Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim undertook a State visit to Pakistan from   2-4 October 2024. 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held important conversations with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The two Prime Ministers also co-chaired the Malaysia-Pakistan High-Level Business Dialogue, which witnessed active participation from a diverse group of Pakistani and Malaysian businesspersons.

Bilateral discussions covered a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest including those being faced by the Muslim Ummah. The two sides agreed to strengthen institutional mechanisms to enhance bilateral dialogue and cooperation including on economic and trade issues.

A notable highlight of the visit was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on trade cooperation and telecommunication capacity building. The two sides also agreed to enhance aviation cooperation with four additional weekly flights between Pakistan and Malaysia. Additional Foreign Secretary (Afghanistan and West Asia), Ambassador Ahmed Naseem Warraich led the Pakistan delegation to the 6th meeting of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan held in Moscow on 4 October 2024.

In the joint statement, the Moscow Format countries expressed deep concern over the security situation in Afghanistan, noting the continued threat posed by terrorist and separatist groups to global and regional stability. They emphasized the need for Afghanistan to take comprehensive measures to combat terrorism and prevent its territory from being used against neighbouring countries and the wider region. 

Pakistan strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attack near the Karachi airport last night, which claimed the lives of two Chinese engineers while injuring another. We extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims, and offer prayers for the swift recovery of the injured.

This barbaric act will not go unpunished. Pakistan’s security and law enforcement agencies will spare no effort in apprehending the perpetrators and their facilitators. This act of terrorism is an attack not only on Pakistan but also on the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China. We will bring to justice those responsible for this cowardly attack, including the Majeed Brigade. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in close contact with the Chinese Embassy for coordination and facilitation. Pakistan and China are close partners and iron-brothers, united by a bond of mutual respect and shared destiny. Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions in Pakistan, and will continue to work hand in hand with our Chinese brothers to defeat the forces of terror.
As we complete a year of Israel's war on the people of Gaza, we honour the 42,000 lives lost, overwhelmingly women and children. 

Pakistan remains deeply concerned about the starvation and genocide of the people of Gaza. The past year has seen Israel's indiscriminate and horrifying attacks on civilian targets, including hospitals, schools, and shelters.

This week, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on Khalifa Ben Zayed school in northern Gaza, the mosque in Deir Al Balah in central Gaza and the refugee camps in Jabalia and Tulkarm. These attacks, which claimed the lives of innocent civilians, including children and women represent egregious war crimes being committed by Israeli occupation forces with impunity.

As we reflect on the last year of the conflict, we call upon the UN Security Council to act decisively and impose an immediate and permanent ceasefire protecting the people of Gaza. Israel shall be held accountable for its war crimes and crimes against humanity. 

Pakistan is deeply concerned at the recent developments with respect to IIOJK, as a Tribunal handling matters under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), has upheld the Indian Home Ministry’s decision to extend the ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) as an unlawful association for an additional five years. We also remain concerned at the continued incarceration of the leader of JKLF, Mr. Yasin Malik, who has been framed in fictitious cases and is facing a death sentence.

We urge the Indian authorities to immediately release Mr. Yasin Malik, and lift ban on JKLF and other outlawed political parties.

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.

Now an announcement

A high-level Saudi delegation, led by Minister for Investment Engineer Khalid Bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, will visit Pakistan from 9 to 11 October 2024. The delegation comprises representatives from a wide spectrum of Government agencies and private sector entities.

The Saudi delegation is scheduled to meet with the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan. This visit is aimed at lending positive impetus to enhanced bilateral cooperation and mutually rewarding economic partnership.

The visit comes in the follow-up of the understanding reached between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, HRH Mohammad bin Salmanin April 2024, to enhance economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan will host the Twenty-third meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member States from 15 to 16 October 2024 in Islamabad. CHG is the second highest decision-making body of the SCO.

In his capacity as the current Chair of CHG, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will preside over the upcoming CHG Meeting. We expect high level participations from SCO members; the observer state of Mongolia; Turkmenistan as a special guest; and representatives of the international organizations including Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and European Economic Community (EEC).

The CHG meeting will discuss cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, environment, socio-cultural linkages as well as reviewing the performance of the Organization. The leaders will adopt important organizational decisions to further enhance cooperation among SCO member States and approve the budget of the Organization.

Since becoming a member in 2017, Pakistan has worked consistently and constructively to strengthen good neighbourly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation among SCO member States. Hosting of CHG by Pakistan reflects the abiding commitment of Pakistan to the purposes and principles of the SCO Charter and the values of “Shanghai spirit.”

I thank you all!
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(Naveed Siddiqui, Dateline Islamabad): Ma’am, we have seen yet another security lapse last night in Karachi, which killed two Chinese nationals. How do you see this incident on eve of SCO moot, since Chinese side has been urging Pakistan for the joint mechanism for the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan?

Spokesperson: I just made a statement on this very unfortunate incident. Pakistan is deeply concerned at the developments of last night. We condemn the terrorist attack that took place in Karachi and claimed the lives of both Pakistani and Chinese nationals. Pakistan has said that this barbaric act will not go unpunished. We remain in contact with our Chinese brothers, both in Beijing and in Islamabad. Pakistan and China are close partners and iron brothers who have always stood by each other. We will work together to defeat the forces of terror and to defeat anyone who is an enemy of Pakistan-China friendship and whoever has any designs against Pakistan’s security, Pakistan’s safety and Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.

(Rashida Sial, AbbTakk): Would you welcome India’s decision of participation of Indian Minister of External Affairs in SCO as after many years Pakistan will be hosting a high-level visit from the Indian side? What are our expectations regarding the relations of both the countries beyond SCO? Will this visit be enriching?

Supplementary (Aghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International):Ma’am, has this decision been officially intimated by the Indian side that their Minister for External Affairs will participate in the SCO conference instead of Prime Minister Modi?

Supplementary (Anwar Abbas, 24 News HD): Is there any chance of sideline bilateral meeting with Mr. Jaishankar during his visit to Pakistan?

Spokesperson: Okay, we have seen the announcement regarding the participation of the Minister for External Affairs of India in the 23rd Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. We have also received an intimation officially with regards to this visit. As the chair of Shanghai Cooperation Organization Heads of Government Meeting Pakistan is ready to welcome all members of SCO. 

Regarding your question about bilateral meetings, I would like you to refer to the remarks made by the Indian Minister for External Affairs on 5th of October, in which he maintained that his visit was meant for a multilateral event, and not for discussing Pakistan-India relations. These remarks are self-explanatory.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): I have got three questions, first with SCO, do you have confirmations of the list of people, level of participation, number one, and number two is with regards to the attack last night on the Chinese nationals. Has there been an official high-level contact at prime ministerial level, or at the foreign minister’s level, or the foreign secretary level, with the Chinese side taken into confidence by their counterparts?

Spokesperson: At this point, I’m not aware of high-level contact of the leadership of the two countries. However, contacts have been established at senior levels, both in Islamabad and in Beijing, through our respective Heads of Missions. As for the SCO Meeting, we are not in a position to announce the participation at this stage.

(Noor-e-Aimen Zahra, Talon News): Ma’am, as we witness the escalation of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Afghan authorities claim that the situation is leading toward huge decline in their trade sector. Any comments on it?

Spokesperson: I have not seen the statement that you are referring to. However, we believe that it is important for the two sides to take confidence building measures that contribute to enhancement of trade and mutually beneficial cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The statements coming from Afghanistan like the one which was released yesterday are not helpful for the atmosphere of confidence and cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is therefore important that Afghan authorities make efforts to improve the rhetoric that is coming from their side, and to take measures against those terror groups which continue to threaten Pakistan’s security and have found hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan.

(Kiran Butt, The Khorasan Dairy): Ma’am, on September 30, there was an official statement from Afghanistan’s Foreign Office where they said that the training of the terrorists who were involved in the terror attacks in Bamyan and Kabul and in an attack on their Directorate General were held in Balochistan, Mastung. Secondly, Pakistan and Afghanistan reportedly held sideline meetings at Moscow format which is reported on their official media channel today. What was the agenda of that meeting and was the security issue discussed?

Spokesperson: On your first question, I would like to reject the statement that has been made by the Afghan side, with regards to the terror attacks that took place in Afghanistan. The fact is that the Afghan authorities are unable to control these terror groups, which are a threat to their own security and to the security of Pakistan. It is important that instead of pointing fingers elsewhere, they focus on fighting these terror groups that continue to act with impunity inside Afghanistan and that continue to threaten the security of the region, the security of Afghanistan and their neighbours. On your second question, I am not in a position to share the details of the sideline meeting that you are referring to. However, Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to discuss, whenever they have bilateral meetings, all areas of bilateral concern, including Pakistan's concerns relating to terror groups that have found sanctuary inside Afghanistan.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, Interior Minister has also stated in his press conference that the recent protest of Afghan nationals is alarming and many of them are arrested as well. He has announced to develop a strategy regarding this situation. What is the strategy that Pakistan is making regarding Afghan nationals who were born and raised in Pakistan?     

Spokesperson: Regarding your first question, I think this question pertains to the Ministry of Interior. They will be sharing details about the plans to defeat terrorism and to counter any foreign individuals that break Pakistani laws.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, Dr. Zakir Naik is banned in India and now he is on a visit to Pakistan. Is he on a state level visit or any other entity has invited him? And what is the agenda of his visit?         

Spokesperson: Dr. Zakir Naik, as far as I understand, is in Pakistan to deliver lectures and engage with people from different walks of life. We are not aware of any specific agenda regarding his visit. Secondly, there are no cases against him in Pakistan so he is free to visit Pakistan. With regards to his visit details, you may like to consult his office or the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): I have two questions regarding SCO. Number one, since the Chinese Prime Minister is also coming in the context of SCO; there has been a pattern that around every high-level visit between Pakistan and China, we witness terrorists attempt such activities. Can you share why the security apparatus was not vigilant, especially as the conference was coming up? 

Supplementary(Jiang Chao, Xinhua News Agency): I have noted a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry earlier this morning regarding the terrorist attack against the Chinese nationals where it said that we remain resolute in bringing to justice those responsible for this cowardly attack, including the Majid Brigade. Does this mean that you confirmed that the attack was directly carried out by BLA and its affiliated Majid Brigade?        

Spokesperson: The specific details about the investigation and the attack that took place last night will be shared by our law enforcement agencies, and they will be in a better position to share with you all the details that you are seeking. Pakistan is committed to fighting responsible individuals, those who attacked the Chinese convoy yesterday, those who attacked Chinese nationals in the past, and whoever is committed to fighting or killing the Chinese nationals on Pakistani soil. Pakistan has expressed its deep concerns about the activities of Majid Brigade and their involvement in terror attacks in Pakistan and their attacks against Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Further details will be coming from the Ministry of Interior.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Since Shanghai Cooperation Organization Heads of Government meeting is a subject of foreign policy. That's why I'm asking this question. The whole government told us that this recent political activity in D-Chowk was aimed to derail this SCO Summit. So, does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs now believe that the threat from the mob is over, and now it's all okay for hosting and arranging SCO heads of government meeting in Pakistan?
    
Spokesperson: Pakistan is ready to host the SCO Heads of Government meeting. We are ready to welcome all our distinguished guests and to make their visit and stay in Pakistan as comfortable as possible. With regards to the security around the conference, that is a top priority of the Government of Pakistan. Measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of all guests who visit Pakistan for the SCO heads of government meeting.

(RashidaSial, AbbTakk): The attack on the Chinese is a national issue not a provincial issue and such attacks are not new. So, what will you have to say about security lapse because the timing of Chinese national’s flight was also known by the attackers? Why security was not provided especially when we have SCO Summit coming up? Previously we used to talk about Indian involvement in such attacks. Now that the Indian Minister for External Affairs is participating in SCO, will we again talk about Indian involvement and will it affect his participation in SCO?

Spokesperson: As you know this event took place late last night. Our security agencies will be sharing details about the attack and the measures which are being taken to apprehend those responsible. Our security agencies will also be sharing information with regards to the attackers and their sponsors.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): A Hindu priest, Yati Narsinghanand passed remarks against the Holy Prophet (PBUH), what is Pakistan’s response regarding this?

Spokesperson: We strongly condemn the provocative and sacrilegious remarks regarding the Holy Prophet (PBUH), made by a Hindu priest, Yati Narsinghanand. The remarks have gravely hurt the feelings of the people of Pakistan and Muslims around the world. We urge the Indian authorities to hold the priest in question to account and take immediate action to curb the growing tide of religious intolerance and hate speech targeting Muslims in India.
(Sumaira Khan, Samaa): Ma'am, my question is pertinent to both SCO and the last night attack as well. You can take it as a follow up. Are we thinking about requesting the diplomats who are stationed in Pakistan to confine or limit their activities across Pakistan, their visits across Pakistan, until after the SCO? Do you think that we will be able to cope up with the situation? Because if the last night attack happened, will there be more attempts against foreign nationals in Pakistan, and specifically I'm asking this keeping in view the security of foreign diplomats.

Spokesperson: We have not issued any such advisory to foreign diplomats stationed in Pakistan. As I said in my previous briefing, they are our guests, and the Government of Pakistan will ensure their safety and security. We will also facilitate their work in terms of movement across Pakistan. There are guidelines in place and with these guidelines being implemented, we are confident that we can find a positive mechanism for the smooth functioning of the diplomatic community in Islamabad.

(Danial Kublai Khan, CGTN): We have unconfirmed reports that the Gwadar International Airport will be inaugurated virtually when Chinese Premier visits for the SCO meeting. Is it because of security concerns? You said just now that foreigners are free to move around Pakistan. But why then are we going to have a virtual inauguration of the airport if security is an issue?

Spokesperson: We have, as you know, this Ministry has a tradition of making announcements prior to any high-level visit. At this point, we have not announced the programme of the honourable Premier of China in Pakistan, and any activities that will be taking place when he visits Pakistan. You can ask this question after we have made that announcement.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Ma'am, coming back to Afghanistan, I understand you made a statement earlier this morning and called it interference in Pakistan's domestic affairs in response to the Afghan side urging Pakistan to negotiate with the protesters. Now historically, we've seen that such statements are also followed by formal summons of the diplomats, be that be in the case of the US administration or European administration, and even Afghan side. Has there been a summon or an official diplomatic protest, beyond the statement that you made on this particular matter?

Spokesperson: As you know, this statement came out yesterday. As far as I understand, until the time I came to the podium, such an interaction has not taken place.

(Abdul hadiMayar, Hum Pashto 1): Russian foreign ministry has decided to remove Afghan Taliban from the list of terror groups. How does Pakistan as a partner of Russia in the region seeking this step. Will Pakistan make some positive move towards the geo-economic approach to the Afghan issue?

Spokesperson: Number one, we are talking about the Afghan interim government in Afghanistan. Pakistan has diplomatic ties with the ruling dispensation in Afghanistan, and we believe that this engagement is important to resolve issues of mutual concern, including the concerns that Pakistan has with respect to the activities of terror groups inside Afghanistan. With regards to the decisions taken by any other country, I have no comments to offer on that.

(Syed Asif Ali, Din News): A comprehensive security plan was constituted between China and Pakistan in which some SOPs were formed previously when 5 Chinese nationals were killed. Do you think that those SOPs should be revisited and do you think any SOPs were violated yesterday?    

Spokesperson: With regards to last night's terror attack, investigations are underway, and all aspects of the breach of security protocols will be considered and investigated. The details will be announced by the Ministry of Interior.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): In view of recent situations in Middle east, Israel is indiscriminately using its powers. The Secretary General of UNSC has been banned from entering into Israel and has been declared a persona non grata. What is the significance of United Nations and OIC in the course of such situations?

Spokesperson: Regarding your first question, Pakistan condemns any measures that hinder the functioning of United Nations and its agencies in occupied Palestine. The United Nations has a specific role under international law of upholding peace and security and of providing humanitarian support to the people under occupation, and in that respect, we urge the international community to take measures to protect that role of the United Nations. We also welcome the decision by the UN Security Council offering its full support to the UN Secretary General. 

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News HD): Ma’am, it has been one year Gaza war. More than 40 thousand people have been martyred. After Palestine, Lebanon is also facing Israeli atrocities. Do we officially accept Israel as a terrorist state? 

Spokesperson: I think on that Pakistan has been very vocal. We believe that the Israeli actions inside Gaza and other occupied territories of Palestine constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, and there are specific rules and stipulations under international law for those who are responsible for war crimes. And we call on the international community to hold Israel to account for its war crimes, crimes of genocide and the crimes against humanity.

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News HD): This is regarding the visit of 12 Ambassadors to Swat and a tragic incident that occurred. Foreign Office was looking for those who bypassed foreign office SOPs. What are the updates on this matter?

Spokesperson: That process is underway, and we will be able to share more details at a subsequent briefing.