Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Thanks for joining us for the Weekly Briefing.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the Extraordinary Meeting of the OIC Executive Committee. The Meeting was convened at the request of the State of Palestine and the Islamic Republic of Iran to discuss the ongoing Israeli aggression against Palestine and other regional states.
 
In his statement the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding support for the Palestinians in their struggle against an illegal and brutal occupation. He also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine and Iran following the extraterritorial assassination of the Head of Political Bureau of Hamas.

The Deputy prime Minister expressed an unequivocal condemnation of Israeli brutalities and war-mongering and its actions that have caused irreparable damage to the already fragile and volatile Middle East. He also called for preventing further escalation of tensions and violence in the region.
 
The Deputy prime Minister and Foreign Minister called for enhanced humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza; for opening all access points of supply to Gaza; and for allowing all UN and international agencies, including UNRWA to operate fully in Gaza.

Deputy Prime Minister also underlined the need for the establishment of an international judicial mechanism, which would seek “restitution, damages and satisfaction” from Israel for its crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide in Gaza and hold accountable those responsible for their crimes.

On the Occasion of the ASEAN Day, the Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar extended Pakistan’s warmest felicitations to the governments and peoples of the ASEAN member states.
 
The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s partnership with ASEAN and appreciated its central role in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. Pakistan's relations with ASEAN are underpinned by a shared commitment to principles of mutual respect, non-interference, and constructive engagement.

Earlier this week the people and Government of Pakistan observed ‘Youm-e- Istehsal’ in solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters to mark the fifth anniversary of India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
 
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar addressed letters to the leadership of the United Nations and Organization of Islamic Cooperation to draw their attention towards the grave consequences of Indian actions since 5 August 2019. He called for implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions to enable the people of Jammu and Kashmir to determine their own future.
 
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

*** 
(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): Madam, A Pakistani national was arrested in July in the United States and in August, the Foreign Office shared that it has come to Foreign Office’s notice through media and it is viewing the reports. So did the Americans not share any information with you?
 
(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Has there been a US demand on cooperation, particularly with regards to this individual, and has Pakistan decided to extend a hand of cooperation or not?

Spokesperson: You may have seen the statement that we issued earlier. We have contacted the US authorities, and we await details from the US authorities about this development. We have also noted the statement by US officials that this is an ongoing investigation.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma’am, if we check the travel record of Asif Merchant, he has had more than 15 visits of Iran, Iraq and Yemen since 2015. Do we have a mechanism to locally monitor such individuals with suspected travel records so that they do not defame Pakistan at international level?

Spokesperson: First of all, I would like to reiterate what I just said, that we are awaiting details of this case from the US authorities. Secondly, we cannot legally determine any individual's nationality unless we receive the relevant information. The particular question that you have asked does not pertain to the Foreign Office, but with the Ministry of Interior and FIA and I would advise you to contact the concerned authorities for this question.

(Kiran Butt, Khorasan diary): Ma'am. This is the second case. So, my question that in first case, Pakistanis recieved consular access and also have been charged and that’s also linked to Iran. So, these are the two cases in one year in which Pakistani nationals are in contact with Iran and are being arrested on anti-US charges. So, what is the update on the recent persons who were charged and have you raised this issue with the Ministry of Interior or any one else that how this whole nexus is working? 

Spokesperson:    Last time I shared with you the details of the efforts that our Mission is making with regards to Pakistani nationals and that we were granted consular access in the first case to which you have referred. Any information from the US authorities in the second case will be examined in Pakistan. We will be also be able to give our public reaction once we have further details.

(Saima Shabbir, Arab News Pakistan): Ma’am, my question is also the same, that two individuals from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have been indicted yesterday in the US. And along with them, there was one Pakistani. I think his name is Pehlwan and he's also in the custody of the US. So, is Pakistani government aware of that, and what Pakistan is doing about its citizens in the custody of US, please?

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma’am, I had asked you a question related to this and as I remember you responded that we have requested for consular access and upon asking again you said that there is no consular access yet. What is the status of consular access regarding this matter?

Spokesperson: I had informed some time back that we were given consular access to those Pakistanis. But the recent cases, when we receive information from the US authorities, only then we would be able to determine our response.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Ma’am, Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Haseena Wajid was more inclined to India. So after the regime change in Bangladesh, how does Pakistan see the relationship of Pakistan and Bangladesh after these recent developments?

Spokesperson: Pakistan and Bangladesh have positive relations, and these relations have continued to grow over the last several years. With regards to the recent developments in Bangladesh, we have issued a statement. The government and people of Pakistan have expressed their support and solidarity with the people of Bangladesh. We sincerely hope for a peaceful and swift return to normalcy. We are confident that the resilient spirit and unity of the Bangladeshi people will lead them towards a harmonious future. You may have also seen that the Prime Minister of Pakistan has extended felicitations to Professor Mohammed Yunus on his swearing in as chief Advisor of the government of People's Republic of Bangladesh. The Prime Minister has wished him great success in guiding Bangladesh towards a harmonious and prosperous future, and expressed the desire to work with Mr. Yunus to deepen cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh in the days ahead.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Two parts on Bangladesh, particularly, with regards to the interim government. Has a contact been established at a working level with the new interim government? And secondly, yesterday was the oath-taking of the interim government. Was our High Commissioner invited?

Spokesperson: To your second question, yes, our High Commissioner attended the inauguration ceremony that took place yesterday and the Government of Pakistan and the Prime Minister has congratulated Dr. Yunus on his appointment.

(Ali Hussain, Business Recorder): Ma’am, there is a lot of commentary in the Indian media regarding involvement of Pakistan in Bangladesh. What would be your response to such reports?
    
Spokesperson: Pakistan rejects all such statements. Such statements depict India's disturbing obsession with Pakistan. Indian political leaders and their media have a habit of blaming Pakistan for their failures in domestic and foreign policy. Pakistan has expressed its strong support for the people of Bangladesh and solidarity with them as they continue to work towards a harmonious future.

(Sara Zaman, VOA): VOA has spoken to a couple of former law enforcement officials in the Jammu territory. They have said that Pakistan is behind the increase in militant attacks in the Jammu region. What would be your response on that? 

Spokesperson: This question was asked previously as well, and I would reiterate that Pakistan rejects such statements. The Indian authorities and their media have a habit of blaming Pakistan for anything negative that happens under their watch. We urge them to understand the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and to take steps in implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions to determine the future of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and holding an impartial plebiscite as enshrined in the UN Security Council resolution.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): There was a lot of pomp and show at the seventh Extraordinary Executive Committee meeting on Middle East. Has this meeting of the Executive Committee of OIC Foreign Ministers been able to stop the cloud of war in the Middle East and the potential conflict between Iran and Israel? What is specially the message that has been conveyed by Iran to Pakistan about its intentions of retaliation, in its self-defence.

Spokesperson: I'm sure you have seen the joint communiqué, which was issued at the end of the open-ended Extraordinary Meeting of the Executive Committee at the level of Foreign Ministers. The meeting discussed the ongoing crimes by the occupying power against the Palestinian people and its infringement of the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The statement is quite clear. It has held Israel responsible for the heinous attack that led to the assassination of Mr. Ismail Haniyeh. The act was defined by the OIC as a crime of aggression, a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter and a serious infringement of sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran. It also warned that the ongoing crimes of Israel undermine security and stability in the region. It has urged an effective and urgent intervention of the UN Security Council, which has the primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. So, I must underline that under international law, it is the responsibility of the United Nations Security Council to uphold international peace and to ensure that the Middle East region does not descend into violence and chaos.

(Charlotte, Reuters): Has Pakistan had any direct talks or communication with Iran or with Washington over de-escalation and preventing the risk of any retaliatory strikes on Israel by Iran?

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma'am, there is likelihood of escalation between Iran and Israel. So, what are our preparations?

Spokesperson: First, with regards to the recent developments in the Middle East, including following the assassination of the head of the Political Bureau of Hamas, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran held a telephone conversation with the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, and he conveyed the concerns of Iran on the recent development. Later on, this issue has been discussed extensively at the OIC as well. Pakistan has strongly condemned the assassination. We strongly condemn the Israeli adventurism in the region. Since October last year, we have repeatedly called for an urgent and unconditional ceasefire and lifting of siege in Gaza, because we believe that Israeli actions against the Palestinians and against its neighbours are creating instability in the region. We also believe that a war in the Middle East must be avoided. Pakistan will therefore support all efforts to ensure peace in the Middle East.

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): A report by Jerusalem Post, retweeted by Tehran Times stated that Pakistan has committed to sending Shaheen III missiles to Iran following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Can you comment? 

Spokesperson: Such reports are patently false. Before paying any attention to such reports, it is important to reflect on the source behind such baseless reports and the malicious agenda behind them. This is a critical time in the Middle East. We, therefore, urge all parties, including the media, not to indulge in peddling of fake news.

(Aghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Pakistan won a Gold Medal in the Olympics after 40 years and no official statement has come from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
    
Spokesperson: The entire Pakistani nation is proud of yesterday's development. The Prime Minister of Pakistan has congratulated the entire nation on this feat of Mr. Arshad Nadeem. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs joins the nation in this celebration.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): In the recent India-US Defence Cooperation Bill that mostly targets China, once again, Pakistan has been targeted. Your comment please?

Spokesperson: Regarding the bill that has been introduced in the US Congress, we have noted the reports. We have also noticed some unwarranted references to Pakistan. We have conveyed our concerns to the US side. Establishment of defence relations is the sovereign decision of countries. However, in doing so, friendly countries should not be targeted. We have been urging our international partners to take a holistic view of the issues of peace and security in South Asia. As we have said before, Pakistan values its close relationship with the United States. We believe in constructive engagement and dialogue based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and understanding and non-interference in each other's domestic affairs. We also believe that deliberations of legislative bodies should contribute to promoting positive dynamics in bilateral ties that should be based on mutual respect and understanding. 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.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): On the basis of a fake news, Muslims and their properties were attacked in the Great Britain. On such incidents, what response will Pakistan give? 

Spokesperson: We have seen the developments in the United Kingdom. We have also noted the steps that have been taken by the UK administration to restore order. We have also seen the statement by the British Prime Minister condemning the violence and racist rhetoric against Muslim communities. He has underlined that those responsible for violence will be brought to justice. We hope, therefore, that the situation would become normal at the earliest.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): On OIC and the Foreign Minister's participation. There was a demand in the Foreign Minister's address, calling on countries to end trade and impose oil sanctions. And I quote “We should make it clear if the Israeli leadership continues to support the legally binding demand for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the entire OIC membership would take several collective measures in response, including imposition of trade and oil sanctions.” (Unquote). Has there been any assurance from other member countries from the OIC on this particular demand by Pakistan that's been put forward? Thank you.

Spokesperson: Okay. First, as you know, Pakistan does not have any trade links with Israel. Secondly, you may have seen the Joint Communiqué of the OIC, which is the collective view of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and that reflects the consensus in the organization. During the debate, countries present their views and the decision is taken by consensus.

(Siyar Ali Shah, Khyber News): Thank you, Ma’am. Asif Merchant Case is an alleged terrorism case and there is a lot of talk between Pakistan and the US on counter-terrorism cooperation. According to you, America has not shared any information on this specific case. Is there no mechanism of information sharing or is there an issue of trust deficit? 

Spokesperson: We have, between Pakistan and the United States, several channels of communication including on issues pertaining to counter-terrorism and security and defence matters. As far as this particular case is concerned, we can only comment once we have details from the US authorities.

(Saqib Ali Rathore, Daily Kashmir Times): Ma’am, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended an invitation to India to sit across a table to discuss the Kashmir issue. A statement also came from Farhan Haq from the United Nations. On diplomatic front, is Pakistan serious to resolve Kashmir issue and have the efforts been accelerated? 

(Aftab Jahan, News One): Ma’am, there are some objections on Foreign Office from some political parties and some analysts that the Ministry lacks an effective strategy on Kashmir and Gaza issue. Your comments on this?     

Spokesperson: Responding to Ms. Aftab Jahan's question, I would invite the public to see for themselves, the several statements that Pakistan has made, the proposals it has brought before the United Nations and the OIC, on both the Palestine question and on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan remains committed to its Kashmiri brothers and sisters, and this commitment was once again reinforced on the fifth of August this year, when on the fifth anniversary of the unilateral and illegal measures by Indian occupation forces in IIOJK, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister addressed letters to the leadership of the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to draw their attention towards the grave consequences of Indian actions on and since fifth of August 2019. He called for implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions to enable the people of Jammu and Kashmir to determine their own future. This reflects Pakistan’s seriousness in resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with international law and UNSC resolutions.  

(Saima Shabbir, Arab News Pakistan): Thank you very much, ma'am. My question is that in an interview with Arab news, Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Chaudhary Salik Hussein, has spoken about visa restrictions by UAE on Pakistanis and that the Foreign Office is quite engaged with the UAE authorities. My question is, what exact measures or steps have been taken and how the issue has been taken with UAE authorities, and what are the expected outcomes in process?    

Spokesperson: First, I would not like to explain any statement which has been made by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis. They can better explain statements that they issue from time to time. With regards to Pakistan's relations with the UAE, our two countries have multi-dimensional and historic relations. In this important relationship, the two sides have several mechanisms of engaging with each other and sharing our respective concerns, including with respect to facilitation of visas. As far as I understand, there is no ban on issuance of visas to Pakistani nationals. However, Pakistan remains engaged with the UAE to facilitate all Pakistanis traveling to the UAE.

(Rizwan Abbasi, Daily Ausaf): Madam, on visa issue, people are facing difficulties in obtaining visa of Italy and Spain. An India-based company BLS International is operating in Pakistan and it has a visa processing centre for these two countries. Pakistanis are facing a lot of problems with this company. Do you have information regarding BLS International that it is an Indian based company and why it is operational in Pakistan? 

Spokesperson: I do not have information with regards to any such company, and therefore, I cannot comment on it. We would like to seek further information on your question.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): The United States religious freedom watchdog has shown reservation about the minority situation inside Afghanistan. They mentioned in their reports that minorities are fleeing from Afghanistan, specifically, their religious freedom and liberties have been shrunken. So, what is the view of Pakistan on this development? Thank you.

Spokesperson: First, I am not aware of the report that you are referring to. So, I'm not in a position to comment on the report. Pakistan believes that it is important for the international community to work with Afghanistan to facilitate the people of Afghanistan in its move towards peace, prosperity and stability.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): A controversial Waqf property bill has been presented by the Indian Government in Lok Sabha and various Indian Muslim Organizations and Muslims in India have shown grave reservations on this bill. What is Pakistan’s reaction to this? 

Spokesperson: Pakistan has, from time to time, expressed concerns about the rising Islamophobic sentiment in India and the recent developments are of concern to Pakistan. We urge the Indian authorities to ensure that the rights of the Muslim population are protected and they are able to profess and practice their religion freely.

(Mateen Haider, G News): Ma'am, on Fifth of August, we have observed Youm-e-Istehsal. So what options does Pakistan have beyond extending moral, political and diplomatic support to the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and to the oppressed people of Jammu and Kashmir? Do we still have claim on disputed territory, because there have been no such sign from India despite pressures, Pakistan's protest and Communiqués. So what other options Pakistan has regarding its claim on this disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir? 

Spokesperson: The territory of Jammu and Kashmir belongs to the people of Kashmir. We believe that it is the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to determine their own future in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions, and Pakistan will continue to provide moral, diplomatic and political support to this cause.

(Aghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Ma’am, large number of Pakistanis are visiting Iran, Iraq and Damascus for visit to religious sites. In view of the recent tensions in the Middle East regarding Iran, has any special advisory been issued like there was one issued for Lebanon?
    
Spokesperson: At this point, we have issued an advisory for Pakistani nationals who are in Lebanon, or who intend to travel to Lebanon. We continue to follow the developments in the region very closely, and depending on the situation, we will be updating our advisories as and when required.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Madam, when you say you are following the situation in the region, particularly the situation between Iran and Israel, what assessment the Government of Pakistan has about the possibility of a full-fledged war between the two countries, as Iran intends to strike Israel in its self defence. Will the war be averted in your assessment, or is the war imminent there?

Spokesperson: I would not like to characterize the developments, except to say that Pakistan remains concerned about the developments taking place in the region. We believe that the Israeli aggression against the people of Gaza and its actions against its neighbours are creating a situation which is dangerous for the entire region. We therefore urge and reiterate our call on the United Nations Security Council to take immediate and effective action to rein in the Israeli occupation authorities from continuing the genocide against the Palestinian people and the threat that it continues to pose to other countries in the region.

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): Ma’am, I have two questions, First, how many students have remained in Bangladesh, if you can confirm their total number, please. Secondly, in 1971, Ghazi Submarine drowned, its wreckage and mortal remains of 200 to 250 Pakistani sailors are still in the Indian waters. Similarly, in Kargil, dead bodies of hundreds of our martyred soldiers are still present on the Indian territory. We have several times demanded the return of their mortal remains but India did not respond or rejected. Also some Pakistani soldiers remain incarcerated in India jails. Is there any diplomatic level contact to bring back the dead bodies of our martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the nation?    

Spokesperson: First regarding Pakistani students in Bangladesh. We have briefed the media earlier as well. Our High Commission in Dhaka has remained in contact with all Pakistani nationals, including Pakistani students. According to our assessment, most students in Bangladesh have, sorry, I correct myself. According to our information, about 100 students still remain in Bangladesh. Our High Commission remains in contact with the students. It is our assessment that the situation of security is improving, and we will continue to ensure the safety of our students, who remain in Bangladesh. With regards to your second question; it is a question with regards to some historic developments. I do not intend to engage in a historical debate. However, I would like to underline that every year when Pakistan exchanges lists of prisoners with India, as per the bilateral protocol between the two sides, we urge the Indian authorities to free missing defence personnel who remain incarcerated in Indian jails

I thank you all

********