023 in Riyadh to discuss the situation in Gaza and other occupied territories. Heads of States and Governments and senior officials from Arab League and the OIC member countries are expected to participate in the Summit.

 

At the Summit, the Prime Minister will reiterate Pakistan's full support to the Palestinian cause. He will call for an immediate end to the genocide in Gaza; an urgent and unconditional ceasefire; immediate cessation of the ongoing Israeli adventurism in the region that is endangering the security of the countries in the Middle East. Pakistan will also call for providing international protection for the Palestinian people; and for the establishment of an independent State of Palestine on the borders of 4 June 1967, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

 

On the sidelines of the Summit, the Prime Minister is expected to hold bilateral meetings with leaders from other Arab League and OIC Member States.

 

The Prime Minister of Pakistan will visit Baku, Azerbaijan to participate in the “World Leaders’ Climate Action Summit” taking place on 12-13 November 2024 as part of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference.

 

The Prime Minister will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and other cabinet members and senior officials.

 

At the Summit, the Prime Minister will make a robust call for climate solidarity and climate justice, based on the established principles of Equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities.

 

On the sidelines of the Summit, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with participating world leaders.

 

COP29 is taking place at a time when millions around the world including in Pakistan, are facing severe adverse impacts of climate change. As an important stakeholder, Pakistan will continue to make positive contributions to the global climate debate, negotiations and collective action.

 

I thank you!

 

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(Afzal Reza, IRNA): Earlier this week, Iranian Foreign Minister had an important visit to Islamabad. Now a high-ranking Iranian defense delegation led by General Qureshi, the Deputy Defense Minister of Iran is in Islamabad. How do you evaluate the cooperation of the both countries in counter-terrorism and security arrangements especially on the border issue?

 

Spokesperson: With regards to the visit of any defense delegation, I would like you to refer to ISPR, which can share with you details of any ongoing discussions with regards to defense and security matters. Regarding the meeting between the Iranian Foreign Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan and between the Iranian Foreign Minister and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, both sides agreed that we will cooperate to ensure that the border between Pakistan and Iran will be a border of peace and amity, and we will strengthen coordination on all aspects of border security.

 

(Zain Zaman, AFP): There are some reports and claims that Pakistani and Iranian border forces have conducted, some sort of a joint military operation, in border region. Can you confirm that?

 

Spokesperson: First, I would like to state that this information is not correct. This is fake news. Statement by terror groups should not be taken seriously. In line with our commitment to root out smugglers and terrorists, an operation was carried out by Pakistani security forces west of Panjgur. The operation took place 30 kilometers within our territory against smugglers, and this was undertaken by Pakistani security forces alone.

 

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): What would be the policy of Pakistan after Trump won the US Presidential elections? What is the future of relations of Pakistan with Trump administration? 

 

(Rashida Sial, Abb Takk): It is expected that Trump, after becoming the President, will influence Pakistan’s internal politics and the Government of Pakistan could possibly be pressurized. Your comments? 

 

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, Daily Mail): Has the Foreign Office extended official felicitations to the newly elected President of USA? Secondly, would they try to bring peace in Gaza referring to the speech of 29th October?

 

Spokesperson: The President of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan have congratulated President elect Donald Trump on his election as the 47th President of the United States. Our relations with the United States are decades old, and we look forward to further strengthen and broaden Pakistan-US relationship in all fields. As the Deputy Prime Minister said in a tweet yesterday, we look forward to fruitful and mutually beneficial cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.

 

(Naveed Siddiqui, Dateline Islamabad): It is said that Donald Trump after becoming President, could influence Pakistan’s internal politics and the sitting government could also be pressurized by him. Your comment?

 

Spokesperson: We see this as speculative reporting, and as I just said, Pakistan and the United States are old friends and partners, and we will continue to pursue our relations on the basis of mutual respect, mutual confidence and non-interference in each other's domestic affairs.

 

(Naveed Siddiqui, Dateline Islamabad): IIOJK lawmakers have passed a resolution and demanded Modi government to restore Article 370. How do you see this move?

 

Spokesperson: Pakistan's position with respect to the Indian occupation of Jammu and Kashmir is well known. We have repeatedly underlined that it is the people of Jammu and Kashmir who will determine the future of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory, any steps that are in contravention to UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and international law are unacceptable to the Kashmiri people and to Pakistan. We believe that any measures that are taken should be in conformity with international law and the UN Security Council resolutions. India must realize that it cannot suppress the genuine aspirations of the Kashmiri people through coercive tactics. It must respect the rights and freedoms of the people of Kashmir and their inalienable right to self-determination as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

 

(Kausar Lodhi, Prime News): There are various rumors circulating in the social media. Can you update us about the Pakistan-China relations according to CPEC? 

 

Spokesperson: We do not comment on social media speculations. Pakistan-China relations, as we have said repeatedly, including in my last briefing, are ironclad. Pakistan and China are all weather strategic cooperative partners who have continued to stand by each other over the last several decades. We support each other on core issues of national interest, and our cooperation extends to all domains of foreign policy. China Pakistan Economic Corridor, is an important pillar of our bilateral relationship, and both countries are committed to further expanding and strengthening this partnership.

 

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Newly appointed President Donald Trump said that America will not start any new war and it will try to stop all the wars. He has been stating this during his election campaign as well. How does Pakistan see this?

 

Spokesperson: I would not like to comment on statements made by foreign leaders during their political rallies. It is important that all countries work towards a peaceful world, especially a peaceful Middle East. We would like to work with countries around the world, including the United States, to promote international peace and uphold international law.

 

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Yesterday, two Chinese nationals were again attacked and, in your press release you stated that Pakistan is in close coordination with them. Have they raised any objection or protested in those close coordination meetings? Your comments?

 

Spokesperson: Pakistan and China have robust dialogue on all aspects of bilateral relations, including on security matters and the two governments are in close contact including through our respective Embassies. With regards to the recent unfortunate incident that took place in Karachi. Yesterday, as you may have seen, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan visited the Chinese Embassy, and today, the Minister for Interior visited the Chinese Embassy. They expressed our full support and sympathies to the Chinese people. They reassured the Chinese side of our full commitment to their security and to bringing to justice anyone who harms the Chinese workers, institutions and projects in Pakistan.

 

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Who were the attackers? Were they from BLA Balochistan or was it their personal security? 

 

Spokesperson: The investigations are ongoing, and our law enforcement agencies, especially the Ministry of Interior, will be sharing details at an appropriate time.

 

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): What is the Government policy of compensation for the Chinese nationals who die or get injured in Pakistan? How much amount we pay to them?

 

Spokesperson: I would not like to indulge in this issue. Pakistan believes that there is no compensation enough for any life that is lost to terrorism, whether a Pakistani national, a Chinese national, or any other nationality. Any compensation that is awarded is as per Pakistani legal system. The Government of Pakistan takes these decisions in light of our Pakistani laws.

 

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): There are some reports that China would like to provide its own security to its nationals in Pakistan. Will Pakistan agree to this?

 

(Naveed Siddiqui, Dateline Islamabad): Ma’am, a joint security mechanism has been discussed for a long time. It was also discussed when the Prime Minister visited China recently. Are there any considerations or demands this time too? 

 

Spokesperson: Your question pertains to discussions between Pakistan and China to strengthen security measures for Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan. On this particular subject, our two sides have been engaged with each other, and the Government of Pakistan is fully committed to providing full security to Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan. With respect to any specific proposals and measures that the Government of Pakistan will take to ensure this security, I would not engage and comment on it publicly, because of their sensitive nature.

 

(Mateen Haider, GTV News): You spoke about China-Pakistan relations and security of Chinese workers in Pakistan. My question is, there has been meetings with Chinese Deputy Head of Mission in Islamabad at the Foreign Office. Are Chinese satisfied with our measures that have been taken for security and assurances that Pakistani Government has given to the Chinese diplomats and to the Chinese government in Beijing? Also, Prime Minister visited Chinese Embassy, yesterday. Are they satisfied with these all assurances and arrangements? Thank you, ma'am.

 

Spokesperson: As I said, just now, Pakistan and China have robust channels of communication on all aspects of concern. These channels of communication are active and we continue to discuss with each other, all issues of concern for our Chinese brothers and to ensure that the Chinese nationals are protected in Pakistan. As I said in my last briefing, Pakistan will continue to work with Chinese authorities to reassure them of Pakistan's full commitment to providing security to its nationals and projects in Pakistan.

 

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Pakistan received the Cypher during the government of Biden and now as the Trump’s Government has been elected, will Pakistan demand any action regarding those who sent threats as conveyed in the Cypher? 

 

Spokesperson: First, I must reiterate what we have said in the past, issues relating to communications between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its Foreign Missions are confidential, and these communications are covered under the Official Secrets Act, so I would not be in a position to comment on any communications that take place between our Missions and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including with respect to the question that you have asked.

 

(Saqib Ali Rathore, Daily Kashmir Times): Ma’am, is there any update regarding Pakistani nationals who are stuck in Myanmar? Their families also submitted an application to the Foreign Office. According to recent updates, they are being tortured. What is Foreign Office’s stance on this?

 

Spokesperson: Our Missions in East Asia, including in Myanmar, remain in contact with the relevant authorities for the release and recovery of Pakistani nationals who have been illegally detained by criminal gangs and to assist them in recovery and early repatriation of these individuals to Pakistan. It is transnational criminal networks and organizations operating in parts of Southeast Asia that pose a serious threat to regional security. These groups engage in illegal and sophisticated scamming operations to ensnare and trap individuals seeking job opportunities. This requires coordinated international response to the challenges of human trafficking and transnational organized crime. Pakistan will continue to work with countries of the region, including Myanmar, to ensure that Pakistani nationals who fall victim to these criminal networks are released and brought back to Pakistan. We also advise Pakistani nationals applying for job opportunities abroad to ensure the authenticity of job offers before they decide to accept these job offers.

 

(Anwar Abbass, 24 News): Are we still standing on our decision of not continuing the diplomatic ties with India until they return Kashmir’s status? And on a lighter note, what is our comment on the fact that no woman has ever been elected as President in 300 years history of America. Isn’t it discrimination against women? 

 

Spokesperson: I think on the second question, I will not comment, as we have said on numerous occasions, we do not comment on internal affairs of other countries, just as we do not appreciate their commentary on Pakistan's domestic affairs. Pakistan's position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is consistent. We believe that the future of this region has to be determined on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. As far as the measures taken by the Indian authorities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 and the subsequent steps taken by India in IIOJK, Pakistan's position has been consistent. We have repeatedly expressed our concern at the illegal and unilateral measures which have been taken by India in IIOJK and the measures it has been taking to make the people of IIOJK a disempowered minority in their own land. That position remains consistent.

 

(Jiang Chao, Xinhua News Agency): I just heard your response following Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election. So, my question is simple, whether Trump's victory will affect Pakistan's China policy?

 

Spokesperson: Pakistan's relations with China are all weather. They are strategic, and they are a source of stability in our foreign policy. Pakistan's relations with China have continued to grow and expand over the last several decades. This relationship has remained unaffected by developments around the world. So we do not need to even consider the possibility that this relationship will be affected by any domestic development in another country.

 

(Raziq Mehmood Bhatti, Daily Kashmir Express): Mr. Yasin Malik is on a hunger strike for not being provided basic medical treatments for unknown time period. Has this been discussed with the Indian authorities so that his basic medical treatment and the medicines be provided so that he may end his hunger strike? Secondly, in IIOJK, any type of protest is banned by the government. Your comments? 

 

Spokesperson: Pakistan has repeatedly expressed its concern at the curbs imposed by the Indian occupation forces on the freedom of expression and assembly of the people of IIOJK. We have urged India to lift the curbs on the freedom of movement, of assembly, of expression of the people of IIOJK, and to lift the ban on political parties in IIOJK. Regarding Mr. Yaseen Malik, I just spoke about it, Pakistan has urged India to take action with regards to provision of facilities in the Tihar jail, and for adequate health facilities for Mr. Yasin Malik. 

 

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Madam, some time back a Pakistani national, Asif Merchant was arrested in America. Have you received details or are the details still awaited?

 

Spokesperson: At this stage, I do not have any update to share with you with regards to Mr. Asif merchant.

 

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Yesterday, Army Chief met Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman. We saw a routine press release but what was the agenda of this meeting?

 

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Saudi news agency has reported that in this meeting, exploration of joint opportunities has been discussed. What was the agenda of this meeting as they also met the Defence Minister?

 

Spokesperson: As you know, it is ISPR that shares with the media the details of the visit of the Chief of Army Staff. So, I would advise you to wait for an advice from ISPR.

 

(Aftab Jehan, News One): Ma’am, the citizens of Azad Kashmir who mistakenly cross the LOC are portrayed as terrorists by Indian side. How many people have been contacted till today? 

 

Spokesperson: I do not have the data of all Pakistanis who may have inadvertently crossed the Line of Control, so it would not be possible for me to comment on this question today.

 

(Naveed Siddiqui, Dateline Islamabad): Ma’am, Chief Minister Punjab wrote a letter to Foreign Office and demanded to take up the smog issue with the Indian authorities. Have you received the letter? If so, will you take up this issue with the Indian authorities?

 

Spokesperson: Combating climate change is a national priority for Pakistan. It is an important pillar of our diplomacy and engagement with countries around the world. The issue of smog in Punjab is a serious issue. At this point, we have not received a letter from the Punjab government. Proposals relating to international efforts to combat climate change will be pursued in consultation with the Ministry of climate Change.

 

(Aijaz Ahmed, GNN): Ma’am, it’s been many weeks or maybe some months since arrest of Asif Merchant and we have not seen that there is consular access provided to the Pakistani prisoners there. Have we requested consular access for Asif Merchant? Because I visit Adiala Jail these days and the people from US Embassy regularly visit their prisoners. 

 

Spokesperson: The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington has contacted the US authorities for information regarding the case of Mr. Asif Merchant and confirmation of his national status. We are awaiting response to our request.

 

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): A large number of Sikh pilgrims from the world are visiting Pakistan to attend the 555th birth anniversary this year. Your comments? 

 

Spokesperson: We look forward to receiving Sikh pilgrims for the forthcoming birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, which is celebrated on the 15th of November. Exchange of religious pilgrims between Pakistan and India takes place under the bilateral protocol of 1974 that remains operational. Pakistan will continue to facilitate pilgrims who wish to visit Pakistan on important religious occasions.

 

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma’am, you responded regarding smog from Punjab government and in parallel you stated that the Prime Minister is visiting Baku to participate in COP 29. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also participating in COP 29. So, can we expect that the Prime Minister of Pakistan will discuss things related to smog and climate change with the Indian Prime Minister?  

 

Spokesperson: At this point, no bilateral meeting is being fixed with the Prime Minister of India in Baku.

 

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, regarding the incident with the former Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa in London, there are reports that six Pakistani nationals involved are being deported. Are they being deported on the request of Pakistan? Is Pakistan taking action to stop such incidents in foreign countries?

 

(Aijaz Ahmed, GNN): There were some reports that the Foreign Minister advised the Pakistan High Commission to use all of their resources and to hold accountable all who were involved in the incident which happened with Qazi Faez Esa. Any updates?

 

Spokesperson: The matter is under investigation. We are in contact with the UK authorities with regards to the incident involving the former Chief Justice of Pakistan. We have said repeatedly that harassment of individuals is a problem in a civilized society. The next steps will be taken by the Government of Pakistan, after completion of deliberations with the UK authorities and with input from the Ministry of Law and Justice. It is therefore premature to speak about other aspects at this stage. 

 

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