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

Islamabad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, is in the United Kingdom today on an official visit.

Yesterday, the Deputy Prime Minister met with Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, David Lammy. They reviewed the state of bilateral relations and discussed regional issues of common interest. Discussions focused on the importance of a strong Pakistan-UK partnership; advancing the wide-ranging bilateral agenda; and promoting Pakistan-UK cooperation in the context of United Nations and Commonwealth.

Today the Deputy Prime Minister will meet with Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Angela Rayner. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister will also engage with members of the UK Parliament and representatives of the Pakistani community in the UK.

Last week, Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi led the Pakistan delegation at the 50th Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Yaoundé in Cameroon.

At the CFM, the Foreign Secretary shared Pakistan’s perspective on the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank; the importance of preventing further escalation in the Middle East; the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu & Kashmir; imperatives of solidarity and unity of the Ummah; and the challenges of climate change, terrorism and rising Islamophobia and xenophobia.

The Foreign Secretary also attended the meeting of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir held on the sidelines of the Foreign Ministers meeting. He briefed the OIC Contact Group on the evolving situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Indian attempts to consolidate its occupation in violation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions by creating an environment of intimidation and fear.

The Council of Foreign Ministers reaffirmed its consensus on Jammu and Kashmir dispute by declaring that the final settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and a UN supervised plebiscite is indispensable for durable peace and stability in South Asia. The Yaoundé Declaration also renewed solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and expressed full support to their right to self-determination.

The OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir that consists of representatives from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Niger, also discussed the situation in IIOJK. The Contact Group reaffirmed support for the Kashmiri people’s struggle for the realization of their right to self-determination. It called for an early and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and as per aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

In its joint communiqué adopted unanimously, the Contact Group underlined that durable peace and stability in South Asia remain contingent upon the final settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. We welcome the pronouncements of the Council of Foreign Ministers and the Contact Group on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Pakistan vehemently condemns the assault by the Israeli Occupation Forces on the West Bank city of Jenin and the refugee camps in Jenin and Tulqaram which has resulted in numerous casualties and the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure.

The indiscriminate use of military force by the Israeli occupation forces raises serious concerns under the principles of proportionality and distinction, which are the core principle of the international humanitarian law.

Targeting of individuals sheltered in a refugee camps is yet another breach of international humanitarian law by the Israeli occupation forces. This demonstrates their contempt for international law and the basic tenets of decency and acceptable international behaviour.

Pakistan calls for an immediate cessation of these raids masqueraded as military operations in the West Bank. We believe that the path to lasting peace cannot be achieved through aggression.

We call on the UN Security Council to play its role in preventing Israeli occupation forces from further attacks against civilians; holding Israel accountable for its war crimes; and taking effective measures to protect the Palestinian people.

Now an announcement.

The 23rd Meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Economic and Foreign Trade Activity (MMFETA) of the SCO member States will be held in Islamabad on 12 September 2024. In its capacity as the Chair, Pakistan has extended invitations to the Head of the Ministries responsible for Foreign Economic and Foreign Trade activities of all SCO member countries.

The Meeting of the Ministers responsible for Foreign Economic and Foreign Trade Activity (MMFETA) is a regular annual mechanism of SCO and plays an important role in promoting economic cooperation within the organization by overseeing implementation of the provisions outlined in the Program of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation of SCO member States.

Question and Answers

 
(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Last week, the Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar, while addressing a book ceremony, said that the issue of Article 370 is a closed chapter and a done deal. But the Indian policy or approach towards Pakistan is not passive. What is your view? Thank you.

Spokesperson: Thank you, Abdullah. You may have seen the statement which was issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this particular issue. We believe that the future of Jammu and Kashmir will be decided by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions that envisage a UN supervised plebiscite, held across Jammu and Kashmir. So unilateral statements, claiming that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute has been settled, are not based in reality and are against the basic tenets of international law and the UN Security Council resolutions.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): With regards to the ongoing visit of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister to the UK. We have seen that there are a couple of individuals that Pakistan has been raising time and again, particularly involved in the notion of quote, unquote, digital terrorism, or cyber terrorism in Pakistan, while they’re in the UK. Has there been any discussion or progress with regards to their extradition? Thank you.

Spokesperson: First, regarding the meeting held yesterday between the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan and the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, we have issued a read out. The two countries have been engaged in discussions on all aspects of bilateral cooperation, and also on issues that are of concern to Pakistan. I cannot go into details of our bilateral discussions, but all aspects of Pakistan’s interest and Pakistan’s priorities remain on the agenda between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

(Raja Mohsin Ijaz, ARY News): Ma’am, regarding the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Heads of Government Meeting how many countries confirmed the invitation? Secondly, will the Prime Minister of Pakistan attend the UNGA session coming in next month? Thank You.

Spokesperson: Regarding the SCO Heads of Government Meeting, Pakistan has extended invitation to all Heads of Governments of Member States of SCO. At this point, we are not in a position to share with you, the details of the guests who are coming. Please stay tuned for further announcements.

With regard to the UN General Assembly, as you know, it is an annual feature, and Pakistan’s leadership participates in UNGA. The Prime Minister of Pakistan is expected to attend the UNGA. We will be making a detailed announcement in coming days.

(Ishtiaq Ahmed, APP English): The Government of Pakistan had announced to accommodate Palestinian medical students in Pakistani Medical Colleges. What is their status? Have they joined? If yes, in what numbers?

Spokesperson: Pakistan has offered to educate medical students of Gaza to complete their education in Pakistan. This process is now with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council and I would advise you to get details from them.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): The US State Department said that the US is standing with Pakistan against terrorism and it is willing and ready to give every type of assistance in this matter. What kind of assistance is US giving to Pakistan.

Spokesperson: Pakistan and the United States have a long history of cooperation in the domain of counter terrorism, and the dialogue between our two countries on counter terrorism is also a constant feature. So these conversations continue on a regular basis. I have nothing additional to share with you.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Continuing with UNGA the question that Mohsin asked, we’ve seen that historically, up until at least 2020 and 2021, there’s been a meeting of the SAARC Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of the UNGA. Has there been any proposal to move forward with this year’s meeting? Thank you.

Spokesperson: I would advise you to wait for our formal announcement. As I said, we will be sharing details of the UNGA participation of Pakistan, and these questions will be answered at that time.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Foreign Affairs Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh said yesterday that they are ending the hostile relationship with Pakistan. That’s reported in media. How Pakistan reacts to such a pronouncement, and secondly, how this will impact the spirit of regional cooperation?

Spokesperson: Pakistan has always said that it wishes to have robust, multifaceted, friendly relations with Bangladesh, which is an important partner for Pakistan and a brotherly Muslim country. There is an immense goodwill between the peoples of our two countries, and we want our bilateral relations to prosper. We believe that cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh will further contribute to enhancing peace and friendship in the region, and will also contribute to further development of SAARC as a robust institution.

(Saqib Ali Rathore, Daily Kashmir Times): Ma’am, I would like to know your reaction on the recent statement of Rahul Gandhi in which he stated that he will revive the old status of IIOJK?

Spokesperson: We have said on multiple occasions that the future of Jammu and Kashmir shall be decided on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We have also said that the measures that India took in 2019 are a violation of these UN Security Council resolutions, and the international law and India must rescind its actions of fifth of August, 2019. So this is what we expect India with respect to the future of Jammu and Kashmir.

(Zain Zaman, AFP): Can you confirm the veracity of media reports that the Chinese Premier is going to visit Pakistan from October 14 until October 16?

Spokesperson: As I said earlier, Pakistan has extended invitations to the Prime Ministers and Heads of Governments of member countries of SCO. Please wait for our announcement with regards to the participating leaders who will attend the SCO.

(Jiang Chao, Xinhua News Agency): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that Pakistan is looking to enhance its cooperation with China in key areas including Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence and modern Agriculture. We’ve heard that a meeting regarding training of 1000 agricultural experts in China under China Pakistan Economic Corridor initiative was chaired by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday. So how do you evaluate the prospects of agricultural cooperation between China and Pakistan? Thank you.

Spokesperson: Pakistan and China are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. Our relationship is multifaceted, and the cooperation in various domains including agriculture has continued to grow. Pakistan remains committed, as highlighted by the Prime Minister, to further extend our collaboration in the field of agriculture. I will not go into details of particular meetings which are held by the Ministry of Planning. You may seek further details from them.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, Chief Minister of Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti said that terror activities are financed with Indian money. Does Pakistan have clear evidence regarding this?

Spokesperson: I think this question was asked last time as well. The terrorist attacks that took place in Pakistan a few days ago are reprehensible and the Government of Pakistan has expressed full commitment to fight the terrorists behind these terror attacks. With regards to the details of these attacks, the sponsors of the terrorists and Pakistan’s policy to combat these terrorists, I would advise you to contact the Ministry of Interior, which will be presenting the strategy to deal with these terror groups.

(Abdul hadi Mayar, Hum Pashto 1): Last week, Iran served the final notice to Pakistan with regards to Iran Pakistan gas pipeline. From Pakistan, it was said that we will resolve the issue with Iran bilaterally. Has there been any further details on that? Thank you.

Spokesperson: My response to this question has not changed since last week. As I said last week, it is the Ministry of Petroleum that is taking the lead on this particular issue. They will be in a better position to share with you, Pakistan’s strategy and response in this matter.

 
(Ali Furqan, VOA): It was briefed to Parliament that approximately 20,000 Pakistanis are in prisons overseas out of which half of them are in Saudi Arabia. Can you state Foreign Office’s actions for the release of these prisoners especially in the Middle Eastern countries?

Spokesperson: First, I would confirm that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has shared information, in response to queries by the Parliament, on Pakistani prisoners abroad. Secondly, we have also shared, in addition to the data, the efforts that Pakistani missions abroad undertake in facilitating Pakistani nationals abroad, including those who are arrested and those who are in prison. Every country has their laws and in collaboration with the countries concerned, we always try to find solutions for Pakistani nationals who are incarcerated abroad. We urge Pakistani nationals, wherever they are, to respect the laws of the host countries and to respect the customs and values of the countries they are living in. Pakistani embassies, wherever they are, will continue to facilitate our Pakistani citizens, including those in prison within the framework of diplomatic norms and laws of host countries.

(Siyar Ali Shah, Khyber News): The Afghan Interim Government recently passed laws related to women in which strict restrictions are imposed on women. Being passed at a time when the world is demanding Afghan interim authorities to grant rights to women. How Pakistan see these developments? Thank you.

Spokesperson: Pakistan’s position on the rights of women and girls, especially for their inherent right to education, is clear and consistent. We believe that every man and woman has the inherent right to education, in accordance with the injunctions of Islam, and Islam grants equal access to education and women’s rights. Islam, we believe is an egalitarian religion that guarantees the women, the right to education and to inherit their own property. It also guarantees their voice in public sphere and the right to a decent life free of violence. The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees these rights to women of Pakistan and we wish similar rights for women everywhere.

(Naveed Siddiqui, Talon News): Ma’am, Head of Afghan Taliban’s military, Qari Fasihuddin said in a recent press conference that we have no evidence which indicate that TTP is involved in terror attacks in Pakistan or Afghan soil is being used by TTP. Your comment as Pakistan has been stating time and again that TTP is using Afghan soil.

Spokesperson: Pakistan’s position with regards to the terror groups in Afghanistan is clear. We have, on numerous occasions, presented evidence of the activities of these terror groups, which have hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan, and the concerns of Afghan territory being used to foment terrorism against its neighbours is not just the concern of Pakistan. You may have seen recent reports of the United Nations, where they have highlighted the activities of these terror groups inside Afghanistan. So, we urge the Government of Afghanistan to take action against these terror groups and to ensure that these terror groups do not stage terror attacks against Pakistan.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): I have one question with two parts. First, it was Daily Mail, and then Guardian wrote a story and termed a former Prime Minister of Pakistan as friend of terrorists, Taliban etc. So how Foreign Office responds when a former Prime Minister of Pakistan is being painted like that. And second part of this question is, what are Pakistani rules and laws if a person wanted according to Pakistani laws, is in prison, but he can contest the election abroad, even for a Chancellor of Oxford University?

Spokesperson: First regarding Pakistani laws, I would refer you to the Ministry of Law and Justice. They would be in the better position to share with you Pakistani laws regarding any individual who may be under trial in Pakistan. With regards to the question that you asked earlier about media reports, as you know, we do not comment on media reports that relate to Pakistan’s internal affairs.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Foreign Minister on 22nd July 2024 while chairing a high level meeting, reversed the policy of passport control authority in which issuing a passport to Pakistani asylum seeker abroad were denied. But still, after around 55 to 60 days of this policy reversal, the Pakistani asylum seekers, overseas Pakistanis are not getting passports. Your comment please?

Spokesperson: First, following the decision taken by the committee, the directions have been sent to the concerned departments. Secondly, the details of a particular case, why it is not being processed in an expedited manner, rest with the IMPASS, which is the passport issuing authority. So, they would be in a better position to comment on individual cases. However, Pakistan’s policy with regards to issuance of passports for individuals who have applied to asylum abroad has been clearly defined and announced.

(Ali Hussain, Business Recorder): Iran is perhaps going to international arbitration with regard to the IP gas pipeline project, and yesterday, we also saw the statement by State Department Spokesperson. What is your response to that? Thank you.

Spokesperson: I just spoke on that. First, this issue is being dealt with the Ministry of Petroleum. They have the lead on this matter, and they will be in a better position to share with you the details of Pakistan’s position on this particular case. I would also like to underline that Pakistan remains engaged with Iran on resolving any issues that arise from time to time. With regards to your particular question about the statement by the US State Department, I would not like to comment on it. However, Pakistan has an ongoing dialogue with the United States on energy security of Pakistan, and in this context, the two countries discuss various aspects of Pakistan’s energy security, including in the domain of renewable energy.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Three Pakistanis whose passports are blocked by Pakistan are present in London. As Anas Mallick asked, sources indicate that these Pakistanis were allegedly involved in propaganda against institutions of Pakistan. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is also present in London. So, will Pakistan request extradition of these Pakistanis.

Spokesperson: I will almost repeat the same question. Pakistan and the United Kingdom have been engaged in conversations on a number of issues of concern to Pakistan. And these conversations are privileged diplomatic conversations, and I am not in a position to share details at the moment.

(Aghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Ma’am, you informed us regarding SCO Head of Government Meeting. You are aware that sometimes observer states also attend SCO meetings. Will Pakistan as a host country invite observer countries to join SCO?

Spokesperson: First of all, as you know, the SCO is a forum that works with consensus and Pakistan as a chair of SCO, will work with countries, members of SCO to ensure the success of the SCO Heads of Government Meeting. Secondly, with regards to inviting new members or observers, this is a decision that takes place at the Heads of State Meeting, and not at the Heads of Government Meeting. So any future memberships and observer ships that the organization will accord to any country will be decided by the Heads of State Meeting.