Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

I welcome you all at the weekly press briefing. 

The 7th Pakistan-Tajikistan Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific-Technical Cooperation was held in Islamabad yesterday. It was co-chaired by Minister for Energy (Power Division), Awais Leghari and Minister for Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan, Jum’a Daler Shofaqir.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, education, and tourism. They discussed the importance of devising mechanisms to boost bilateral trade, remove barriers, and establish a Joint Coordination Committee on Transit Trade under the Tajikistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement. Connectivity and energy projects between Pakistan and Central Asia were also discussed. 

Pakistan and France held productive consultations in Islamabad on UN Security Council matters. The consultations were co-chaired by Director for UN affairs of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Béatrice Le Fraper du Hellen and Additional Foreign Secretary (UN & OIC) Ambassador Syed Haider Shah. 

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral cooperation and dialogue and working together for international peace and security. As members of the UN Security Council, Pakistan and France will constructively engage with each other in strengthening multilateralism and addressing global challenges.

Pakistan welcomes the UNGA resolution of yesterday demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza; and removal of restrictions against UNRWA in its aid operations in Gaza strip and West Bank.

We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Palestine; end to genocide in Gaza; protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure; unrestricted humanitarian access to those in urgent need, full support to UNRWA and its mandated humanitarian activities and healthcare to those in urgent need. We also urge the international community to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes and crimes against humanity in occupied territories.

Pakistan is deeply concerned at Israeli aggression against Syria; it’s illegal seizure of Syrian territory and widespread destruction of Syrian infrastructure and civilian and military installations. This assault on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria is a grave breach of international law. 

We express support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and reject Israeli acquisition of territory by force. We reaffirm our support for the UN Security Council Resolution 497, which declares Israeli annexation of the Golan Heights “null and void and without international legal effect.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our Missions in Syria and Lebanon remain actively engaged to facilitate repatriation of Pakistanis in Syria. ‘

Around 475 Pakistanis including around 250 zaireen have crossed the Syrian border into Lebanon. They will be transferred from Beirut to Islamabad. We appreciate the support extended by the Government of Lebanon in facilitating the safe return of the stranded Pakistani nationals from Syria.

In this week of commemorating 77 years of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we express our solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir who continue to suffer widespread human rights abuses by the Indian occupation forces. This year’s theme for the Human Rights Day, “Our rights, our future, right now,” is especially relevant for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). We urge India to end the suppression of the rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people who shall be able to exercise their right to self-determination, as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions.

I thank you!

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(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): You have just condemned Israeli aggression against Syria. How Pakistan views the current dispensation in Syria? Various groups have come to power in Damascus, Syria, and Bashar Al Assad has fled to Russia. How does Pakistan view as a principle of policy, whatever is happening in Syria?

Spokesperson: We are following the developments in Syria and are concerned about the escalation in violence. We express full support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Syria. The Government of Pakistan has always supported efforts aimed at finding comprehensive solution to the crisis in Syria. Any solutions to the situation should correspond to the aspirations of the Syrian people for their security, stability and development. It is the right of the people of Syria to determine their own future and make decisions about their destiny. We also support efforts for an inclusive political process, envisioned under resolution 2254, which was unanimously approved by the UN Security Council. 

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar has shared yesterday on the floor of the house in Senate  that some diplomats have expressed their concerns regarding deaths of protesters in PTI protests at D-Chowk during their meetings with the DPM/FM. What countries those diplomats belonged to? And what did they say?

Spokesperson: I would not like to explain or interpret the statement that has been made by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on the floor of the house on domestic developments.

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Madam, who will represent Pakistan in the upcoming conference of D8 being held in Egypt? Will the Prime Minister participate in the conference? Secondly, what is the agenda of the conference this year? 

Spokesperson: Yes, Pakistan will be participating in the D8 summit being held in Cairo on the 19th December 2024. Pakistan will also participate in the D8 Council of Ministers Meeting. The theme of the 11th D8 Summit is “investing in youth and supporting SMEs – shaping tomorrow's economy”. The D8 Summit will also have a special session on humanitarian crisis and reconstruction challenges in Gaza and Lebanon. As a founding member of D8, Pakistan supports the agenda of D8 and will work for success of this Summit. You should wait for further announcements with regards to Pakistan's level of participation in the summit.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Ma'am, Yesterday, the Foreign Minister, in his tweet, expressed deep shock over the death of Khalil Haqqani, who is a UN listed terrorist. He has also said in his tweet that Pakistan remains in contact with the Afghan side and we are ascertaining more details. Can you shed light on the policy statement that the Foreign Minister made with regards to a UN designated individual? Secondly, what details is Pakistan ascertaining from the Afghan side, particularly on this matter?

Spokesperson: Yes, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister has expressed shock at the incident. We believe that any terror activities for whatever motive shall be condemned, and Pakistan unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In our engagement with the Afghan authorities, we were seeking details about the circumstances of this event.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, is Afghanistan and its current government responsible for continuous terrorist activities in KP and Balochistan provinces of Pakistan? Also, which countries are helping Pakistan in its fight against terrorism?
 
Spokesperson: Pakistan is deeply concerned at the activities of terror groups and entities that endanger the lives of Pakistani nationals, and we condemn any individual, entity or sponsor that support these terror activities. If you have seen the recent statement that came out of the meeting of the Federal Apex Committee of the National Action Plan, you would recall it has expressed concerns about foreign sponsors of terror groups in Pakistan. It is a major concern of Pakistan about support of terrorist individuals and entities received from any foreign entity.

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Ma’am, is there any back channel communication with Afghanistan on the issue of terrorism? Because Pakistan has been vocal in showing its concerns about the matters related to terrorism for a very long time. 

Spokesperson: I have said this multiple times, Pakistan and Afghanistan have direct channels of communication. We continue to discuss all matters of mutual concern. The issue of terrorist threat that Pakistan faces remains on bilateral agenda between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

(Noor Aiman, 365 News): Ma'am, some Pakistani nationals have reached Pakistan from Syria and more are on their way back. So how the Pakistani government is facilitating them? 

Spokesperson: Our embassies in Syria and Lebanon are fully engaged in this repatriation process. Our embassy in Syria, despite the difficult circumstances, brought the Zaireen and other Pakistani nationals to the border with Lebanon. Our embassy in Lebanon received these Pakistanis from the border and brought them to Beirut. They will be brought from Beirut to Islamabad shortly.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Maam have the matters relating to TTP and other terrorist groups been discussed during the meeting of Foreign Minister with the Charge d' Affaires of Afghanistan?

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Two parts of the same question, an extension to what Zeeshan just asked. The Pakistani Head of Mission met the Afghan Defense Minister. So should the meeting between the Afghan Charge d' Affaires and the Pakistani Foreign Minister be seen as a reciprocal meeting? Secondly, was the issue of the repatriation of Afghan nationals or with regards to the NOC that has been much talked about by the Inspector General of Islamabad police, by the Interior Minister, discussed during the meeting? 

Spokesperson: First, the meeting of the Afghan charge d’ Affaires with our Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister was a courtesy meeting. Pakistan has always advocated for engagement and constructive dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The request from the charge d’ Affaires of Afghanistan for a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister was made some time back. And so the meeting took place recently. Secondly, both these meetings between our Deputy Prime Minister and the Charge d’ Affaires and between our Head of Mission in Kabul and the Defense Minister of Afghanistan, are an expression of Pakistan's interest in dialogue to resolve any issues that arise from time to time and to find constructive approach and solutions to issues, including issues that are of serious concern to Pakistan. 

Regarding your second question. I'm not aware of the discussions on the particular issue you have raised. I would like to underline that any individual, any foreign national, when they defy Pakistani laws, they are treated under Pakistani laws. It is not an issue on the bilateral agenda between countries. This is the issue of applicability of Pakistan's laws. This is our position with respect to foreign nationals involved in illegal activities in Pakistan.

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Madam US President’s oath taking ceremony is going to take place soon, has any Pakistani dignitary been invited in the ceremony? 

Spokesperson: I’m not aware of any invitation at this stage.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): We've been listening from you madam that Afghan authorities or the Interim Government should hand over all the TTP and other terror groups. But today, maybe I personally felt it that the tenor is different today, when you talk about Afghanistan. Is there any forward movement about the concerns of Pakistan regarding terror groups inside Afghanistan? There were reports that they may be shifted somewhere away from Pakistani borders. Is there any positivity between the two countries regarding Pakistan’s concerns?

Spokesperson: Pakistan's concerns with regards to the terror groups, which have found hideouts inside Afghanistan and are operating with impunity against Pakistan remain on the agenda between Pakistan and Afghanistan. We have always emphasized dialogue to resolve these issues. We expect Afghanistan to ensure that these terror groups do not pose a threat to Pakistan's security.

(Aftab Jahan, News One): Ma’am, after the orders of Supreme Court, the Government of Pakistan was supposed to conclude an agreement with the Government of Kenya on exchange of prisoners in follow-up of the investigation of Arshad Sharif Case. Yesterday this agreement was supposed to be signed between Pakistan and Kenya. Has the agreement been signed? What provisions will this agreement have regarding Pakistani prisoners in jails in Kenya?

Spokesperson: Issues relating to agreements of Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) are the purview of the Ministry of Interior. They take a lead on these discussions. So, I would invite you to contact the Ministry of Interior about the status of this agreement.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): It is reported that next year a freight train will be started between Pakistan and Russia. Any updates?

Spokesperson: Pakistan and the Russian Federation remain engaged in enhancing trade, connectivity and economic cooperation. Further details may be sought from the relevant ministry.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, from which countries and in what amount Pakistan is receiving financial assistance for its fights against terrorism. Also, Donald Trump in his previous tenure posted a number of tweets about giving 33 billion dollars to Pakistan to support its fight against terrorism. Does Pakistan still expect that it will receive any financial assistance from the upcoming U.S administration for its fight against terrorism?

Spokesperson: I cannot recall the exact text of the particular tweet that you are referring to, but Pakistan believes that it is in the mutual interest of Pakistan and the United States to continue our dialogue and cooperation on issues relating to terrorism and transnational organized crime. These issues remain a priority for Pakistan in its engagement, not just with the United States, but with other countries as well. We will continue to discuss security and counter terrorism matters with friendly countries.

(Raziq Mehmood Bhatti, Daily Kashmir Express): Ma’am, have the dates for the visit of Parliamentary Kashmir Committee’s visit to London been finalized? Is Senator Ishaq Dar leading the delegation? Secondly, what are your comments on the arrest of several women in IIOJK and raids and operations conducted on the office of Syed Ali Gillani?

Spokesperson: With regards to any parliamentary visits, I would refer you to the Parliament of Pakistan. Furthermore, as per practice, when we have any announcements regarding visits, we bring it to the media. At this point, I'm not in a position to make any announcements about any upcoming visit of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Regarding your second question, Pakistan remains concerned about the high handedness of Indian authorities in IIOJK and the suppression of Kashmiri people, the illegal confiscation of property, illegal and enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests of Kashmiris on fictitious grounds.

(Naveed Ahmed Khan, Daily Spokesman): Ma’am, this is the third time that North Korea’s Ambassador to Pakistan will be assuming office in Pakistan but our Ambassador to North Korea has not been posted in North Korea for quite some time. What is the reason behind it?

Spokesperson: There is no specific reason except some personnel and administrative considerations and the fact that during COVID the Embassy of Pakistan in DPRK was closed down for administrative reasons. This situation stays the same. Pakistan has diplomatic ties with the DPRK and their ambassador is welcome to be posted in Pakistan.

(Zeeshan Syed, Neo TV): Ma’am, the Apostille certificates issued by Pakistani Foreign Ministry are not accepted in some foreign countries, especially in European countries, and Pakistanis face problems in those countries. Have any MoUs been signed to facilitate Pakistani nationals living abroad regarding Apostille Convention?

Spokesperson: I do not think this is an accurate reflection of the situation. The Apostille Convention is an international agreement under which countries accept the Apostille Certificates issued by other parties to the Convention. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our missions abroad are facilitating the process.

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