Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Mumtaz Zahra Spokesperson ministry of foreign affairs

Islamabad, The 7th session of Pakistan-Türkiye Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) was held in Islamabad last week. Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi led the Pakistan side while the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, Nuh Yilmaz, led the Turkish side.

The talks encompassed all aspects of bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye. The two sides will strengthen high level bilateral engagement and fully operationalize existing agreements; and upgrade the Pakistan-Türkiye Strategic Economic Framework (SEF). They will also enhance cooperation in trade and investment, energy, security and defence, information technology, culture and tourism, education, and consular matters.

Yesterday marked a tragic milestone in the ongoing war on the people of Gaza. Israeli occupation forces have massacred 40000 people, majority of them women and children. The ongoing genocide in Gaza must end and Israel should be held accountable for its war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Pakistan strongly condemns the illegal storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by hundreds of extremist settlers led by office bearers of the Israeli occupation authorities. Desecration of one of Islam’s holiest sites and obstruction to the rights of worshippers have deeply hurt the sentiments of Muslims worldwide. This act is a violation of Geneva conventions and blatant disregard of multiple UNSC resolutions regarding the historical city of Jerusalem.

We share the concerns of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation about the peril posed by the Israeli occupation’s policies aimed at altering the Arab and Islamic character of the occupied city of Jerusalem.

Pakistan calls on the international community, especially the United Nations Security Council, to take immediate action to end these serious and repeated transgressions against the sanctity of holy sites in Jerusalem; protect the Islamic character of Al-Aqsa; and to ensure the freedom of worship of the Palestinian people.

Pakistan strongly condemns the killing of four Kashmiri youth by Indian troops in the Doda district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). This brutal action by the Indian occupation authorities is yet another example of their illegal and oppressive acts against the Kashmiri people.

We urge the international community to take immediate and decisive action to hold India accountable for its egregious human rights violations in IIOJK and to take steps to protect the rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people.

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.

Question and Answers

(Khawaja Hamza, Media Today): Despite various statements by higher officials of government regarding trade revival with India, we have not received any news from Indian side. Was there any node from Back Door diplomatic channel regarding trade revival with India, which prompted statement from government?

Spokesperson: First, you would recall the developments that took place in 2019 and the illegal and unilateral steps taken by India in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Following that, several measures were taken by Pakistan, including the suspension of bilateral trade. That situation remains intact, and at this point there are no bilateral talks between the two countries with respect to bilateral trade between Pakistan and India.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Talks have commenced in Doha regarding ceasefire in Gaza. What is Pakistan’s position on this?

(Naveed Siddiqui, Talon News): It is the second day of ceasefire talks and many high ranking American officials are participating in the Doha talks but no official of Hamas is participating in these talks. Will these talks succeed without Hamas participation?

Spokesperson: Pakistan has repeatedly since October 2023 called for an urgent and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. We have called on the international community to bring an end to the massacre and genocide of the Palestinian people. And in that context, we welcome any initiative that may lead to peace and dialogue and resolution of the current situation where Palestinians continue to be under attack by the Israeli occupation authorities. Pakistan is not party to these talks in Doha. So, we are not in a position to comment on the details of these negotiations.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Last week, international media was discussing Pakistan, with regard to the arrest of Asif Merchant and you had shared with us that Pakistan had contacted the American authorities. Any details or any updates about that issue.

Spokesperson: I do not have any update to share with you. We are still awaiting official communication from the United States in this particular case.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Couple of questions, but up to you how you want to take it. Firstly, there’s been an offensive in Russia by the Ukrainian side in Kursk region. How does Pakistan see that? Number two, Bangladeshi ousted Prime Minister’s party, Awami League, has alleged the role of Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence behind the ouster and the protest. How do you want to respond to that?

Spokesperson: Regarding your question about the war between Russia and Ukraine, Pakistan continues to see with concern the ongoing hostilities. We reiterate our call for peaceful settlement of this conflict and we urge all parties to take action towards that end.

On your question about Bangladesh, I think I already made a comment last week. There is absolutely no truth to such allegations. Pakistan believes that the people of Bangladesh have the capacity to settle their own affairs and determine their future without foreign intervention or unsolicited advice from outsiders. The people of Bangladesh will continue to have our best wishes.

(Aghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Ma’am, you mentioned genocide taking place in Gaza in opening statement. You also answered my colleague saying that Pakistan is not a party in Doha talks. We are witnessing genocide in Gaza and disrespect of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Will Pakistan, just like, Türkiye take this matter to ICJ or become a party in the ICJ case, like Türkiye has announced.

Spokesperson: Pakistan has expressed its serious concerns about the ongoing genocide in Gaza. We have urged the international community, including the UN Security Council, to hold Israel to account for its crimes against humanity. Pakistan has also expressed support for the case moved by South Africa at the ICJ regarding Israel’s violations of the Genocide Convention. In that respect, Pakistan also welcome the statement made by Türkiye to support this case. At this point, we have nothing further to add with respect to this particular case at ICJ.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): I have two questions. One regarding this tension in the region, specifically about Iran and Israel. So Pakistan is a neighboring country. How Pakistan sees this conflict, and what is the role of Pakistan? Has Pakistan contacted Iran or China regarding?

Spokesperson: Okay. Pakistan is deeply concerned at the recent developments in the Middle East. We are concerned that the situation in the Middle East is a result of the illegal acts by Israel against the people of Palestine and its adventurism against its neighbours and countries in the region. We also support the statement which was made by OIC that held Israel fully responsible for its crime of assassinating the political bureau chief of Hamas in Tehran. OIC called that attack a crime of aggression and flagrant violation of international law and a serious infringement of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Iran. We believe that it is the responsibility of the United Nations under international law to ensure that there is peace in the region that Israel is held accountable for its acts. We reiterate to call on all parties to ensure that peace prevails in the Middle East.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Second question is in last 23, 24 days around 1200 Pakistanis have been arrested in Iraq, in which 800 have been deported to Pakistan. There are allegation on these Pakistanis that they are they are involved in selling drugs, begging and other crimes. So what is your view?

Spokesperson: First of all, I would like to underline that there are all kinds of figures which are floating around, and many of these figures are based on speculative reporting. You would also have seen that the Ministry of Religious Affairs has also issued a clarification with regards to a statement which was basically attributed to the Minister. The Government of Pakistan is focused on enhancing management of religious tourism to ensure the well-being and timely return of all pilgrims. As part of its commitment, Pakistan is implementing measures, including signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Zaireen management with the Government of Iraq. And we believe that the two sides, both Pakistan and Iraq, can work together to ensure that the Pakistani nationals who visit Iraq for Ziarat return in a timely manner and respect the laws of the host state.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma’am, Pakistan has detected first case of monkey pox in KP from Gulf. Will Pakistan be clamping down further on border controls and testing?

Spokesperson: We have seen the advisory which has been issued by the World Health Organization. This is now a matter on which our health authorities will be issuing an advice and guidelines and they will be the right forum to make any further announcements from the Government of Pakistan.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Thank you so much. Yesterday, the Interim Afghan Government celebrated Victory Day. When on 15th August 2021, they took over, Islamabad rejoiced, and at the level of the Prime Minister, there was warmth and celebrations. But hardly I saw, or anyone saw any message this year from Islamabad for Kabul, for Afghan Interim Government. My question is, has the relationship really reached its the lowest ebb between Kabul and Islamabad that there is no greetings, no hello, hi at the moment, thank you.

Spokesperson: I would like to first underline that Pakistan and Afghanistan have functional diplomatic missions and there is a robust exchange of communications on all aspects of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Secondly, with regards to the celebrations on the 15th of August, you would be aware that the Government of Pakistan participated in the event which was organized by the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad. The Minister for Housing, Riaz Hussain Pirzada represented the Government of Pakistan at the event, which also included participation of the Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Asif Durrani. This participation reflects the culture of both Pakistan and Afghanistan to accept invitations and join in each other’s celebrations.

(Siyar Ali Shah, Khyber News): Ever since the Afghan Taliban took control of Kabul, incidents of cross-border firing between Pakistan and Afghanistan have increased. Few days ago, the Torkham border was closed for 3 days due to cross-border firing. What are the reasons behind it, despite Pakistan and Afghanistan having channels of communications at all levels? Are both countries cooperating in taking steps to stop cross-border firing?

Spokesperson: First, I would not like to go into history of such border violations from the Afghan side. However, as you know, the recent incident was very unfortunate when on the 12th of August, Afghan forces opened indiscriminate fire at the Torkham border. Pakistani forces responded appropriately in self-defence. We urge the Afghan authorities to exercise restraint and avoid unprovoked acts against Pakistan-Afghanistan border. They must understand that Pakistani forces will always defend their territory. We also remain ready to resolve any misunderstandings through established diplomatic channels. I would also like to underline that the relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan is multifaceted, and it encompasses various aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. This is a historic relationship, so seeing this relationship from a narrow prism would not be advisable.

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): Ma’am, Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently revised the visa guidelines for the National Assembly Secretariat and Senate Secretariat. I want to know how many people from the National Assembly Secretariat and Senate Secretariat used note verbale and other similar documents, issued by Foreign Affairs, for travelling abroad and then seek asylum there?

Spokesperson: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revised its guidelines for issuance of introductory letters to officials. And there are many factors behind it, including the misuse of the introductory letters by government officials. I would not like to go into details of cases where this facility was misused. But we hope that with these new guidelines, this practice of misuse of introductory letters would be discouraged.

(Ali Hussain, Business Recorder): Ma’am, State Department said that it is also using diplomacy to prevent Iran from attacking Israel. Pakistan has good relations with both America and Iran. Has Pakistan also been requested to get involved to contribute to this initiative of diplomacy by America?

Spokesperson: Pakistan is not involved in any mediation in this situation at this particular time.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): We’re less than two months away with regards to the SCO Heads of Governments Meeting to be held here in Islamabad. Have the invites been sent, and has there been any confirmation with regards to the participation from the member countries?

Spokesperson: The SCO procedures are very specific. Pakistan as the Chair of the Heads of Government Meeting is following the SCO procedures under which all such initiatives are first brought to the SCO setup, where the participating governments confirm the dates of the conference and then their participation. We are in the process of receiving confirmations from the participating countries. I am not in a position to give the names of the countries which have confirmed their participation, but a vast majority has confirmed their participation.

(Ghazala Noreen, Suno TV): Thank you, Ma’am. Recently, a gang was arrested for selling radioactive materials in India and a statement was issued by the Ministry expressing concerns. Even in the past, such incidents occurred in India. My question is, if such an incident occurs in a country, then that country is sanctioned but in case of India, it is not such a case. So what is the strategy of Pakistan? Does Pakistani Foreign Ministry just comment and express its concerns or is there a specific strategy to bring world’s attention towards India which is responsible for the spread of radioactive material?

Spokesperson: First, we have issued our statement on this subject. I would advise you to relook at the statement, which is very comprehensive. Secondly, Pakistan has, on various occasions and forums, expressed its concern about India’s disregard of international norms and practices, with regards to the safety and security of sensitive materials, including nuclear and radioactive materials. And this concern has been raised at various forums of the United Nations, including the First Committee of the UN General Assembly.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): There have been arrests of senior military officials in Pakistan who are ex-servicemen. Yesterday, the Americans termed that this is purely an internal affair of Pakistan. Do you welcome such a statement from the United States that they are no more interfering into Pakistan’s affairs, as has been the case in the past, when they passed resolutions in the Senate, in the Congress, etc? How do you respond to their latest comments?

Spokesperson: I do not wish to welcome a statement or lack thereof which was not even expected from a foreign government. A foreign government, as we have said on multiple occasions, need not comment on the domestic affairs of Pakistan. So if a government refrains from making a statement, they are doing the right thing and the Government of Pakistan does not need to welcome that.

(Saqib Ali Rathore Daily Kashmir Times): Any updates on Pakistani prisoners abroad, which according to figures released by Pakistan Foreign Office were 12000. For how many prisoners have any efforts been made? On Pakistani prisoners in India, Foreign Office had said that we have demanded consular access. Has any contact been established?

Spokesperson: Pakistani missions abroad all over the world are under directions to look after the welfare of Pakistani nationals, including those incarcerated in prisons. In that respect, Pakistani Missions remain in contact with the host governments and with jail authorities, seek consular access and visit individuals who are incarcerated in prison. They also provide legal assistance where required.

With regard to Pakistani prisoners in India, we have made multiple statements. What we have shared in the past is that Pakistan regularly, twice every year, exchanges list of prisoners with India and we call on the Indian authorities to provide access to Pakistanis incarcerated in Indian prisons. Occasionally we get that consular access. We hope that this will be frequent.

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Two days ago in his independence speech, the COAS gave a clear message to Afghan Taliban that they should not give preference to Fitna Al Khawarij over well wishing friendly nations. Pakistan’s sacrifices are there for everyone to see. Is Pakistan planning to back this up through the diplomatic channel as well?

(Anwar Abbas, BOL News): I would like to refer to that cup of tea in Kabul in 2021 when the Afghan interim government was welcomed. Do you think sine then cross border terrorism incidents in Pakistan have increased? Terrorist safe havens have increased. Recruitments have also increased. All anti-Pakistan activities from across the Afghan border have increased. What future holds for Pakistan-Afghanistan under these circumstances?

Spokesperson: First, I would like to inform you that Pakistan has consistently raised its concerns about the hideouts and sanctuaries of terror groups, including TTP in Afghanistan. This concern is well known. We have voiced it publicly. We have conveyed it bilaterally, through different channels at various occasions, including recently. We expect the Afghan authorities to take immediate and robust action against these terror groups so that they stop their terror activities inside Pakistan. With respect to the question that was asked by Mr. Anwer Abbas, yes, we are concerned that the terror attacks by these terror groups, which have bases in Afghanistan, have increased. Pakistan has been expressing its concern for the last several months. We expect the Afghan authorities to take immediate and effective action and robust action against these terror groups.

(Allah Noor Wazir, Mashriq TV): Pakistan’s SRA Asif Durrani has said that if Afghanistan hands over TTP operatives to Pakistan, the problem will end. Does Pakistan actually believe that if TTP operatives are handed over to Pakistan by Afghan interim government? Are any talks going on?

Spokesperson: The statement made by the Special Representative on Afghanistan is consistent with Pakistan’s position that the Afghan authorities need to take effective action, robust action, against these terror groups, and that includes the handing over of individuals who are involved in terror incidents inside Pakistan; the handing over of their leadership; and disarming those individuals and groups that continue to threaten Pakistan.

(Abdullah Mohmand, Dawn News): You have rich experience in diplomacy and foreign affairs, and you have served in various capacities. Recently, the Prime Minister of Pakistan appointed Lieutenant General Amir as the new ambassador the UAE. So appointing people with zero experience in diplomacy is a good choice, in your view?

Spokesperson: I would not like to comment on any individual cases, except to say that the Government of Pakistan appoints ambassadors according to its own assessment of the suitability of an individual for a particular ambassadorial assignment.