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

Islamabad, At the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev will today arrive in Pakistan on a two-day official visit.

President Aliyev will meet with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The two sides will engage in wide-ranging discussions on areas of mutual interest to further strengthen bilateral strategic cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

The Fourth Round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and the Republic of Estonia was held yesterday in Islamabad. Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe), Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan led the Pakistan side, while Director General of the Department of Asia, the Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, Ambassador Kristi Karelsohn, headed the Estonian side.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the trajectory of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Estonia and reaffirmed their commitment to further enhance bilateral engagement and dialogue. The two sides also extensively reviewed the ongoing bilateral cooperation and agreed to further intensify collaboration in trade and economy, information and digital technology and education.

Regional and global developments of mutual concern were also discussed. The two sides agreed to consult closely on all issues of mutual interest including at the various multilateral forums.

During her visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director General Karelsohn also called on Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi.

Pakistan strongly condemns this week’s indiscriminate attacks by Israeli occupation forces on four schools in Gaza resulting in the massacre of dozens of women and children who were taking shelter there. These attacks are yet another piece of evidence of Israel’s genocidal campaign against the people of Gaza.

The indiscriminate targeting of civilian populations and facilities is a grave violation of international law and constitutes war crimes. With its latest actions, Israeli occupation forces have once again demonstrated their contempt for international law and the basic tenets of decency and acceptable international behaviour.

These flagrant violations of international humanitarian law must not be permitted to become the new norm. We call on the international community to take urgent measures to bring an immediate end to Israel’s campaign of terror and the genocidal campaign against the Palestinian people. The time has come to hold Israel accountable for its crimes and its flagrant violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

The 93rd ‘Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Kashmir’ (Kashmir Martyrs Day) will be observed on the 13th of July. This day commemorates the martyrdom of 22 Kashmiris, who sacrificed their lives in Srinagar in 1931 braving the indiscriminate firing of Dogra forces of the erstwhile ‘Maharaja’ (Prince) of Jammu and Kashmir. We salute their valour, which kindled a valiant movement for the rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people, and for their right to self-determination. This movement continues to this day.

On a pattern similar to the Dogra forces, the Indian Forces have killed thousands of Kashmiris over the last few decades, simply for demanding their rights. The iconic Kashmiri youth leader Burhan Muzaffar Wani was one of the hundreds of Kashmiri youth, who have fallen victim to extra-judicial killings in IIOJK. His eighth martyrdom anniversary was observed on the 8th of July. In this week of ‘Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Kashmir’, we once again urge the Government of India to bring an end to its campaign of extra-judicial killings and indiscriminate use of lethal force against 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

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Starting from Kashmir, you mentioned about Burhan Wani. On the eighth of July, I mean precedent-wise, we see that every year there’s a statement made by the Foreign Minister, by the President, by the Prime Minister. When the martyrdom really happened, the then Prime Minister and then federal cabinet declared the day as a “Black Day”. But contrary to the precedent, there was no statement, even ceremonial statement made this year. Is this a policy shift on the part of Islamabad? That’s number one.

Second question, at the SCO meet, since Pakistan joined the SCO as an observer in 2005 and then going on to becoming a full member in 2017. The least number of bilaterals by any Pakistani Prime Minister on the sidelines of the SCO was this year. The most meetings were held by Mr. Shehbaz Sharif in Samarkand in 2022 where there were 13 bilateral, structured bilateral. This year, there were just three structured bilaterals. Do you see that as a failure of diplomacy or as a failure of policy?

And number three, the Iranian President Elect Masoud Pezeshkian, is all set to be inaugurated on the 28th of this month. Will there be any level of participation in his oath-taking? Because last time when President Raisi was being inaugurated, the then Chairman Senate attended his inauguration. Thank you.

Spokesperson:​Regarding your last question, at this stage, we are awaiting details of the ceremony, and the Government of Pakistan will take any decision on this matter in due course.

Your second question, I think, is based on an inaccurate understanding of the need for holding bilateral meetings on the sideline of various multilateral events. These bilateral meetings are held with various countries depending on the need and the availability of both sides on the sidelines of any particular conference that is taking place. I’m very surprised to hear the terminology that you have used about Pakistan’s diplomatic failure. Only a few weeks ago, Pakistan was elected as a non-permanent member of the Security Council with overwhelming votes, and that reflects the strength of our diplomacy and robust relations that Pakistan has with countries around the world.

Similarly, your first question is based on inaccurate information. I would advise you to peruse the previous statements over the last several years. And more importantly, I have just made a statement about the Youm-e-Shohda Kashmir and remembering Burhan Wani as an icon of freedom movement in Jammu and Kashmir.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Two three days back, the spokesman of the State Department, Matthew Miller, condemned 9th of May incidents in Pakistan. And when the US Congress passed a resolution on 8th of February election, you have termed it interference into Pakistan’s internal affairs. So now the State Department statement, what do you think it’s a positive. Does the government of Pakistan welcome it as they have condemned the violence, any act of violence? And second part of my question is also about the statement by Matthew Miller that having a hot pursuit bombing inside Afghanistan against TTP is Pakistan’s own decision. How do you perceive it? Is it a tacit support from the United States, as the two countries are partners in counter terrorism?

Spokesperson: ​Regarding your first question, I would reiterate what we said earlier regarding the arson and looting that took place in Pakistan on 9 May 2023. Pakistan is a country of laws and Constitution, and Pakistan remains committed to its constitutional obligations to protect the rights and property of its citizens. Secondly, we are committed to upholding our laws and to holding those responsible for May 9 events to account and ensuring public safety and protecting public property. These cases are being considered in Pakistan in pursuance of our domestic laws and constitution.

As for your second question I do not understand its framework. You have said that the Americans have made a statement with regards to Pakistan’s Foreign Policy and Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan. Of course, that is Pakistan’s prerogative to conduct its bilateral relations with countries around the world, including with Afghanistan.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): What is the update on extension of residence permits for those Afghan Refugees who are residing in Pakistan?

Spokesperson: As you know, there are different categories of Afghan nationals based in Pakistan. There are Afghan nationals who enjoy refugee status in Pakistan, and then there are Afghan nationals, who are in possession of ACC cards and POR cards. You may have seen that the Cabinet of Pakistan has decided to extend the POR cards for another year.

(Siyar Ali Shah, Khyber News): Madam, you have issued an explanatory statement during the visit of UNHCR’s head. You said that the operation against illegal foreigners, the repatriation process is ongoing. It can be seen that the speed of this process has apparently been reduced. What are the reasons? Because when the process of repatriation started, it was rapid. Can you give latest figures?

Secondly, Foreign Minister said that he will visit Afghanistan. What is the nature of this visit? Has he been invited by Afghan side or is he visiting by himself? What is the importance of this visit?

(Naveed Siddiqui, Daily Dateline): Ma’am, after the fall of Kabul, thousands of Afghans came to Pakistan and worked with Allied Forces. They were said to be in thousands and were to be repatriated to the UK, America, and Australia. Special flights were operated for them as well. What is their status?

Spokesperson: Okay, first of all, I would like to respond to Siyar Shah’s second question. The visit of any dignitary, including the Foreign Minister, to a foreign country, takes place by mutual consultations of the two governments. The Foreign Minister, will undertake a visit to Afghanistan or to any other country, after bilateral consultations and mutual agreement on the dates by the two sides.

With regards to Siyar’s first question. Yes, indeed, the Illegal Foreign Repatriation Plan is being implemented, as per its provisions in different phases, in an orderly and phased manner. And we have seen the first phase has progressed in a fast manner. It is near completion. The number of illegal foreigners, including Afghan nationals, who have been repatriated to their home countries, were higher in the initial months of its implementation. These numbers are gradually coming down as more and more individuals have been returning to their home countries. The second phase, as you would recall, pertains to Afghan nationals who possess ACC cards and for that, a mapping exercise is taking place. Implementation and initiation of Phase two will be announced by the Government of Pakistan. At this stage, I do not have a date to share with you. Third category is that of the POR card holder Afghan nationals. That category is not being considered for repatriation at this stage. For them, the POR cards have been extended for one year. And lastly, with regards to Afghan refugees in Pakistan, we have said repeatedly that the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan does not apply to individuals who enjoy refugee status in Pakistan. Yes, you are right. Pakistan engaged with certain governments, and these governments include Australia, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, United States and Italy. These countries agreed to take certain number of Afghan nationals. We have remained engaged with them, and have urged them to expedite the approval and visa issuance process for these individuals, so that they are relocated as early as possible.

(Ijaz Ahmed, GNN): Pakistan had a strong reaction to the resolution which was passed by the US. The National Assembly then and the Punjab Provincial Assembly also passed resolutions rejecting the US resolution. This shows apparent fissures in relations between Pakistan and America. In his press conference that Mr. Piracha talked about, David Miller reiterated concerns about the investigation of human rights violations. Are Pakistan and America relations in recovery phase? What is the situation?

Spokesperson: I think this question was asked last week as well, and I responded that Pakistan and United States have a multifaceted and robust relationship, and Pakistan is interested in further strengthening this relationship and strengthening the dialogue that exists between the two countries. We have remained engaged with the United States, trying to understand each other’s perspectives, expressing and sharing with each other, our mutual concerns, and identify areas of cooperation. We believe that this relationship should move forward on the basis of mutual trust, mutual benefit, sovereign equality and non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs.

(Aghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Ma’am, when Indian Prime Minister was elected, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif congratulated him on social media. Has Government of Pakistan officially sent him any message through the Foreign Office? And has there been any back channel diplomacy between Pakistan and India or have there been any indirect contacts between Pakistan and India including during the recent SCO conference?

Spokesperson: I am not aware of any informal back channel communications between Pakistan and India.

(Zain Zaman, AFP): Regarding this third category of Afghan nationals who arrived in Pakistan after recent takeover of Kabul, a leading newspaper said that their number is 70,000 and only 9,000 have been settled in Western nations. Only 9,000 were granted visas. So, can you confirm these numbers? Do you have any idea that how many of them have been granted visas and how many are still in Pakistan?

Spokesperson: Okay, this question pertains to number of individuals who have been approved for relocation to third Countries. According to our information, this figure is in thousands. Individuals who have been pre-approved for relocation and are currently in Pakistan include around 9000, who are to go to Australia, around 6000 who would go to Canada, around 3000 to Germany, 1127 to the United Kingdom and some to France and Italy. There is a large number of Afghan nationals who are to be resettled by the United States and the list which was provided to us is of around 25,000 individuals.

(Mateen Haider, GTV): The Government of Pakistan is planning to host All Parties Conference to review its strategy towards counter terrorism. So, it is established that most of the terrorist attacks comes from across the border, from Afghan territory. So what option Pakistan has right if Afghan authorities do not respond positively despite repeated requests and communications from Islamabad to Kabul. Just yesterday, there were two counter-terrorism operations in which more than five soldiers and one officer lost life. So, your comments on cooperation from Kabul on Pakistan’s request to hand over those TTP militants who have been involved, and if there is no response, what options Pakistan has?

Spokesperson: Pakistan and Afghanistan have been discussing this very serious issue for the last several months. Pakistan is concerned about the terror threat that we face from individuals and entities which have support and sponsorship from across the border in Afghanistan. We have conveyed our concerns to the Afghan authorities on multiple occasions. We urge Afghanistan to take concrete and effective action against these entities and to ensure that the Afghan territory is not used to foment terror attacks inside Pakistan.

(Changez Khan Jadoon, Daily Payam-e-Khyber): Afghan migrants who are holding dual identities i.e. Pakistan and Afghan passports, they come through Kabul to Pakistan with Pakistani passport and go back to Afghanistan with the Afghani passport. Is there any coordination between Pakistan and Afghanistan regarding the number of people holding dual nationality and how to counter it?

Spokesperson: First of all, I must underline that under Pakistan’s Citizenship Act, a dual nationality with Afghanistan does not exist. With regards to possession of any Pakistani documents that Afghan nationals may have, I would advise you to contact the Ministry of Interior for clarity.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): On the sidelines of Doha conference during the bilateral between Pakistan and Afghanistan, reportedly and also confirmed by the Afghan officials who were present there, the Afghan side emphasized the need for dialogue and negotiations with TTP. Would Pakistan be open to dialogue through Afghanistan’s interim government with terror linked elements, those who are possibly on their soil as you have been pointing out?

(Kiran Butt, Khorasan diary): The Afghan spokesperson has also come on record and said that they are ready, if Pakistan asked them to mediate between Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and Pakistani authorities to start the negotiations again. He has added that if Pakistan tries to attack the Afghan soil, it will be an aggression, and Afghanistan will not accept it. So, what’s the take of Pakistan’s side on it?

Spokesperson: Pakistan has said that we respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan. Afghanistan is a neighbour of Pakistan. We expect the Afghan authorities to uphold their sovereignty and take action against those terror groups which have found sanctuaries inside Afghanistan and are using Afghan territory to attack Pakistan.

I would also like to reiterate that Pakistan has no designs of entering into any talks with a terror group that has been involved in killings of Pakistani citizens, Pakistani and foreign citizens in Pakistan. This is what Pakistan has said and I have repeated several times from this podium. And in that respect, any statement that may have come from any side, I think should be taken in the proper context of Pakistan’s position with regards to dialogue with TTP.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): My next question is with regards to a series of attacks in the IIOJK followed by a lot of Indian media commentary that we are seeing. They are habitually linking Pakistan to these attacks. Your take on the matter?

Spokesperson: Pakistan has said time and again that India has a habit of blaming Pakistan for anything that happens under its watch, especially in IIOJK. We reject such accusations and concocted stories.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Ma’am what are the updates on Pakistan-Russia trade? As in recent meeting many things were discussed, what is the latest situation with Russia?

Spokesperson: Pakistan and Russia have a positive trajectory of relations. We are encouraged with the dialogue and cooperation that is taking place between the two countries. The latest meeting between the leaders of our two countries on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, was an important occasion for the two countries to reaffirm their commitment to further enhance cooperation in various domains, including in economic and trade matters.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): This week, Pakistan and the United States conducted joined military exercises in Peshawar. There were a lot of speculation on social media regarding US military bases. Is there any commitment between Pakistan and America regarding terrorism or what is the importance of these joint exercises?

Spokesperson: Okay, Pakistan and United States have a long history of cooperation in the security and defence field, including cooperation in training and joint exercises in the domain of counter terrorism. We believe these joint exercises are useful in sharing of expertise and learning from each other in combating terrorist threat that we face. Further details may be sought from the relevant departments.

(Munir Ahmed, AP): A couple of questions. How many Afghans have gone back to their country since November when Pakistan started this crackdown? You have mentioned the second phase that will be starting. Do you think it will be starting this year against the (ACC) Afghan citizen card holders? How many Afghans are living in Pakistan? Also the UN Refugee Agency Chief made a statement appreciating Pakistan’s suspension of this crackdown, and you have refuted it. Could you share why the UNHCR chief issued this statement, and who gave him this understanding or assurance that Pakistan has suspended this crackdown against these Afghans, who are living in Pakistan? Lastly since you have been mentioning repeatedly that this crackdown is against foreigners living in Pakistan, and how many other foreigners have gone back, other than from these Afghans?

Spokesperson: I would like to first disagree with the word that you have used of “crackdown”. I would like to underline that the IFRP, the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan, is a plan to implement Pakistan’s laws, immigration laws. Just like any other country, Pakistan has the sovereign right to implement its laws with regards to individuals who are present in Pakistan in violation of our immigration laws. The laws of Pakistan are clear. Those individuals can face fines, they can be imprisoned and they can be deported, as per their particular case. At this stage, no decision has been taken regarding initiation of the second phase.

Secondly, as I have stated earlier, Pakistan has not given any indication to UNHCR that IFRP has been suspended or will no longer be implemented. What is the basis of the statement by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees may be sought from their Spokesperson.

Thirdly, we have been implementing this IFRP without discrimination with regards to the nationality of individuals who are present in Pakistan illegally, and individuals from various nationalities have been deported. Many of them have left voluntarily, as per the IFRP’s conditions and these individuals belong to different nationalities. I do not have the statistics, so you may seek these figures from the Ministry of Interior.

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): Ma’am, my question is regarding the appointment of Mr. Asim Iftikhar Ahmed in the United Nations Permanent Mission. What was the need of appointing him as an additional PR when there is already a Permanent Representative? He is also being given the perks and privileges when other officials there can act as the substitute of Ambassador Munir Akram. Can you tell us the background or the reason?

Spokesperson: I would not like to engage in this discussion. The government of Pakistan has taken this decision to appoint an Additional Permanent Representative with full rights and privileges as an Ambassador of Pakistan. As I said last time, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar will in due course will take over as the Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Thank you for the clarification, but my simple question is whether in the entire Foreign Service of Pakistan, there is no capable officer of representing Pakistan at the United Nations, except a retired person, rather retired again and again, who is of an age where he should take rest, not attend meetings?

Spokesperson: First of all, I would like to disagree with the premise of your question. Our Ambassador in New York, Ambassador Munir Akram is a seasoned diplomat who has served Pakistan with distinction over the last several decades. His experience as Pakistan’s Permanent Representative has helped Pakistan in promoting its national interests at the United Nations. At the same time, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, is also a distinguished Pakistani diplomat with extensive experience in the United Nations and the Government of Pakistan is confident that he will be taking the Pakistan’s flag forward in a very positive direction.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): In response to Anwar’s question, you mentioned that Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, the Additional PR, will have complete privileges. Would you want to clarify how would it be administratively possible?

Spokesperson: Let’s not engage in this debate. The most important thing that we should remember is that Government of Pakistan has taken a decision with regards to the future direction of its leadership at our Permanent Mission to United Nations and Ambassador Asim Iftikhar has been chosen as the future Permanent Representative of Pakistan, in light of his extensive experience and expertise and his immense contributions to Pakistan’s diplomacy.

(Abdul Hadi Mayar, Hum Pashto 1): Ma’am, you said that the second phase of repatriation of illegal Afghans has not started as yet. There were reports in international media that the second phase has already started earlier this month. Yesterday, there were reports that, following the visit of United Nations High Commissioner’s visit, Pakistan has decided to temporarily call off that process. What are your comments?

(Kiran Butt, Khorasan diary): Focusing on UNHCR’s press statement, a press release from Afghan embassy Islamabad has also been issued in which it was said that this decision of Pakistan was political, quoting UNHCR’s Ambassador and it should be refrained from. That is on Twitter. They issued this statement after meeting Sardar Shakib. So, now these are three different statements coming on this issue that whether they have been stopped or they haven’t been stopped or should we take the stance of Afghanistan that the decision of repatriation of Afghan refugees was Pakistan’s politically driven decision?

Spokesperson: First of all, as I said earlier, Pakistan is committed to implementing the IFRP in a humane and phased and orderly manner, and this is what we have been doing for the last several months. Secondly, as I said earlier, we have given no such understanding to the UNHCR that IFRP stands suspended. Thirdly, as I said just now, the first phase of IFRP has been continuing for the last several months, and it pertains to individuals who do not possess any legal documents to stay in Pakistan and this process will continue. We will continue to take action against individuals found to be in Pakistan in violation of our immigration laws, without any legal documents. Fourthly, with regards to individuals who possess POR cards, the Cabinet of Pakistan has taken a decision to extend the validity of those POR cards because those cards had expired on 30th of June, and to facilitate or legalize the stay of those individuals for one year pending further decisions.

I will not go into the origins of the IFRP. You would recall that this was a consensus decision of the Government of Pakistan. This plan has been implemented over the last several months. Details of the IFRP and the various considerations behind its origin can be obtained from the Ministry of Interior.