Office of the Spokesperson

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Transcript of the Media Briefing by the Spokesperson

Thursday, 23 January 2025

 

Assalam-o-Alaikum,

 

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

I welcome you all at the weekly press briefing.

 

Last week witnessed a tragic incident of boat capsizing off the coast of Morocco involving Pakistani nationals. So far, 22 survivors have been confirmed as Pakistani nationals on the basis of verified information. Our Embassy in Morocco remains in contact with the Pakistani survivors for any sort of assistance and with the Moroccan authorities to ascertain the identity of any Pakistani nationals involved in the tragedy. I would also mention our gratitude for the excellent cooperation and assistance provided by the friendly country of Morocco. We remain grateful to them. 

 

The Netherlands and Pakistan held the 11th round of the Bilateral Political Consultations in Islamabad on January 20th. The Netherlands side was led by the Secretary General of the Dutch Foreign Ministry, Mr. Christiaan Rebergen, and Foreign Secretary Ms. Amna Baloch led the Pakistan side. Both sides held discussions on a wide range of areas including economic, political, trade and investment, climate change, agriculture, water management, dairy and livestock, education and culture. 

 

This week marked several significant milestones achieved in under our Look Africa Policy. Additional Secretary Africa, Hamid Asghar Khan is currently visiting Africa where he has conducted Bilateral Political Consultations with Djibouti, Rwanda and Uganda. Before these bilateral consultations as is customary, he signed Memorandum of Understanding for regular convening of these consultations on annual basis, with all the three countries. 

 

During the Bilateral Consultations with Rwanda, discussions focused on culture, defense and security, education, science and information technology. Highlight was initiation of MoU on Preferential Trade Agreement. 

 

The fourth round of Pakistan-Azerbaijan Bilateral Political Consultations will be held in Islamabad today. Mr. Elnur Mammadov, Deputy Foreign Minister of Republic of Azerbaijan is visiting Pakistan to lead the Azerbaijan delegation. The Pakistan delegation would be led by our Foreign Secretary. The two sides will discuss the entire range of bilateral relations, including cooperation in trade, energy, information technology, defense, health, connectivity, and education sectors. The two sides will also discuss a range of regional and international issues. 

 

Pakistan welcomes the initiation of the ceasefire in Gaza on January 19, 2025 and the subsequent release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. This milestone was achieved after the patient and persistent mediatory role of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. We urge the international community to develop a concrete plan for reconstruction of Gaza in line with the UNSC Resolutions.

 

We call for accountability of the Israeli crimes committed in this brutal war, considering it as an essential element in restoring international legitimacy. Pakistan continues to support the two-state solution which is based on the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, resolutions of the Security Council and decisions of the International Court of Justice.

 

We unequivocally condemn the latest Israeli raid in the Jenin Refugee Camp of the West Bank resulting in the killing of ten Palestinians. Such actions potentially undermine the precarious ceasefire in Gaza and international community should take note of it. 

 

I thank you!

 

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(Adeel Bashir, Roze News): Can you please elaborate in the context of latest oath taking ceremony of US President, what is the stance of Pakistan? What is the expectation of Pakistan from newly elected President Trump?

 

Spokesperson: We have been discussing this issue in the last briefing also. We welcome President Trump's oath taking. And as I mentioned last time, the American people have spoken, there is a new President, a new administration in Washington. And as I mentioned earlier, Pakistan-US have decades old, very long-standing relations, which we characterize as very important, very critical and very dense also. They cover multiple areas, and we look forward to continuing the positive trajectory of our relations and remain engaged with the new administration.

 

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Sir, American President has issued some executive orders. Now that he has announced the future policies, what would be the status and future of those Afghan refugees about whom the U.S. said not to repatriate them?

 

(Tahir Khan, NNI News Agency):There was a meeting, I think, here and the Foreign Minister posted on X, that discussed the third country resettlement of the Afghan refugees, but there was no other detail. So, could you tell us what was discussed about the cases of the resettlement? Because there is pressure even on the POR card, ACC card and the category of those who want to go abroad, especially after the Trump’s new policy that this repatriation has been suspended for at least three months.

 

(Zeeshan Syed, Neo TV): Sir, regarding the decisions about immigrants after the Trump’s arrival which includes people from Pakistan and several other countries, to what extent Pakistani citizens in America could have faced the problems there or how many Pakistanis could be facing these orders and what diplomatic steps are being taken by Pakistan regarding this issue?

 

Spokesperson: A lot of foreign correspondents are also interested in it. We have an arrangement in place with the United States, by virtue of which it is committed to take Afghans who are in Pakistan to US for resettlement by September 2025. The arrangements are in place. We have, so far officially, not received any further information on this issue. So that's all that I can say as far as we are concerned, that arrangement remains in place. 

 

And about the third country resettlement, the process with a lot of other countries is also ongoing. But what we do note is, at times it appears to us to be excruciatingly slow. What we would want is it to accelerate and to move faster. This is what we emphasize. We are in touch with other friendly governments which want to take Afghans for resettlement to their countries. So, this is an ongoing discussion. And again, just to repeat myself, in the context of the United States, there's a large number of Afghans which have to be resettled. But so far, we continue with the old policy. No new information has been shared with us. We have seen the news particularly the CNN report and other media also. But as far as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is concerned, nothing officially has been communicated to us, so we are working on the same old plan. 

 

About the specific question of meeting held under the chair of the Deputy Prime Minister, this is again to synergize inter-departmental cooperation, and it remains an issue which is not one off, it constantly remains under review. So, this is part of that review, and obviously guidance from the Deputy Prime Minister to calibrate and adjust the policy. But if there is something very new or a departure from policy we will keep you informed about that.

 

5. (Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Sir, I have two questions. Number one, US President Donald Trump has very categorically stated that he will take back the weapons left over by the US forces, which is of around $7 billion. The question is, how Pakistan views such a statement from President Donald Trump, and whether Pakistan will help in repatriation of such huge latest weaponry?

 

My second question is that the neutral expert for the Indus Water Treaty has said that the question regarding the Kishan Ganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects fall within his competence. India has termed this verdict as its win, claiming that it's stance, stands vindicated. How does Pakistan seize this verdict?

 

Spokesperson: About the first question, what I can say is that this is essentially an issue between two governments, which is United States and Afghan interim authorities. But as far as issues of weapons and arms left behind in Afghanistan is concerned, it must be pointed out that Afghan de facto authorities have a responsibility to ensure that under no circumstances such weapons fall in the hands of terrorist groups. And this remains an important concern for the regional countries, and we continue to call for more attention to this aspect. But about US taking back weapons this is something between Afghanistan and the United States. We can't comment on that. 

 

About the second question, we have seen the ruling of the neutral expert and various media commentaries. The matter needs to be put in the right perspective. The decision in question is a preliminary decision of the neutral expert upholding his competence to address the points of difference between Pakistan and India, concerning the Kishan-Ganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects. The neutral expert has determined that he will now move forward to hearing the merits of the case. In his decision, the neutral expert has also referred to the role and competence of the Court of Arbitration that has been constituted by the World Bank on Pakistan's request to hear the above mentioned water disputes and to address some wider questions on the implementation and interpretation of the Indus Water Treaty. It is noteworthy that on 6th July 2023, the Court of Arbitration also upheld its competence to hear the same matter, vindicating Pakistan's position. The Indus Water Treaty is a foundational agreement between Pakistan and India on water sharing. Pakistan remains fully committed to the treaty’s implementation, including its dispute settlement mechanism, we hope that India would also implement the treaty in good faith and in its entirety.

 

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Sir, Pakistan made an application to join BRICS and also discussed this matter with Russia. After the start of second term of the Donald Trump, he threatened the BRICS members and especially talked about imposing economic sanctions and taxes. Will Pakistan stand on its stance? 

 

Spokesperson: Pakistan is formally committed to our application to join BRICS. There is no change in our posture and you know, we have been working with the members, and we think Pakistan could be an important member. 

 

Pakistan brings much to the table if it joins the BRICS. There is no change in our policy. That's what I can confirm to you.

 

 (Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Three questions briefly, firstly, yesterday, in a statement, the Afghan Ministry of Interior has alleged that Pakistan is not just hosting IS terror camps, but is also actively facilitating them through airports in Karachi and Islamabad for onwards training and support operations in Baluchistan and in Northern KPK, so that they can go in Afghanistan and carry out their terror activities. How does Pakistan respond to that?

 

Secondly, US elections, that’s been a topic we've always heard and historically, it takes hours for our Prime Minister to felicitation exchange whenever a new US president has been sworn in. Has a formal letter been written by the Prime Minister yet? 

 

And then third, the Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, was there. We saw footages of him, in what capacity was he in the US? Because the Ambassador was accompanying him. And then he attended an event as well, interestingly, which spoke about new Federal State of China, which essentially goes beyond the preview of the current Chinese regime, does Pakistan officially endorse that take of a new federal state of China while standing in the US from the Interior Minister?

 

Spokesperson: Frankly, we completely reject these allegations. They are not grounded in reality. It's just some kind of a weird propaganda. Pakistan remains a victim of terrorism, and most of my colleagues here have covered terrorism for so long, they know what is happening, and we remain seriously concerned about the sanctuaries enjoyed by TTP in Afghanistan. It remains a source of support, logistics and everything the way TTP is operating. It couldn't do without the sanctuaries it's enjoying in Afghanistan. And we continue to impress upon the Afghan authorities to address this genuine and serious concern, so that our bilateral relations could achieve its full potential as good neighbors. 

 

Secondly, about the letter of felicitations, I'll check - this is customary to send congratulatory letters, but I can recheck and confirm it to you. 

 

The third question about interior minister’s presence in Washington, as some of my colleagues here, approached us after the last briefing about other dignitaries from Pakistan going to the U.S. I'll repeat what I earlier conveyed here: Government of Pakistan was officially represented by our Ambassador, as in the past oath taking ceremonies. That's the first point. Secondly, about the Honorable Minister of Interior going to Washington. Because this has not been processed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I will refer you to the Spokesman at the Ministry of Interior. They can provide you more details. And about this particular thing you mentioned about the federal state of China. I don't have facts, but I can try to check. But as far as Pakistan is concerned, it remains a core principle of our foreign policy to support One China. There's One China, and this principle enjoys unwavering support of Pakistan. There is no question of any ambiguity about it. It's a very clear and emphatic position.

 

(Farhan Ali, Public News):My question is Sir, US State Department, under its new Secretary, did QUAD meeting, inviting leaders from India, Japan and Australia. Indian minister for External Affairs, Jaishankar, also attended Trump inauguration. What is our reaction on the importance Trump Administration is giving to India?

 

Spokesperson: Again, this is something we would continue to fall back to the point of principle regarding relations between two countries. As we don't allow any country to tell us what kind of relations we should have with other countries, so, we also don't try to influence or ask some countries to moderate, modulate their foreign policy. So, this is what all I can say on Indo US relations. But what I can emphasize is that US-Pakistan relations remain very important to us. There's a decades old, robust legacy on which to build and we remain ready to engage with the new administration to take these relations forward.

 

(Syed Asif Ali, Din News): Sir, as the U.S. has announced its policy regarding illegal immigrants, how many Pakistanis are there residing illegally in America and has the U.S. contacted Pakistan regarding their repatriation as India is taking back 18,000 of its illegal immigrants in U.S.?

 

Spokesperson: I'll check. So far, this issue has not come up in our bilateral consultations, but I'll check with the US desk and our Embassy. 

 

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News):The National Accountability Bureau, last day, in a press release, has mentioned that the owner of Bahria Town Malik Riaz is absconder in 190-million-pound scandal, and the Government of Pakistan is reaching to UAE for the extradition of Malik Riaz. So, any development regarding this, and is it possible through legal channels, to extradite Malik Riaz from UAE?

 

Spokesperson: About legality, I am not in a position to comment. I'll have to check from the legal advisor, and also about exact facts, how far this extradition request or where it has gone. I'll get back to you. It's because this needs a precise answer. 

 

(Saqib Ali, Daily Kashmir Times): Sir, yesterday Indian Minister of External Affairs made an allegation on Pakistan of smuggling drugs to India and secondly, he said that Pakistan itself does not want to trade. Your comments. 

 

Spokesperson: I haven’t seen this statement but, narcotics, frankly, our efforts on counter narcotics are globally recognized, and we have been very robustly tackling this problem, so I don't give any credibility to this statement. And secondly, trade is a complex issue. We know the whole history. Minister’s statement appears not to be rooted in reality. I haven't seen the statement.

 

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Sir, I just want to know that why Pakistani Foreign Office does not condemn Turkish occupation on Syrian lands?

 

Spokesperson: Actually, on Syria, our position remains clear. We are following the developments very closely, and we want peace and stability to be restored in Syria. We have long standing relations with the country, and it's a very important part of the Muslim world. We support all efforts to restore peace. The country has seen difficult days, and we remain actively following the developments there, and we hope the peace will be restored. That’s what I can say.

 

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, the Daily Mail International): Sir, after oath taking of Donald Trump, different things are being discussed regarding Pakistan. He once said to play a mediator role on Kashmir between India and Pakistan. Last day, the Prime Minister of Pakistan in his speech in a school said that Kashmiri people are oppressed by India and the tyranny is increasing day by day. Referencing the Army chief’s affiliation, will Pakistan continue its diplomatic efforts? As you have already had the message of mediation from Donald Trump from his last tenure, will you accept this in terms of normalizing the relations between Pakistan and India?

 

Spokesperson: Our position is very clear on the Kashmir issue and as you yourself referenced in your question about increasing oppression in Indian occupied Kashmir which is open and clear to the world. And whoever tries to resolve this issue we would be ready to cooperate. We welcome any efforts for to its resolution. Peace, and progress in the region is only possible by resolving this issue according to the will of Kashmiri people and the resolutions of United Nations Security Council.

 

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Sir, there is a dire issue of human rights between Pakistan and India which is regarding civil prisoners of both countries. There was a Joint Commission for prisoners between both the countries and its earlier meeting was delayed, when is it going to be held now? Similarly, a Pakistani who spent 18 years in Indian jails, has been cleared by Indian courts. This matter is pending till now, why Pakistan is acting slow to get him back to Pakistan?

 

Spokesperson: First of all, this is a very agonizing issue. What I can tell you this is that both the Foreign Office and the Embassy of Pakistan in Delhi are actively working on this. This issue is raised time and again and humanitarian issues are different from the political issues and these can be resolved preferentially which has always been our effort and desire. But this whole issue is not in our control but we are ready to cooperate in every way. I can also tell you that this issue is raised regularly on diplomatic level between both countries. Every meeting is not necessarily announced or the press release of the meeting is not issued. On the behalf of our Government, I can tell you that we are ready to resolve this issue as soon as possible considering it a humanitarian issue. But if there are more details about the specific issue, I’ll get back to you after checking the facts.

 

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Sir, on the same prisoner’s issue in the UAE, they are not providing exact numbers of prisoners to Pakistan despite good diplomatic relations with UAE.

 

Spokesperson: Vienna Convention on consular relations governs these issues. It has happened in some of our friendly countries that when the Embassy approached for details about prisoners some of the prisoners for example did not want to share their details with the Embassy. What I can convey is that consular matter including looking after the welfare of Pakistanis and helping Pakistani nationals and prisoners remains our top priority. As you mentioned about the Senate hearing, we are regularly asked about these issues by the Parliament and we provide detailed responses including highlighting our efforts. All our Embassies compile and maintain detailed database of Pakistani prisoners abroad. However, I will check and get back to you on the question of prisoners in UAE. 

 

(Sara Zaman, VOA): Can you share data on how many Afghans are waiting in Pakistan to be resettled into the United States this year, and also, how many did the US take last year? So, any data you can share on that? And I just wanted clarity, because I think I heard you say that the commitment with Washington is that by September, all of the Afghans awaiting repatriation will be sent to the US. So, did I hear you correct?

 

Spokesperson: Yes, by September 25, 2025. On the first question I need to check, because there are multiple agencies involved. We have within the headquarters, two divisions dealing with it. Then there is Interior Ministry, and then there are provincial governments. But let me check. I don't have the numbers right now.

 

(Aamir Saeed Abbasi, Nuqta News): Sir, Elon Musk Company’s Starlink intends to conduct business in Pakistan. They are engaged with the local authorities on this matter but they are facing the Security Clearance issue. Is this issue being solved diplomatically as well or is this issue being looked through security lens only? Also, do US based companies face these issues frequently and are issues are resolved on diplomatic level as well? 

 

(Zain Zaman, AFP): Sir, yesterday, there was a hearing in Senate, in one of the Committee of Senate on Telecom, they demanded Elon Musk to apologize to Pakistan over his remarks where he alleged it were Pakistani citizens which were involved in UK's groom gang scandals. Would Foreign Office also demand similar apology from him? What is your take on that? 

 

Spokesperson: About the Starlink issue, I would refer you to the Ministry of IT. They can comment better on this issue about how far this is going, or what are the procedures, and what are the impediments. And secondly, diplomatically, this so far, it's not part of our conversation, but companies facing problem in any country, the embassies take it up. This is a regular thing, and the challenges could range from change in the rules, taxation, structure, some land issues, anything can come up. So this is part of the regular interaction. But if there is an issue being raised, there is nothing extraordinary about it. About the other question. I haven't seen the Senate proceedings yet, so I cannot offer any comments

 

(Aun Sheerazi, Such TV): Sir, my question is whenever a big development takes place in the world, Pakistan proceeds carefully at diplomatic level. But Pakistan’s Interior Minister attended the oath taking ceremony of the US President and when the Spokesperson of Foreign Affairs is asked question regarding this, he refers this question to Ministry of Interior. So did the Interior Minister contacted you and you briefed him as he was going on an important event and the meetings he is having, how much you are onboard? 

 

Spokesperson: Number one, the ministers travel abroad with the permission of the Prime Minister. This is his prerogative. The meetings he is having were not planned by our Ministry, so for details, I will again refer you to Ministry of Interior.

 

(Rizwan Abbasi, Daily Ausaf): Sir, a few days ago, Foreign Minister held a meeting regarding resettlement of Afghan nationals to third countries. What is this suggestion and how much progress has been made on this? 

 

Spokesperson: The resettlement to third countries, there are quite a few countries which have plans for resettlement of Afghans who had been employed by their embassy or their forces. It's not just the US; there are several other countries also. Numbers for each country varies from large number, to hundreds or couple of dozens. So this is an ongoing process. There is movement on this track. But what we feel is at times, it appears to us that the process is slow. We want it to be faster. And then, of course, when such complex process takes place, there are always challenges, the procedural challenges, logistical challenges, and legal challenges. So this meeting was part of that regular government review of the whole process. Nothing extraordinary about it, and the Deputy Prime Minister was able to provide guidance. But this is part of a routine government coordination activity. 

 

(Almas Haider Naqvi, Daily Dunya): Sir, my question is about the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Since Pakistan is the most vulnerable country affected by the climate change, so how Pakistan sees this development?

 

Spokesperson: Pakistan remains one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change and accords high priority to international cooperation in tackling the growing climate change based on the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. Pakistan recognizes the importance of Paris Agreement in addressing challenges posed by climate change, including in the context of COP 29 milestone agreement on mobilizing climate finance of $300 billion annually for climate action in developing countries. This support is necessary for vulnerable developing countries to advance their ambitious climate action through finance, technology, development and transfer & capacity building support. Pakistan has been and will continue to call on all members of international community to engage in a sustained multilateral cooperation under UNFCCC and Paris agreement to address the common threat posed by climate change. That's all I can say. We remain committed to the Paris Climate Change Agreement Pakistan. I can speak about Pakistan. And we think that this is an issue which needs collective action. It can't be addressed by one or a small number of countries. Every country has to be able contribute to this process.

 

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Thank you. In some official notes sent by the Pakistani Mission in Rabat to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I'm quoting these minutes, documents in which they mentioned it, our official met with Mohammed zahrein, a high ranking official hosted by the Morocco Ministry of Interior in Dakhla and he informed Pakistani mission, the authority that they have cited another boat carrying people dead bodies around 200 kilometer offshore. So the list of survivors and dead bodies will increase in the next few days. Are there any updates? 

 

And the second question, they have asked for $100,000 for the transportation of dead bodies and survivors. Who will be responsible for this Minister of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Interior? Thank you.

 

Spokesperson: You know, I can't comment on internal correspondence of the government. What I can tell you is, the journalists were under pressure from their editors and the survivors, families of the survivors, to get more information, and I understand we couldn't, you know, be as prompt as journalist friends wanted. Given that it's a very sensitive issue we wanted to be 200% sure that we give accurate data. So there were layers of confirmation, reconfirmation, and finally, we also got it rechecked through our internal databases before we could confirm that first 21 then there was one more individual identified survivor. These are the survivors. Again, I'll request seek your indulgence and patience on sharing of details. But again, our limitation remains that we want to be absolutely certain to the extent possible. We can't afford that we give the news of someone surviving, and God forbid, that the facts are otherwise. So this is one of the impediments. We are following it and we are working on it. But the other logistic problem, you have to keep in mind that Dakhla is 22 hours drive from Rabat. It's like a fairly far away place, but our team is already deployed there and working that I can confirm to you.

 

(Mateen Haider, G News): I would like to seek your comments on Human Rights Watch Report 2024 which presented a highly critical picture of Pakistan vis-a-vis human rights, freedom of speech, political freedom, and all these things. I need your comments on it. Thank you.

 

Spokesperson: Human rights, of course, is a very important issue for us. Fundamental human rights are guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan. And about the reports, of course, no country has a perfect record, but our commitment is unwavering, unshakeable, and it remains a top priority for the government. We are party to most of the core human rights conventions. Recently, last year, 2024, our report was examined by the Human Rights Committee, which is the treaty body for International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. We engage with civil society, media and our critics. But again what I can tell you is that human right remains an important priority and government remains committed to promotion and protection of human rights. 

 

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Thank you so much. Earlier this week, there was an awkward situation when the UK police brought back illegal migrants, deported migrants, and the Pakistani FIA refused to accept them, resulting them to be flown back to the UK. The Prime Minister has also ordered an inquiry into the matter. Would you want to confirm the incident? That is number one and number two? What is the mechanism of bringing such devotees or sending such devotees back to their home country?

 

Spokesperson: I'll have to answer check on this, because normally there is a lot of back end coordination, which takes place, everything is confirmed, before the returnees are brought in. We have for example, EURA agreement with the European Union which is working effectively. For such specific incidents, I need to check and of course, we wait for the inquiry, if it has been ordered. But what I can tell you is that there are very few such incidents which have taken place. Otherwise, this return process is very smooth. It could have been a glitch, some lack of coordination at some point. But I need to check the facts and get more details on that.

 

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Sir, keeping in view, the recent increase in tension between the border regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan, what is the latest status of Pak-Afghan working relationship and Pak-Afghan relations? Thank You.

 

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Pakistan handed over dead bodies of terrorists, who were killed in Pakistani territory to Afghan authorities. Do you have data of such terrorists? And will you inform us that are there dialogues being conducted through any back door channel as Pakistan will provide dossier to international community regarding terrorist activities conducted against Pakistan? 

 

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Thank you so much. The ISPR on a press statement on 21st January said that an Afghan national was involved in terrorism on the 11th of January in Zhob district. He was identified. He was involved in terrorism as well, and then they subsequently released his credentials as well to confirm the veracity of his nationality. Has the matter been taken up officially with the Afghan side through diplomatic channels, to stop this incursion of Afghan nationals, you know, disguised as Visa seekers and what not, involved in terrorism activities in the country. Thank you. 

 

(Zeeshan Syed, Neo TV): Sir, a post is being shared by journalists on social media that indicating a threat alert to Pakistani politician Mohsin Dawar in which TTA has paid 14 Crore to target killers for Mohsin Dawar’s assassination. Normally, Pakistan raises such issues with Afghanistan on diplomatic level; will this issue be raised with Afghan authorities as well? And first, the normal militants fighting against Pakistan were harbored in Afghanistan so now they will harbor political assassinators as well? What will be the consequences?

 

Spokesperson: Khawaja Sahab, I will start from your question. I also explained in the last briefing that Afghanistan is a neighbor of Pakistan. We have diplomatic relations. There is a senior diplomat, Afghan diplomat posted here, and we have a very distinguished senior diplomat working in Kabul as Charge d’ Affaires. I also explained that in the context of our relations contact are multi layered. They are ongoing, and there are multiple channels which are working, which is normal, between two states and two neighbors particularly.

 

And about the terrorism problem, you are aware of it, our position on this issue that we have been taking it up on all channels, and we have been impressing upon the Afghan side that this problem has to be tackled by them. And the TTP enjoys sanctuaries in Afghanistan, which is a source of serious concern for Pakistan, for stability, for our security, and also it imperils the future growth of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations and it negatively impacts the overall stability of the region. About the Zhob incident, I would refer my colleagues to ISPR. 

 

About threats of Mr. Mohsin Dawar I'll have to check through our own government agencies, departments, what is the reality because I've seen this on social media, but I don't have any details. And obviously, such a thing is condemnable, we condemn it. If there is any grain of truth in this, we would aggressively take it up. 

 

(Mateen Haider, G News): Mr. Spokesman, yesterday, huge quantity of most sophisticated arms and ammunition was detected. A truck loaded with 1000s of bullets and weapons were seized by Pakistani security forces, and these weapons were to be used for terrorism purpose in different parts of Pakistan. Although through military channel, a strong protest was lodged, and this is a serious development. I need your comments on why such incursions are taking place, militants are crossing border. Our security forces are filing these attempts, and also now weapons are making entry into Pakistan. Your comments and all these things are serious threats to the security and sovereignty of Pakistan. Thank you. 

 

Spokesperson: Again, I'll refer to my earlier statements, and this is one more demonstration of the threat we have been flagging, or the concern we have been flagging. Our security forces remain alert. This problem is ongoing. One is the military track.  Our forces are working robustly on counter terrorism and law enforcement track, and, of course, the diplomatic track on which we will continue to impress upon Afghan authorities. This is another demonstration of what we have been arguing and saying. So, this is something which we will continue to impress upon Kabul to tackle this problem of the sanctuaries enjoyed by terrorists on the Afghan territory.

 

(Adeel Bashir, Roze News): At Washington DC, in the building of Congress, both the Republicans and Democrats were briefed on 26 November events that occurred at D-Chowk, Islamabad. Members of Amnesty International were also present and the topic was “Human Rights Crises in Pakistan”. Members of Congress said Pakistan needs internal stability and a system in which political opposition is not jailed. Do you think this event that occurred was violation of human rights or is it American interference in Pakistan’s domestic affairs? 

 

Spokesperson: On the specific incidents that you are referring, our position is well known, and I would again refer you to the Ministry of Interior on the specific incident you want to get the government response. I can refer to the point I made earlier that we remain committed to a robust and strong Pakistan-US relations and at the same time, based on the principles of international law which calls for non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. This is part of the principles on which interstate relations are shaped. 

 

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Shafqat Sahab, I want to know that in addition to banned TTP, is TTA, which is in power in Afghanistan, is also involved in terror activities in Pakistan at individual or at organizational level? Thank You. 

 

Spokesperson: What we have been emphasizing is the threat posed in Pakistan by TTP. That's something which is well-documented and which we have been raising with evidence with the Afghan side. It enjoys sanctuaries there, and it remains a source of obviously a legitimate and serious concern for Pakistan, and we are determined to tackle this problem on the diplomatic track, and also through actions of our law enforcement agencies and counter terrorism operations. 

 

(Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): Donald Trump took oath as the US President three days ago. Who was officially invited from Foreign Office and Government in the ceremony? 

 

Spokesperson: I have said it before; our Ambassador in Washington, as in the past, represented the Government of Pakistan, in the oath taking ceremony of the new President.

 

(Tahir Khan, NNI News Agency): Sir, you said now and in last briefing as well that Charge d’ Affairs is posted in Kabul. My question is, why he have posted Charge d’ Affaires in Kabul when in comparison to Azerbaijan, China, Iran and Uzbekistan who have posted Ambassadors there? Is this a technical issue that Afghan Taliban government is not recognized by anyone or we want to appoint someone of this level or Charge d’Affairs is equivalent to an Ambassador? 

 

Spokesperson: To the last part of your question, Charge d’Affairs is not an Ambassador. If you look at developments, first all countries posted Charge d’ Affairs and Charge d’ Affairs of many countries are still posted there. Only some countries, upgraded the status of Cd’A to Ambassador. Still those countries who posted Ambassadors say that this is not full recognition. After observing the events in coordination with international community, we will consider changing the status of Charge d’ Affaires. As long as our diplomatic relations is concerned, they are active at multiple levels. Meeting of Charge d’ Affairs at Foreign Ministry and other ministries in Kabul and Islamabad is ongoing. Communication, conveying of messages and assessments is ongoing.

 

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Sir, after recent developments, peace process has started in Gaza. Pakistan played a prominent role in OIC and raised the issue of Gaza on other forums. Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also played an important role on this. Development process will commence in Gaza. Pakistan already sent medical and other supplies. Is Pakistan physically present for reconstruction of Gaza or is it interested in this matter or talks have commenced on this regard?

 

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Sir, ceasefire agreement has been signed and implemented in Gaza but at the same time an Israeli operation was conducted at Jenin in which more than 10 Palestinians have been martyred. Does Pakistan see this as violation of ceasefire agreements? Thank You. 

 

Spokesperson: I have already replied to the last question. Regarding first question, we welcome Gaza ceasefire and our position remains clear. We already sent our relief supplies but they could not reach the recipients due to Israeli blockade. Now the supplies are en-route to the people of Gaza. It is our wish and we support efforts to convert the temporary ceasefire into permanent ceasefire. When situation normalizes Pakistan will cooperate and help its Palestinians brothers and sisters whenever the opportunity arises.

 

(Rashida Sial, Abb Takk News): CM KPK Ali Amin Gandapur has announced that the province will engage with Afghanistan by sending a delegation. What is Foreign Office’s stake?  Can a provincial government engage in a dialogue with an international government? Secondly, senator Mujahid Hussain Syed said that PTI lobbyist in Washington have more influence than Pakistan diplomats and Pakistani Foreign Office. How do you see this statement?  

 

Spokesperson: On your first question, our policy is evident. Pakistan has always been pursuing friendly bilateral relations with Afghanistan. I am not aware of the particular plan of engagement of Chief Minister KPK. The standard procedure is that two central governments engage diplomatically and if we receive suggestions from a province we will update you.

 

Regarding your second question, this is the honourable senators personal opinion but I of course don’t agree with that.

 

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