Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Let me begin with a roundup of this week’s activities.

The highlight of this week was the visit of the President of Indonesia.

At the invitation of our Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the President Prabowo Subianto undertook an official visit to Pakistan from 8-9 December 2025.

We have been issuing the Press Releases but just to recap, at the delegation-level talks, the two sides discussed the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Indonesia bilateral relations. 

We resolved to elevate Pakistan-Indonesia bilateral partnership, particularly in trade, investment, defense, education, health and technology and to further collaborate on exploring untapped opportunities in agriculture, IT, defense, halal products, and skills development. 

Views on regional issues and developments were also exchanged. The Prime Minister apprised the President on the Jammu and Kashmir Dispute and expressed appreciation for President Prabowo’s strong humanitarian leadership for the people of Gaza. 

Upon the conclusion of delegation level talks, eight MOUs were signed for cooperation in higher education and scholarships; facilitation of small and medium businesses; national archives and libraries; narcotics control; health; halal products. 

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) & the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also called on the President of Indonesia. Defense cooperation was the main focus of discussion. They also exchanged views on regional security and further promoting ties between the armed forces of the two brotherly countries.

The President of Pakistan conferred Nishan e Pakistan, the highest civilian honor of Pakistan, on President Subianto. The two leaders also held a meeting to review bilateral ties, shared values and future cooperation, followed by a state banquet in his honor.

At the conclusion of the President’s visit, a Joint Statement was issued - available on our website.

The Joint Statement commemorated 75 years of Pakistan-Indonesia ties; called for expansion of diplomatic and economic ties, strengthening of inter-parliamentary relations, removal of trade barriers and enhanced cooperation in services sector, Islamic finance and halal food industry. 

It also took note of global developments and regional issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and the dire humanitarian situation in Palestine, and reaffirmed active cooperation at multilateral fora, including ASEAN, UN, OIC and the D-8, of which Indonesia will be assuming the Chairmanship in 2026. 

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister held two important telephone calls this week.

On 8th December 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister spoke to the Foreign Minister Iran, Abbas Araghchi. The two leaders discussed bilateral ties and regional developments. They also appreciated frequent high-level exchanges on matters of mutual interest and looked forward to engaging during the upcoming International Forum of Peace & Trust in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan later this week.

On 5th December 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister held a phone call with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, during which the two leaders discussed regional developments, particularly in the context of Gaza.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister strongly condemned Israel’s unilateral plan to restrict the Rafah crossing for the exit only of Gaza residents, deeming it a clear violation of the peace plan and a move that undermines humanitarian access. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring unfettered aid to Gaza and advancing coordinated efforts toward lasting peace.

On the remarks by the Indian Minister of External Affairs to an Indian News Channel,

Pakistan categorically rejects and condemns these highly inflammatory, baseless and irresponsible comments.

Pakistan is a responsible state and all its institutions, including armed forces, are a pillar of national security, dedicated to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. The May 2025 conflict vividly demonstrated Pakistan armed forces’ professionalism as well as their resolve to defend the motherland and the people of Pakistan against any Indian aggression in a befitting, effective yet responsible manner. No amount of propaganda can belie this truth. 

The attempts by the Indian leadership to defame Pakistan’s state institutions and its leadership are a part of the propaganda campaign designed to distract the attention from India’s destabilizing actions in the region and beyond as well as its State-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan. Such incendiary rhetoric only exemplifies the extent of India’s disregard for amity, peace and stability in our region. 

Pakistan believes in co-existence, dialogue and diplomacy. However, it stands united and resolute in its intent and ability to safeguard its interests and sovereignty.

On Israeli statements concerning the opening of Rafah Crossing last week,

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan, along with Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, expresses deep concern regarding Israeli statements concerning the opening of the Rafah Crossing in one direction, with the aim of transferring residents of the Gaza Strip into the Arab Republic of Egypt. 

The Ministers underscore their absolute rejection of any attempts to expel the Palestinian people from their land and  stress the necessity of the full adherence to the plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, including its provisions on keeping the Rafah Crossing open in both directions, ensuring the freedom of movement for the population, and refraining from compelling any resident of the Gaza Strip to leave, rather to create the right conditions for them to stay on their land and participate in building their homeland, within a comprehensive vision aimed at restoring stability and improving their humanitarian conditions.

The Ministers underscore the need to fully sustain the ceasefire, alleviate civilian suffering, ensure the unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into the Gaza Strip, initiate early recovery and reconstruction efforts, and create the conditions necessary for the Palestinian Authority to resume its responsibilities in the Gaza Strip - thereby laying the groundwork for a new phase of security and stability in the region.

The Ministers affirm readiness to continue working and coordinating with the United States and all concerned regional and international parties to ensure the full implementation of UNSCR 2803 and all relevant UNSC resolutions and to provide the convenient ground for achieving a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace in accordance with international legitimacy and the two-state solution, which should lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian State on the lines of 4 June 1967, including the occupied territories in Gaza and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The 4th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Tunisia was held in Tunis on 9 December 2025.

The Pakistani delegation was led by the Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa), Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, while the Tunisian side was headed by the Director General (Asia), Ambassador Slim Ghariani.

Both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including political cooperation, high-level exchanges, trade and investment, defence and security collaboration, education, and people-to-people contacts. They also discussed ways to deepen economic cooperation ahead of the 10th Joint Commission Meeting, scheduled to be held in Islamabad in 2026.

The delegations agreed to enhance coordination in multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. They exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the situations in the Middle East, Palestine and North Africa. 

The Additional Foreign Secretary (Africa) also called on H.E. Mr. Mohamed Ben Ayed, Secretary of State to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening bilateral ties and promoting collaboration across all sectors.

I thank you all.

***

(Tahir Khan, NNI): My question is on Afghanistan, particularly regarding a five-point joint declaration (fatwa) adopted by over 1000 Afghan scholars in Kabul. Although Pakistan was not explicitly mentioned, there were two points of the declaration that are relevant and very important for Pakistan which stated that whomever would “conduct military operations beyond Afghanistan’s borders, would be considered a rebel against the state.” It would also be considered “as a violation of the Emir’s orders” and would be a punishable offence. Now my question is that Pakistan has been asking for guarantees from the Afghan Taliban regime, including a decree/fatwa from its Supreme Leader, and although this is not a guarantee per se, is Pakistan satisfied with this declaration? Does it address Pakistan’s demands for guarantees from the Supreme Leader of the Afghan Taliban Regime by a fatwa? How do you view this development?

Spokesperson: I have not seen the full text of this resolution. If the leadership of the Afghan Taliban Regime or certain segments of Afghan society, realize the gravity of the matter that their soil is being used not just by TTP/FAK/ FAH but also by their own nationals to perpetrate terrorism in Pakistan, such realization is positive. We welcome it. 

One important aspect is that commitments made in the past by Afghan Taliban regime have not been fulfilled. This is exactly why, during the talks held with the mediation efforts of our brotherly countries, Pakistan insisted on written assurances from Afghan side. 

We will wait, see and evaluate this document. But certainly, we would require written assurances from the leadership of the Afghan Taliban Regime on this issue.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): I have two questions. Firstly, American lawmakers wrote a letter, expressing concern over the situation of human rights in Pakistan and urging for the formation of a policy with regard to protect human rights and regulate violations. How do you see this development? Secondly, the President of Indonesia recently visited Pakistan who also happens to be a strong advocate for deployment of troops for the International Stabilization Force in Gaza. Our Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister also discussed this while addressing the media in the past. Was the International Stabilization Force part of the agenda during the visit of the President of Indonesia to Pakistan? Did the issue of disarmament of Hamas also come up during the discussions? 

Spokesperson: You are referring to this certain letter by Members of the US legislature. These developments have taken place in the past as well. Our Embassy in Washington and our Ambassador are seized of this matter. He has met over 100 US senators, congresspersons over the past year and a half. So, we have an open dialogue and communication with the US legislature, and in that context, the position of Pakistan, with respect to its own domestic laws, is fully explained. This particular letter you referred, is being followed up in the same vein. 

With regard to the talks on Gaza during the visit of the Indonesian President, as I mentioned previously in my opening remarks, Pakistan and Indonesia cooperate on all issues facing the Ummah, including Gaza, within the UN and the OIC. The situation in Palestine is a crucial issue on the agenda of the UN and the OIC and it was discussed.

Regarding participation in the International Stabilization Force – this is a sovereign decision of any country. As far as Pakistan is concerned, such decision has not been taken as yet.

(Saleh Zaafir, The News): Pakistan has opened the border crossings with Afghanistan for the flow of humanitarian aid and assistance into Afghanistan. At the same time, however, the Afghan Taliban Regime resisted this decision taken by Pakistan and has further announced that it would not allow trade between the two countries. What is the latest update on the movement of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan?

Spokesperson: From our end, the aid convoy has been cleared for movement. In fact, we have also demonstrated our willingness to provide seamless movement of humanitarian assistance. Whether the Afghan Taliban regime wishes to receive this humanitarian assistance or not, is up to them. It would be quite an unprecedented event in the international annals that a state, which is in the need of humanitarian assistance, is refusing it. 

On our part, we are willing to provide humanitarian assistance, primarily as part of our affinity and our care for the brotherly people of Afghanistan to whom we intend no harm.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): I have three questions. Firstly, the Spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during his weekly briefing, made unwarranted comments, once again, on the state of democracy in Pakistan. How do view these comments? Secondly, in your Opening Statement, you mentioned the phone call between our Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister and Foreign Minister of Iran where they looked forward to the meeting in Ashgabat. What is the composition of the Pakistan delegation traveling to Turkmenistan? When are they expected to travel to Turkmenistan? Thirdly, the US has formally notified Congress of a proposed $686 million upgrade and sustainment package for Pakistan's F-16 fighting Falcon Fleet. How does Pakistan view this development?

Spokesperson: On the statement by the Spokesperson of the Indian MEA on democracy in Pakistan, India’s own sources have criticized their democracy, their democratic system, the level of the parliamentarians that are elected to the Indian legislatures, the electoral malpractices, and so on and so forth. So, this is a never-ending debate which I do not wish to prolong further. 

Regarding your second question, a high-level delegation is expected to travel to Turkmenistan. We will share the details in due course.

The US $686 million package for upgradation of Pakistan’s F-16 fleet is part of our regular defense cooperation, which we welcome and continue to look forward to expanding our multifaceted ties with the US.

(Raziq Bhatti, Kashmir Express): Yesterday, the International Day for Human Rights was celebrated and on the same day, an elderly woman from Budgam in the IIOJK traveled a long distance to meet her son incarcerated in a remote prison. There are several such instances where prisoners are barred from meeting their relatives in the IIOJK. A report due from the UN is yet to be published on this issue as well. At what level is this issue of human rights violations being discussed? Secondly, US President Donald Trump offered to mediate the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Has this offer been followed up with any progress? 

Spokesperson: Yes, I have seen this very heart-wrenching picture of a mother traveling very far from the occupied Budgam in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to see her son. This incident is just the tip of the iceberg. 

Hundreds, if not thousands, of Kashmiris in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir are facing arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions, and the innocent child of this lady from Budgam is one of them. The UN Special Procedure mandate holders, the experts of the UN Human Rights Council, just a few weeks ago, issued a press statement raising serious concerns that 2800 individuals were arrested, detained in the wake of the punitive measures in the wake of Pahalgam Incident.

These human rights violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir continue to grow and have assumed a serial proportion. Not just arbitrary arrests and detention but torture, house demolitions, persecution of local people, through cordon & search operations, arrest and imprisonment of human rights defenders, like Khurram Parvez – these alarming developments have continued unabated. 

The UN Human Rights machinery, they remain seized on the human rights situation in IIOJ&K. The UN published two reports in 2019, and 2020 on the situation of human rights in Jammu and Kashmir. This matter has been regularly updated in the reports of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. 

This year, the High Commissioner for Human Rights presented his oral updates to the Human Rights Council, reflecting the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Yesterday was another important occasion where it was the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR), which was adopted on 10th December, 1948. If you look at the timing of the adoption of UNDHR by the United Nations in 1948, the situation of Jammu and Kashmir in 1948 had a lasting imprint on this document. The call for right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people in certain ways influenced the framing of UNDHR. In 1948, the topmost agenda of the UN Security Council was Jammu and Kashmir. The United Nations adopted its first resolution on Jammu and Kashmir in January 1948 and its second resolution in the same month. If you look at the record of the Security Council in 1948, Jammu and Kashmir was discussed at length, and this is the time when the UNDHR was also being finalized in the United Nations. 

So, the unfulfilled right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is, indeed, on the agenda of the UN Human Rights machinery and international human rights organizations. Pakistan would continue to extend its moral, diplomatic, political support to the Kashmiri people in order to realizing their full human rights, particularly the right to self- determination in accordance with the UN resolutions.

(Sardar Shaukat, Islamabad Today): Eight Agreements/MoUs were signed between Pakistan and Indonesia during the recent visit of the Indonesian President to Pakistan. When is the implementation phase of these agreements expected to commence and once it takes place, what would be its implications for Pakistan’s economy? 

(Islamuddin Sajid, Anadolu Agency): Reference to defense cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia was also made in the outcome documents of the President’s visit. Has Indonesia expressed its interest in the purchase of JF-17 Thunder planes from Pakistan? 

Spokesperson: On the question on MoUs/agreements, eight MOUs were signed during visit of the Indonesian President. I believe, the implementation begins immediately and there are various ways of following up on these agreements. There is the bilateral diplomatic channel, then there are commissions, including economic commissions at the ministerial level. Indonesia is an important trading partner of Pakistan. It is our gateway to East Asia and the ASEAN. So, you would see, in the coming days, that progress on this issue would follow soon. 

On defense cooperation, as I mentioned earlier, this issue was not just discussed in the delegation-level talks between our Prime Minister and the Indonesian President, but it was also followed up in the talks between the Indonesian President and our Chief of Army Staff & the Chief of Defense Forces. 

The defense cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia comprises a variety of sectors, including cooperation in particular equipment, training and joint exercises. As regard the particulars of exact platforms and equipment, I do not have any information. 

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): I have three different questions. Firstly, the President of Pakistan, in his statement on SAARC day, suggested the inclusion of important regional countries, like Iran and China, in SAARC as part of the plan to revive this regional organization. My question is if any progress has been made by Pakistan, along with China and Bangladesh, in this regard? If so, would this entail the formation of a new organization like BIMSTEC? Secondly, our Interior Minister handed over certain papers to the British High Commissioner in Islamabad, and then he had a meeting with his counterpart in the UK on extradition of certain individuals from the UK to Pakistan. Does Pakistan share an extradition treaty with the UK? Thirdly, there was a lot speculation around the rescheduling of the visit of the Indonesian President which reflected that India played a role in the visit’s delay. However, the Joint Statement on the visit mentions the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, that too after a long time. How do you view this development?

Spokesperson: The President's statement on SAARC Day was substantive and detailed. Pakistan regrets that SAARC and its processes continue to be blocked by India. This is not the first time that India has blocked the SAARC process. In the 1990s, you would recall, India similarly stalled the SAARC Summit and back then the reason given by India was not Pakistan but another country. The Indian blockade of SAARC process is regrettable. We hope that the SAARC process would be revived soon. 

Moving to your question about Pakistan, China, Bangladesh – Pakistan supports multilateralism – we are unwaveringly committed towards it. Any initiative that aims to strengthen development, prosperity and regional connectivity in South Asia and beyond, Pakistan welcomes that. 

With regard to your question on extradition treaty – as of now, there is no formal extradition treaty between Pakistan and the UK. However, in the absence of a formal treaty, the extradition cases can be processed on a case-to-case basis. Some of these cases, as you mentioned, were submitted to the British High Commission in Islamabad for their consideration. I will refer you to Interior Ministry for further details. 

Regarding your third question on the Indonesian President’s visit and the resulting Joint Statement, I would not comment on any rescheduling of the visit by the Indonesian President. Jammu and Kashmir is on the agenda of the United Nations as well as on the agenda of the Security Council and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) of which Pakistan and Indonesia are members. The decision adopted by these organizations, obviously, have Indonesian support and endorsement. Jammu and Kashmir is also part of our bilateral exchange, and hence it was reflected in the Joint Statement. 

Jammu and Kashmir is an unsettled, legally recognized, UN-mandated, international dispute under international law, and its status is reaffirmed by its reflection in the international documents, coming out of multilateral organizations as well as bilateral exchanges.

(Mona Khan, Independent Urdu): There have been media reports which state Bangladesh’s intent on the formation of a new group in the region with Pakistan, without India. So, are we expecting a new bloc in South Asia?

Spokesperson: I have not seen the statement that you are referring to. However, Pakistan remains committed to multilateralism, and, as I mentioned in my previous answer, we have unwavering commitment towards multilateralism and connectivity. Any proposal coming out of Bangladesh on this subject would be seen in the same positive spirit.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): You have responded to Mr. Tahir Khan’s question on Afghanistan regarding written guarantees from Afghanistan. So, following the attack on 11th November in Islamabad as well as on 24th November in FC camp Peshawar, our government, specifically DG ISPR and the Minister of Interior, claimed that perpetrators of both incidents were Afghan nationals. A month has passed after the attack in Islamabad attack while more than 15 days have passed after the attack in Peshawar. Have we shared any documented evidence with the Afghan Taliban regime and India, whose role was also complicit in these attacks? Have these perpetrators been identified? Secondly, you have raised concerns regarding the violations of human rights in Kashmir, but let me draw your attention to the latest report by the Pakistan Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances which has stated that 55 new cases of missing persons were registered in Pakistan and dead bodies of two missing persons were also discovered. Social media and human rights activists are being harassed on a daily basis in Pakistan, do you not think that there is a double standard that we are raising voices on human rights violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, but are not setting our own house in order?

Spokesperson: With regard to sharing the evidence with Afghanistan, I am not privy to the details or the level of communication, but, I believe, that our diplomatic missions are working. Certain exchanges may have taken place, particularly with regard to the involvement of Afghan nationals in the incidents that you referred to and their possible handlers in Afghanistan. 

On your question in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K), you are faced with a situation of illegal occupation, lack of proper judicial remedy and scores of oppressive measures. I think we cannot equate it with the situation of IIOJ&K anywhere outside the occupied territory because of its unique context and applicability of relevant International Law, including International Humanitarian Law. 

With regard to the cases of enforced disappearances or any violations that you have mentioned, I will refer you to the Interior Ministry and relevant departments. To the extent of our domestic and our foreign policy projections on these issues, our domestic remedy, domestic institutions remain vibrant where these issues can be addressed.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Terror attacks emanating from Afghanistan into Pakistan and the subsequent efforts that have been made to resolve this issue, how much breakthrough been made in this regard between Pakistan and Afghanistan? Secondly, Israel provided drones to India. Is there any chance of India using these drones to attack Pakistan through Afghanistan? 

Spokesperson: On Afghanistan, I have already responded comprehensively. 

As for defense cooperation between Israel and India, we have also expressed our views on it. Whether Israeli drones and other equipment were handed over by India to Afghanistan, particularly the terrorist elements there, is a matter of investigation. Considering there is an active support to TTP/FAK/FAH by India, such transfer of weapons cannot be ruled out.

(Allah Noor Wazir, Mashriq TV): The Chief of Army Staff & Chief Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, addressed the issue of terrorism yesterday, where he stated that India supports terrorism in Pakistan. Does India, in any way, support terrorism in Pakistan? If so, what evidence does Pakistan have? Is Pakistan planning on taking this matter up on any international forum?  

Spokesperson: India’s support for terrorism in Pakistan is significant. We have documented evidence on India’s support to terrorism in Pakistan, which we have also shared with international organizations and with individual countries. Kulbhusan Jadav is a living example of this support. We have other tangible examples of Indian involvement like the Jaffar Express and bombing elsewhere in Balochistan. 

This documented evidence, with supporting pieces, videos, telephone calls, has been provided to international organizations, UN counterterrorism bodies and individual countries. Terrorism is a menace which were committed to eliminate from its very roots. There should be no doubt about our resolve on tackling this menace.

(Waseem Abbasi, Arab News): Pakistan's Finance Minister, Mohammad Aurangzeb, is in Saudi Arabia to attend the Global Development Finance meeting on the sidelines of which he is expected to hold bilateral meetings with the Saudi leadership. What are the latest developments on Pakistan-Saudia Economic Framework agreement? Have any pledges for investment materialized yet?

Spokesperson: The Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Economic Partnership is solid and firmly rooted in various agreements/understandings. Certain initiatives were taken during the visit of our Prime Minister to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that are being materialized. There are individual investments on which our SIFC and our Board of Investment are working.

With regard to the exact agenda of our Finance Minister’s exchanges with his Saudi counterparts or with the international presence in Saudi Arabia, I will refer you to the Ministry of Finance.

(Saleh Zaafir, The News): In continuation to the question posed by Mr. Abdullah Mohmand, I would like to know that, from Pakistan's perspective, how do you compare the situation of human rights between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Pakistan and India? 

Spokesperson: This is a weekly briefing on which I update you on week-to-week developments. The question you have asked require detailed deliberation. I think, you should have a seminar on this in the Press Club, where I would be very happy to join you.

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Pakistan and Afghanistan signed a ceasefire agreement in Istanbul which was concluded after the peace agreement from the first round was unsuccessful. With cross-border terrorism continuing to emanate from Afghanistan with the same intensity, like a similar incident in Chaman two days ago, does the ceasefire agreement still stand? Secondly, many TTP terrorists were killed in an operation conducted in Panjshir. What details can you share on this development?

Spokesperson: As I have stated before, this ceasefire is not a traditional ceasefire that takes place between two states. We gave a detailed response on this in the briefing two weeks ago. The ceasefire is violated when terrorist attacks continue from Afghanistan, the onus of which lies with Afghanistan. There is no material change in the last two weeks whereby I can say that the situation with regard to ceasefire has improved. In fact, it may have deteriorated over time.

With regard to incident in Panjshir, I have no information on that. 

(Syed Asif Ali, Din News): According to reports by the Indian media, Oman is providing 20 Jaguar fighters to India. In its 60 years history, Jaguar has always been used against Pakistan in every operation by India, especially during the Kargil War. It also has the capability to target navy ships. India has maintained that Operation Sindoor is not over and Indian Generals have stated that Karachi will be the target of the next operation. How does Pakistan view this development, especially considering that Oman, being a brotherly Muslim country of Pakistan, is giving these fighter jets to an enemy state as a gift?

Spokesperson: I have seen these reports. I believe that these were the uncommissioned, unflyable, inoperable Jaguars given to India.

If Oman had certain spares, which were not in use by that country, and it handed them over to another country – this is an exchange between the two countries. Pakistan remains firmly seized on the threats emanating from India, i.e.: threats to security and strategic stability. We remain prepared to tackle such threats. 

Here I would like to add that Oman is a brotherly country. It can expand its relations with other countries. Pakistan and Oman have active dialogue and strong fraternal, brotherly relations. If this situation merits any serious concern from Pakistan, it would be raised with Muscat in due course.

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News): The US Embassy in Pakistan has announced US investment of $1.25 billion for mining in Reko Diq, Balochistan. It has announced an additional investment of $2 billion for the project which is expected to create jobs for 6000 Americans. Will these Americans be stationed in Balochistan? What details could you share on this investment and the jobs that it would generate? 

Spokesperson: We are aware of this announcement made by the US side yesterday. Foreign Investments in Pakistan are welcome, and in the same spirit, we welcome this investment. 

With regard to its details, dispensation, how this investment would be utilized, I would refer you to the SIFC, Board of Investment, or Ministries dealing with mines and minerals and Economic Affairs Division.

***