Ladies and Gentlemen Assalam o Alaikum!

I welcome you all at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

I will begin with a roundup of the activities over the past week.

From 23–24 February, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif undertook an official visit to Qatar, at the invitation of the Ameer of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. 

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with His Highness the Emir of Qatar. The two leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. They expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of political engagement and underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. His Highness the Ameer reiterated Qatar’s commitment to a deepening economic partnership to a higher strategic level. 

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful resolution of disputes. The visit reflects the shared resolve of Pakistan and Qatar to further solidify their robust partnership and translate their strong political ties into tangible economic outcomes. His Highness the Ameer graciously accepted the invitation to visit Pakistan. The visit shall take place later this year.

During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud Al Thani, also called on the Prime Minister. The two sides discussed bilateral cooperation in defence and security and the ongoing collaboration between the armed forces of the two countries. H.E. Sheikh Saoud appreciated the professionalism and expertise of the Pakistan Armed Forces and conveyed Qatar’s interest in deepening defence partnership between the two countries. 
The meeting reflected the shared resolve of Pakistan and Qatar to further elevate their strategic partnership across all areas of mutual interest.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar is on a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 26–28 February 2026 to participate in the Extraordinary Ministerial Session of the OIC Executive Committee. We issued a Curtain Raiser to this visit yesterday. 

As you know, the meeting has been convened to consider the illegal decisions of the Israeli occupation authorities aimed at expanding settlements, pursuing annexation, and attempting to impose Israeli sovereignty over the Occupied West Bank.

In the Ministerial Session, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister will share Pakistan’s perspective on the latest illegal measures by Israel to convert areas of the Occupied West Bank into so-called “state land.”

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, while in London, spoke with Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov. The two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation, regional & international developments, including the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington, D.C., which they both attended. They agreed to maintain close coordination on all matters of mutual interest.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with Dr. Khalil ur Rahman, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, felicitating him on his recent appointment. Both leaders expressed desire to further strengthening bilateral ties, with a shared vision of peace, stability, and prosperity. They also agreed to expand cooperation across diverse sectors and in multilateral fora, building a forward-looking partnership for the peoples of Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine—along with the secretariats of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), League of Arab States (LAS), and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—strongly condemned remarks by the U.S. Ambassador to Israel suggesting it would be acceptable for Israel to control territories belonging to Arab states, including the occupied West Bank.

They described the comments as dangerous, inflammatory, and a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter, warning that they threaten regional security and stability. 

Secretary Generals of the Arab League and the OIC and a host of countries including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Brazil, France, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Egypt, the Luxembourg, Norway, Palestine, the Portugal Qatar, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the Türkiye, and the UAE. We condemned in the strongest terms a series of recent Israeli decisions that introduce sweeping extensions to unlawful Israeli control over the West Bank. Changes are wide-ranging, reclassifying Palestinian land as so-called Israeli ‘state land’, accelerating illegal settlement activity, and further entrenching Israeli administration.
 
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(Nimra Sohail, PTV): Sir, this month marks 19 years of Samjhauta Express tragedy and the victims of this tragedy are still awaiting justice. What are your comments about it?

Spokesperson:     Yes, you are right. This is 19th anniversary of Samjhauta Express Terror attack, in which scores of civilians, including Pakistani civilians – 68 in total including 44 Pakistani nationals were killed. We express our severe disappointment at Indian Government's callousness towards the plight of the families of the Pakistani nationals and others, including Indian nationals I believe, who await justice even after the passage of so many years, 19 years. This callous response confirms India's role as an official and political accomplice in the heinous terrorist attack carried out on its soil against innocent civilians, Pakistanis and others alike. In this regard, the Government of Pakistan condemns the shameless acquittal and exoneration of all four perpetrators: Swami Aseemanand, who publicly confessed being the mastermind of the heinous attack, Lieutenant Colonel Purohith, a serving Indian army officer, and one Sadhvi Prayaga Singh Thakur. 

We are alarmed that the Hindutva extremism and saffron terror that had motivated this inhumane attack 19 years ago has intensified manifold under the current regime in India. The Government of Pakistan demands a fair trial of the perpetrators and abettors of Samjhauta terrorist attack be brought to justice. The families of innocent Pakistani nationals mercilessly killed at the hands of the Hindutva motivated extremist deserves justice.

Let me add that India routinely indulges in anti-Pakistan propaganda, including by exploiting the bogey of terrorism. And in this backdrop, India's own systemic exoneration of the perpetrators of Samjhauta terrorist attack is yet another example of Indian duplicity and state sponsorship of terrorism against Pakistan.

(Zafar Malik, The Mainichi Japanese): My question regarding Prime Minister visit to Qatar, there were reports that the basic purpose was although one of the agenda point was to indirect communication with the Afghan government after recent clashes. So what are your comments

Spokesperson: The Prime Minister's Office has issued a detailed press release on the meeting that took place. I have also briefed you on this subject. The regional issues were discussed, including possibly Afghanistan. This is what I can confirm at this stage.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News):    Two questions. You just talked about bogey of terror from India, when Pakistan, in its self-defense, had strikes against terror camps inside Afghanistan. The Indian External Affairs Ministry (MEA) issued a statement which, in fact condemned Pakistan. So when so many voices, they are raising concerns about Pakistan, self-defense rights that was exercised duly. What's your comment? Sir, my second question is that on the sideline of the Board of peace meeting in Washington, five countries, they have committed the troops for ISF. So whether Pakistan is actively considering or waiting for the question that Marco Rubio said, we owe certain answers to Pakistani question, what is the status of our decision, sir, thank you.

Spokesperson:    On your question regarding the Indian MEA’s statement: we completely reject India's statement. In fact, the statement vindicates our stance that India continues to aid and abet terrorism in Pakistan through its support for BLA, the Fitna Al Hind and other terrorist organization in the region. We possess concrete evidence of India's involvement in sponsoring and abetting terrorism. India's MEA’s statements (that you referred and, also the statement that Indian MEA made after the terrorist attacks in Balochistan) reinforce this conclusion. These statements provide an additional evidence, circumstantial evidence, of India's complicity in promoting terrorism in Pakistan. 

As regarding the second question about ISF troops: I gave a detailed response last week; no decision has been taken as yet from Pakistan.

(Saifullah, Khyber News): My first question is, Pakistan military has been successfully defending the country's border amid ongoing tension with Afghanistan, and the Foreign Office also has actively demarche the Afghan Ambassador to signal Islamabad position, not that these measures have been taken. What additional diplomatic steps could Pakistan pursue to further address the situation with Afghanistan? My second question is given the reports of internal divisions within Taliban, is Pakistan currently engaging in dialogue with any specific fraction? Additionally, is there any level of contact or engagement between Pakistan and the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan?  

Spokesperson:    First on Pakistan's military response: we will respond swiftly, strongly in exercise of our right to self-defense. This message has been put across through all international stakeholders. As regards taking international community and other foreign governments and entities into confidence, there are two tracks of this engagement. First is the, the bilateral trade, where we engage with the countries, particularly Afghan neighbors with which we have bilateral/trilateral dialogue mechanisms on these issues. So, these issues are taken up there.  Secondly, as you are aware, the UN Security Council's Counterterrorism Committees, both on Al Qaeda and Taliban Sanction Committee are also seized of the matter and this matter is routinely discussed there. You must be following our statements made at the Security Council. We demand action against these terrorist outfits of operating with impunity and with freedom from Afghan soil.

On your question regarding dialogue: I am not aware of any structured dialogue. In terms of people-to-people relations, we have nothing against the people of Afghanistan. The contentious issue is the terrorist outfits who operate in Afghanistan, and the official support and impunity being offered to that terrorism. As regards the people of Afghanistan, we respect them, and we have traditional historic linguistic ties with them. We do not wish any harm to Afghan people.

(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News):  Two part of question, as you just referred that PM House statement speaks of Afghanistan being discussed during the visit of Prime Minister and Field Marshal. I wish to know is Qatar going to play any diplomatic role to overcome this role between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and is Pakistan prepared to accept any role of Qatar in the arena of diplomacy. In the second part of my query is that two global acknowledged terrorist, Netanyahu and Modi, they spoke of a six countries Alliance against whom that is quite understandable. I wish to have your comments about this nefarious proposal.

Spokesperson:    Let me answer, first of all, on the role of Qatar, the issue may have come up in a broader context. As I said, our two leaders, His Excellency, the Prime Minister and His Highness the Amir exchanged views on regional and national developments, emphasizing the importance of dialogue diplomacy and peaceful resolution of disputes. To that extent, of course, we would welcome Qatar's role in settling all these issues, including Afghanistan.

As regards the statement from Israel on so called alliance of six countries: we have followed this development. In this regard, I would also like to draw your attention towards the resolution adopted by the Senate of Pakistan that strongly condemned such remarks and attempts to undermine the unity of Muslim Ummah. So we continue to condemn these provocative steps and statements by the leadership of the occupying power that threaten regional and national peace and stability. 

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Sir, yesterday, Reuters issued a story quoting an intelligence official that the communication Pakistan side has received by Afghan side has told that the law-and-order situation in Pakistan is going to get worse. Need your comments on this. Secondly, sir, previously we saw that Pakistan has conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan, approximately 6 to 7 times but the situation would normalize after the strikes, marking reduction in terrorism activities. It can be noted this time after the strikes, the intensity has worsened there are growing terror activities in Pakistan for example, in KP there are such incidents occurring on daily basis and in Balochistan too. So, has your strategy worked out? If not, then what would be your next move? 

Spokesperson:    On threatening statements from Afghanistan: these are quite discouraging and disappointing. Pakistan has taken action against terrorist outfits based on verifiable intelligence. Precision strikes were carried out in response to the terrorist attacks, the most recent one in Bajaur and Bannu. Beyond that, we remain cognizant of the threats that emanate from Afghanistan. The security forces, law enforcement agencies remain vigilant, and we would work to ensure the safety and security of our people.

As regards the substance of these Afghan statements, we can totally reject them and emphatically point out to our own readiness to face this threat. The difference between the last time and this time that you mentioned – ever since Taliban took over power, certainly in the last 12 to 18 months, terrorist attacks have increased. And this point out to our assertion that terrorists operating from Afghanistan conduct attacks against Pakistan. I would not quantify the amount of terrorist attacks taking place now with anything that took place previously, four or five months before. What we can say is that we remain seized of this threat, and our forces remain vigilant and working to ensure the full security of our people.

(Mateen Haider, GTV News): Thank you, Mr. Spokesperson. I have two questions. One, situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) is alarming, and once again, there have been massive human rights violations by Indian security forces. Three more Kashmiris have been killed over there. So, what are your comments on these fresh atrocities?

And second, there have been reports that Pakistani diplomats and Ambassador in Kabul have been asked by Afghan authorities to leave. Would you confirm? What is status of our Embassy, our Diplomat, and also what measures are being taken for their safety and security in the aftermath of aid strikes? Their lives must be in danger. So what is position of government of Pakistan vis-a-vis the security of our diplomats? Thank you

(Raziq Mehmood Bhatti, Kashmir Express): What are your comments on inhumane atrocities by India in Kunan Poshpora in IIOJK? 

Secondly, on 5 February 2019, unjust imposition of articles by India to unlawfully take away the possessions of Kashmiris in IIOJK, now there are reports that buildings are being forcefully evacuated in other cities of India as well. Under which article India is doing this? 

Spokesperson: Firstly, let me sum up the two questions on Kashmir, and then I can come to your second part of your question on safety of Pakistani diplomats in Afghanistan.

The Indian state terrorism continues in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan strongly condemns this extrajudicial killing of three Kashmiri youth by the Indian occupation forces and a fake encounter in the Kishtwar district of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. 

The Kashmiri youth were taken into custody, killed, and their bodies were mutilated, marking yet another grim episode in the disputed territory and another manifestation of India's unabated state-sponsored terrorism in the Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where fake encounters, custodial killings and the desecration of bodies have been routine practice to suppress the Kashmiri people's legitimate struggle for self-determination.

This also relates to the second part of the question about the Kunan Poshpora, which is etched in our memory as an episode of grave violation of the rights to life, and indeed of the crimes committed against women in IIOJK. This Kunan Poshpora incident has been documented extensively by the UN Human Rights machinery, by the International Civil Society working in the areas of human rights. The perpetrators of this heinous crime remain at large, and no justice has been done. We would continue to knock on the conscience of the international community, the UN Human Rights machinery and other civil society organizations and individual countries which have strong positions on the issues of human rights and the rights of women, right to life – these are a series of rights that have been abused in the Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir. 

We would urge the international community, including in the United Nations, the Human Rights bodies and global media to take cognizance of these escalating and past and present human rights violations taking place in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, hold India accountable for its actions, and take decisive actions for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir disputes in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. 

On a Mateen Sahib’s question about the safety and security of Pakistani nationals: Yes, this has been an issue of priority in exchange with Afghanistan. We expect foolproof, complete security to our diplomats stationed in Kabul and elsewhere in Afghanistan. Pakistan takes the safety and security of Afghan diplomats in Pakistan and Pakistan very seriously. We expect the same seriousness from Afghan authorities in providing complete security to our diplomats and officials who are present in Afghanistan. I would also add Pakistani nationals, our people who are working with the aid agencies, international NGOs/organizations as well as those who are there as businesses, as students in this list – complete security must be ensured to all Pakistanis present in Afghanistan.

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Andrabi Sahab, Prime Minister is visiting Russia next week. What will be agenda of talks with President Putin, will the topics of Afghanistan and Gaza be discussed as well? 

Spokesperson: About the Prime Minister’s visit to Russia, we will inform you in due course. I do not have any information right now. We will inform you in due course about the dates and agenda.

(Allah Noor Wazir): Current situation of human rights in Pakistan was discussed in the British Parliament. Founder of PTI were also discussed in the parliament. What message Pakistan will convey to the world, particularly to the British parliament on human rights conditions in Pakistan. 

Secondly, US President Donald Trump stated that he solely saved 35 million people, particularly the life of Prime Minister of Pakistan during Indo-Pak conflict of May 2025. He also stated that Pakistan downed 11 Indian fighter plans. Is Pakistan thankful of President Donald Trump for saving lives of Pakistanis? 

Spokesperson: About human rights in Pakistan: this is a domestic matter of Pakistan. We are party to a number of UN human rights conventions. We fully abide by them. There is a reporting mechanism on human rights that we abide by under these international conventions. Pakistan has a robust Human Rights Commission which is independent and based on recognized principle of the independence of such commissions. We also have commission, for example, on women, minorities and so on and so forth and even at the provincial level. So, there is robust human rights machinery within Pakistan monitoring the situation. Furthermore, there is this concept of domestic remedy, which is available. Whilst we engage in dialogue with our international partners on the issue of human rights, we do make a distinction of not allowing interference in our internal affairs. Such distinction would clearly be stipulated to any international interlocutor as and when required.

Regarding President Trump's statements, I have often expressed my views and our position on the role of US during the 90 hours war is well documented. We have elaborated it a number of times. I would reiterate what I have stated before.

(Abbas Jaffer, Roznama District): Our Foreign Minister is on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia. What is the agenda of this conference will the issue of Afghanistan be discussed there as well?  

And, secondly, tomorrow is 27th February, the anniversary of Operation. Swift Retort. What are your comments and message on this day? Thank you.

Spokesperson: On this visit of the DPM to Saudi Arabia: as I said, this visit is to attend the Extraordinary Ministerial Session of OIC Executive Committee, to consider illegal decision of the Israeli occupation authorities aimed at expanding settlements and annexation in the West Bank. So the agenda of this meeting is Palestine, and this is where this meeting will focus. I do not think Afghanistan is on the agenda.

Regarding Operation Swift Retort: yes, it is an important event not only in our history but also in the chronicles of military history, whereby these planes were shot down, one Indian pilot was in our custody and was returned with magnanimity. So, yes, this is an important event. As much as we observe the anniversary of this event; I am sure the students of military history, particularly the military aviation/military aircraft/Air Force history would also study it in detail. We pay tribute to all our officers, soldiers who took part in the operation. 

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Malik, Asia One News): Regarding the strikes in Afghanistan, we saw that there have been reports of civilian casualties, particularly in Mehsud. That is number one. So your comments on that. Were there civilian casualties over that collateral? and the statement that was put out by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting that mentioned that seven locations or seven strikes were carried out. BA is one of the locations. What about the other six? Is there any confirmed intelligence inputs that you would like to share with regards to the number of terrorists or civilians killed? If you would want to clarify on that, thank you.

Spokesperson: Let me begin by reiterating that the Intelligence-based selective targeting of these seven terrorist camps and their hideouts in Pakistan – Afghanistan border region, were primarily to ensure safety and security of Pakistani citizens and to prevent imminent terrorist attacks against Pakistan, particularly against our law enforcement officials and our civilians living near the border regions. And these actions were proportional, based on careful planning with necessary due diligence, and were directed solely against identified terrorist camps and hideouts. We exercised utmost caution to prevent any harm to the civilians. 

Let me also recall numerous statements from the UN Security Council that condemn terrorist attacks perpetrated against Pakistan, including the latest statement in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks at the mosque in Islamabad on the 6th of February. Security Council (SC) issued a Press Statement on it. These SC statements, the one on the 6th February, and prior to that, the Security Council has repeatedly underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, abettors, sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice. They urged all states to cooperate actively with the Government of Pakistan in this regard. So, our actions have to be viewed in this context. Pakistan remained committed to peace in the region, and calls on the Afghan Taliban regime to comply with these obligations. On its part, Pakistan will take all necessary measures in the exercise of the right to self-defense against terrorist attacks emanating from Afghanistan.

As regards the location of these terror camps, I would refer you to the statements of Ministry of Information on 21st February, I have nothing further to add in terms of either the location or numbers of terrorists killed as a result of these actions. Thank you.

(Waseem Abbasi, Arab News Pakistan): Is Pakistan concerned about increasing defense ties between India and Israel and the pacts are being announced during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Modi to Israel, including this hexagon of alliance with India against axis of terror, as they describe.

Spokesperson: About Israel’s statements, the six states I have already given a response.

On Indian-Israel defense ties, yes, we remain seized of the defense ties between Israel and India, including systems and platforms used by India against Pakistan. We are alive to the threat that they pose to our security and our sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as to the regional peace and stability. Pakistan remains cognizant of these threats. As regards the future threats emanating from India, let me reiterate that we have robust military preparedness to defend and deter any Indian aggression against Pakistan.

(Aamir Saeed Abbasi, Nukta News): I have a question. So, my question is regarding the Canadian PhD scholar Hamza Ahmed Khan. He went missing from Lahore last week, and later he resurfaced with the allegations from the NCCIA that he was facing the allegation of some content on the social media. So, any approach by the Canadian authorities on this, and are you aware of these facts?

Spokesperson: I will refer you to the Ministry of Interior for this.

(Asghar Ali Mubarik, The Daily Mail International): Pakistan is highlighting the terrorist attacks emanating from its western border at different forum. Yesterday, in the UN Human Rights Council, India leveled baseless allegations against Pakistan. Will Pakistan take the matter of terrorism emanating from India and Afghanistan on international forum s American weapons are also being used? 

Spokesperson: I have already answered this question.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Regarding Indian PM’s visit to Israel, voices are being raised against it from inside India. It is also being stated that the agenda of both of these PMs is ethnic cleaning of Muslims. In addition to condemnation, what other options the 57 Muslim countries have when it comes to Kashmir and Palestine? 

Secondly, American Supreme Court has declared additional tariffs as unconstitutional? What are your comments on this?

Thirdly, American President is going to visit China in the month of March. What are your comments?

Spokesperson: If voices are being raised in India on this matter, it means there are some people left in India who still possess conscience and sanity. This is good. 

As regards your other question about the tariff and the US Supreme Court decision, this is an internal matter of the United States.

And as regards United States President’s future visits, I am not aware – when these take place, and when we have the details, we will offer you the comment.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Previously, we witnessed that friendly countries like Qatar and Türkiye, they attempted to have reconciliation between the two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan. So, have we received any signal by any other country after these strikes which we carried out in Afghanistan?

Spokesperson: There is no structured dialogue now of the nature that took place in Istanbul and Doha. There is no structured dialogue as of now, and I am not aware of any new development in this regard. 

Thank you. Thank you very much.