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

Islamabad, Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi is in Cameroon today where he is leading the Pakistan delegation at the 50th Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM).

At the CFM, the Foreign Secretary will share Pakistan’s perspective on the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the dire humanitarian situation there; Israel’s adventurism in the region that is threatening peace in the Middle East; and the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. He will also underline the imperatives of solidarity and unity of the Ummah; rising Islamophobia and xenophobia in various parts of the world; issues of climate change, terrorism and other contemporary global challenges.

The eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Bilateral Political Consultations was held in Muscat, Oman earlier this week. The talks were co-chaired by Additional Foreign Secretary (Middle East), Ambassador Shehryar Akbar Khan and Ambassador Sheikh Ahmad bin Hashil bin Rashid Al Maskari, the Chief of GCC and Regional Neighborhood Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman.

The two sides comprehensively reviewed all aspects of bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Oman including political relations, trade and investment, security and defence, culture, health and consular matters. Pakistan-Oman cooperation at multilateral fora and regional and global matters of mutual concern was also discussed.

The two sides also expressed serious concerns on Israel’s war on Gaza and the genocide of the Palestinian people. They stressed the need for an urgent and unconditional ceasefire and reiterated the call for the creation of a viable, sovereign and contiguous Palestinian State.

Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, led a parliamentary delegation on an official visit to Belarus from 19-22 August 2024, at the invitation of the Chairman of the House of Representatives of Belarus.

In Minsk, the Speaker held meetings with: President Aleksandr Lukashenko, Chairman of the House of Representatives; Igor Sergeyenko; Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of Belarus; Natalya Kochanova; and the Minister for Agriculture Antoly Linevich.

The two sides reaffirmed the commitment to expanding bilateral relations and enhance parliamentary exchanges and people-to-people contacts. The two sides will continue to pursue bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including agriculture, industry, education and culture, with a particular emphasis on increasing bilateral trade.

Pakistan strongly condemns the bombing of the historic Grand Mosque in Khan Younis, Gaza by the Israeli occupation forces . This attack is a grievous assault on a place of deep cultural and religious significance. It also constitutes a clear violation of the international law. Targeting of religious sites is expressly prohibited under the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

Pakistan also expresses its grave concern and unequivocal condemnation of the recent large-scale military incursion conducted by Israeli occupied forces in the northern part of the occupied West Bank.

This attack is another blatant violation of international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits indiscriminate targeting of civilians in occupied territories. Repeated Israeli transgressions and the use of disproportionate force, including airstrikes and drone attacks on densely populated areas, also contravene the principles of distinction and proportionality as enshrined in International Humanitarian Law.

We call on the UN Security Council to take urgent and concrete measures to end these blatant violations of international law; and the UN Charter; protect the Palestinian people; and hold Israel accountable for its egregious violations of international humanitarian law and the genocide and war crimes in Gaza.

The third death anniversary of the iconic Kashmiri leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, will be observed on 1 September 2024. He breathed his last in a long-drawn house arrest on 01 September 2021.

Notwithstanding tremendous hardships, his unwavering commitment to the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination was matchless. Syed Ali Geelani was a true voice of the Kashmiris’ struggle for self determination. We pay rich tribute to his life-long struggle for justice and freedom and honour his memory.

We also reaffirm our commitment to 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

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): Ma’am, it has been five years since bilateral trade was suspended post 5 August 2019 between Pakistan and India. But Pakistan is constantly importing from India, imports estimated to be 1.62 Billion USD. What type of goods are imported and is the Foreign Office aware of such imports?

Spokesperson: First, as shared on multiple occasions, with some exceptions, Pakistan does not have bilateral trade relations with India. With respect to data on trade and any indirect imports and exports that may be taking place, I would refer you to the Ministry of Commerce, which would have a clearer picture on this issue.

(Imran Waseem, Aik News): Founder of PTI party is contesting for the seat of Chancellorship of Oxford University. If he wins the elections, will Pakistan allow him to attend the related ceremonies?

Spokesperson: Firstly, I think this is a political question, and secondly, it is based on speculation. So, I would not like to answer this question.

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Thank you, Ma’am. SCO Head of Governments meeting will take in Pakistan in October. Ministerial meetings will also be held before this meeting. Last time, Pakistani Foreign Minister attended the SCO meeting in Goa, India. Has Pakistan extended invitation to India?

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): Ma’am, Related to SCO invitation. Has there been any confirmation of attendance by any SCO Member country and what response did India give to the invitation? Thank You.

Spokesperson: I can confirm that invitations have been extended to all Heads of Government of SCO member countries, including the Prime Minister of India, for the forthcoming meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This meeting is scheduled to take place in Islamabad on 15th to 16th of October. We are not in a position to share the responses at this stage. Further updates will be shared in due course.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, What is Pakistan’s stance on the notice served by Iran to Pakistan in the Pakistan-Iran Pipeline Gas Agreement, in which Iran stated it will take the case of Pakistan-Iran Gas Pipeline to International Court in Paris?

Spokesperson: So, we have noted this development. The Ministry of Petroleum has the lead on this issue. Pakistan and Iran have robust channels of communication, including on this matter. We have always said we would like to resolve all issues through friendly consultations.

(Siyar Ali Shah, Khyber News): In reaction to the discussion by Prime Minister of Pakistan with the federal cabinet that Afghanistan’s soil is being used by TTP for terrorism in Pakistan after recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan, the Defence Ministry of Afghanistan has stated that Pakistan did not provide concrete evidence to prove that TTP operates in Afghanistan. Your opinion please.

Spokesperson: The use of Afghan soil for terrorist acts in Pakistan is well established. Pakistan has expressed its concerns on this issue on several occasions, including in our bilateral communications with the Afghan authorities. Pakistan has shared concrete evidence of the involvement of individuals based in Afghanistan in terrorist incidents inside Pakistan. The presence of terror groups including TTP in Afghanistan is confirmed by multiple independent reports, including by the United Nations. We expect the Afghan authorities to take concrete and robust action against these terror groups and prevent their activities that endanger Pakistan’s security.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma’am, in the second last briefing and the one before I asked if you could share the names of the organizations and individuals, Pakistan has sent to Afghanistan to hand them over to Pakistan. So, Ma’am can you share the names of those individuals and organizations.

Spokesperson: This question with regards to sharing of intelligence is an important question, but I am not in a position to share details with respect to intelligence exchanges between Pakistan and Afghanistan. If you need further details, you may contact the Ministry of Interior. However, given the sensitivity of this information, I’m not in a position to share such information.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma’am, after you response, can we assume that there is an intelligence sharing channel between Pakistan and Afghanistan?

Spokesperson: Pakistan has shared concrete evidence through several channels of communication, including the most obvious one, which is our Embassy. There are also several other channels of communication where we have conveyed our concerns and concrete evidence of the involvement of terror groups and entities based in Afghanistan and their involvement in terror activities in Pakistan.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma’am, a new development regarding Asif Merchant case took place in which the Congress Committee related to Homeland Security has convened a meeting on this case on 30th August, that is tomorrow. What information did Pakistan compile regarding Asif Merchant? Has America given us any information? In addition to this, did we find out whether Asif Merchant, as reported by American media, cultivated in Pakistan by Iranian Intelligence Agencies or was he was cultivated when he was in Iran, or if he was cultivated by a private organization?

Spokesperson: I do not have any update since our last briefing with regards to this particular question. We await formal communication from the US authorities with respect to this issue.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Ma’am. In the recent terror attacks inside Balochistan, I’m talking of MusaKhel area and other parts, has there been any clue about the involvement of terrorists operating from outside Pakistan? And has this anything been taken up with the countries who are hosting these terror elements.

Spokesperson: These terror attacks in Balochistan are a concern for the entire nation of Pakistan. We condemn these attacks and the Government of Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to protect Pakistan’s security and sovereignty. At this stage, I do not have any updates with regards to communication with any foreign governments. Further details will be coming in from our Ministry of Interior about the investigations into these terror attacks and the steps that the Government of Pakistan will be taking against these terror groups.

(Jiang Chao, Xinhua News Agency): Madam, last week, the New York Times filed an opinion article claiming that Pakistan is mired in a deep economic crisis that it can’t climb out of partly because of the need to pay billions of dollars in loans to China for infrastructure and other projects. What is your comment?

Spokesperson: First, I would like to underline that China Pakistan Economic Corridor is a transformational project that has contributed positively and transparently to Pakistan’s national development. It enjoys support and popularity in all provinces of Pakistan and across the political divide in Pakistan. We also believe that regional economic connectivity will provide a critical stimulus for creating broad based growth across the region. CPEC is a long term project that has helped address development gaps in energy, infrastructure, industrialization and job creation. As we have said in the past, Pakistan’s total public debt relating to CPEC projects is a small percentage of its total debt. Moreover, the public debt obtained from China has longer maturity periods with low interest rates. The claims made by some commentators, including in the article that you mentioned in your question, regarding Pakistan’s debt obligations relating to CPEC, are therefore not based on facts.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Ma’am, there are reports that China has requested Pakistan to let it provide security to its own nationals working in Pakistan. What is the authenticity of these reports?

Spokesperson: I would not like to comment on speculative reporting. I would like to reaffirm that Pakistan remains committed to provision of full security to all Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan, and this is an important priority for Pakistan.

(Siyar Ali Shah, Khyber News): A social media campaign is going on in Pakistan against the British High Commissioner in Islamabad in which it is speculated that Pakistan has reservations about her and she will be sent back. Your comments?

Spokesperson: As you know very well, we do not comment on social media speculation. Secondly, Pakistan has long term and cordial relations with the United Kingdom. These relations are based in history and reinforced by regular high level interactions and strong people-to-people contacts.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma’am, prominent and credible analyst & journalist, Najam Sethi, in his programme has claimed that the British High Commissioner in Pakistan has had several engagements with different politicians and she has probably talked in favour of releasing Imran Khan. Are these interactions in the notice of Government of Pakistan?

Spokesperson: As I said earlier, I would not engage in commentary on media speculation.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, in recent terror attacks in Balochistan, is any foreign country is involved, especially India?

Spokesperson: As I said earlier, the Ministry of Interior is the right forum to share with the people of Pakistan, the results for its investigation into these terror attacks and when these details come forward, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be able to make a commentary on that.

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): Ma’am, Iran has announced that it will retaliate against Israeli attacks. What message will Pakistan want to convey to Iran to deescalate the tension or any similar message?

Spokesperson: Since October last year, Pakistan has repeatedly called for an urgent and unconditional ceasefire and lifting of the siege in Gaza. We have also urged holding Israel accountable for its adventurism in the region and threatening the security of countries in the Middle East. We believe a war in the Middle East must be avoided. Pakistan will continue to support, therefore, all efforts aimed at ensuring peace in the Middle East.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): Madam, India is holding first assembly elections in IIOJK in 10 years. What is Pakistan’s stance on this?

Spokesperson: Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory. The relevant UN Security Council resolutions affirm the right of the Kashmiri people to self determination. These resolutions clearly state that the final disposition of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute shall be made in accordance with the will of the people expressed through a UN supervised plebiscite. In that backdrop, any other process cannot serve as a substitute to the grant of the right of self determination to the Kashmiri people.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): Madam, at the end of August or at the start of September, a UAE trade delegation will arrive in Pakistan. Can you confirm the dates of their arrival? In addition to this, the Ministry of Commerce is planning to create a Joint Working Groups or ventures with other countries like Iran, Iraq and Syria. Can you tell us about it?

Spokesperson: I think the right forum to answer this question is the Ministry of Commerce. They will be able to share with you the details of any business delegations that continue to visit Pakistan on frequent basis. Furthermore, any new proposals regarding formation of working groups and mechanisms are a priority for Pakistan, but it is the Ministry of Commerce that takes the lead on these matters, and they will be able to share details with you.

(Aghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Last week, Modi ji passed through Pakistan’s Airspace, so did he give a message of goodwill to Pakistan while passing through Pakistan’s airspace?

Spokesperson: I am not aware, I’m not aware of any exchange of such messages.

(Imran Waseem, Aik News): A personality associated with a political party was arrested in Saudi Arabia. In what offense was he arrested? Did MoFA contact Saudi authorities regarding the charges and what steps are being taken for return of this Pakistani national?

Spokesperson: First of all, I should underline that Pakistan has continued to call on all its nationals to respect the laws of the countries they are visiting. And in that respect, Pakistani embassies and consulates, wherever they are, they continue to facilitate Pakistani nationals, when in distress. With respect to your specific question, I think your statement could be outdated, and I am not aware of some political personality currently under detention in Saudi Arabia.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): The former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Shaikh Hasina, is in exile in India. There are reports that she is facing threats and the United States also canceled her visa. In such circumstances will Pakistan offer political asylum to her?

Spokesperson: I think your question is based on speculation, number one. Number two, Pakistan has said previously that we have enormous respect for the people of Bangladesh and their ability to resolve their domestic affairs, and we will continue to support the people of Bangladesh. Pakistan therefore, has no comments to offer with respect to any domestic developments that may be taking place in Bangladesh.

[Inaudible]

As I said, it is a speculative question.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, the Spokesperson of Afghan government has indicate that Afghan government is ready to play its role as a mediator in discussions with TTP? What is Pakistan’s view point?

Spokesperson: As I said in the past, Pakistan has no plans to engage in any talks with TTP. We believe that such offers are an affront to thousands of victims of TTP, who have been killed in Pakistan. Pakistan therefore advises the Afghan authorities to take action against TTP and other terror groups that continue to threaten Pakistan’s security and who have been involved in killing of Pakistani nationals in Pakistani territory.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Due to destructive floods in Bangladesh, the Prime Minister of Pakistan has offered help for the flood relief in Bangladesh. Has any response been received from Bangladesh in this regard?

Spokesperson: As you know, the Prime Minister of Pakistan has expressed Pakistan’s sympathies and support to the people of Bangladesh in this very difficult time as the country faces devastating floods. Pakistan has expressed an offer to support Bangladesh, if a need arises. We also believe that the people of Bangladesh have the resilience to overcome any challenges that they face. When we receive any request of support, Pakistan will respond positively.

(Sara Zaman, VOA): After China, now recently, UAE also accepted Afghan Taliban’s ambassador. So, while Pakistan is very actively trying to pursue Afghan Taliban very publicly to take action against terrorists, Pakistan’s allies are going ahead and building deeper ties with Afghan Taliban. So how does Pakistan see this development?

Spokesperson: Pakistan and Afghanistan have a long history of relations and these relations are rooted in history, in our shared culture and in enormous goodwill between our peoples. Our position regarding the recognition of the Interim Afghan Government has been clear since the outset. We believe this is a shared responsibility, and the neighbouring countries of Afghanistan are the most important stakeholders in this regard. Therefore, we will take any decision on recognition in consultation with our regional partners. For Pakistan, counter-terrorism is a major concern that Afghanistan must address. We are confident that if the Interim Afghan government lives up to its commitment to the international community and its own people and ensure that its territory is not used for terrorism against its neighbours, there could be a definite movement towards recognition.

(Sara Zaman, VOA): But the recognition by China and then now by UAE. Does this build any kind of pressure on Pakistan? Does it create any kind of difficulty? Both are regional partners, and they’re going ahead with building deeper ties, and Pakistan is not part of that equation because Pakistan has certain demands.

Spokesperson: I think your question is more analytical in nature. Pakistan takes decisions with regards to foreign policy on the basis of its own national interest. We do take into account international developments, but any decision with regards to its relations with its neighbours and with countries around the world are taken keeping in view our own national interest.

(Ali Hussain, Business Recorder): Some people believe that the terror attacks in Balochistan is a reaction to regime change in Bangladesh, backed by Pakistan. What is Foreign Office’s opinion on this? Thank You.

Spokesperson: I do not understand how anyone can link the two situations. Pakistan’s position with regards to the situation in Bangladesh is very clear. We believe it is the right of the people of Bangladesh to determine their own future and to decide about their leadership. We believe that foreign governments should not be advising Bangladesh on their domestic affairs, and Pakistan will continue to work towards a positive relationship with Bangladesh.

(Ghofran Khan, Pakistan Times): My question is regarding Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline. The contract was signed in 2009 and it will expire in September 2024. It was revised in 2019 under which 750 million Cubic feet of natural gas will be provided to Pakistan. If it is not completed till September 2024 then Pakistan will face a penalty of 18 billion USD. Your comments, please?

Spokesperson: I think this question was already asked just now, and I have responded to this question. Details of this particular issue are available with the Ministry of Petroleum, and they can respond to your question in a more effective manner.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): There is an online portal “WE News”. They published a story, in which the Government of Iraq has written a letter to Pakistan to call back its citizens living in Iraq illegally and call for action by the Interior Ministry and FIA. Has there been any communication in this matter between Pakistan and Iraq?

Spokesperson: Pakistan and Iraq remain engaged on several issues, including the smooth journey of Pakistani Zaireen to Iraq. We also share with each other any issue that arises during this religious journey. Both sides continue to ensure that the Zaireen fulfill the requirements under which they are visiting Iraq. We have called on Pakistani nationals to respect the laws of the host countries, including Zaireen who visit Iraq. Wherever there are concerns with respect to Pakistani nationals who may be violating the laws of Iraq, Pakistan will continue to engage with our Iraqi friends to resolve these concerns.

Pakistan will continue to engage with Iraqi authorities to find appropriate solutions to ensure that Pakistani nationals employed in Iraq or Zaireen who visit Iraq, respect the Iraqi laws. Our Ministry of Interior is also taking measures against individuals or gangs involved in human trafficking and illegal migration.

(Sara Zaman, VOA?): Follow up question. In the recent past, news came from the parliament that certain number of individuals who went to Iraq or Saudi Arabia for religious reasons were involved in begging or business activities. Have these two countries given any specific number who have gone missing or settled there? Has MoFA taken up this issue with the NADRA or Ministry of Interior, because Ministry of Interior doesn’t have anything else to say on this matter.

Spokesperson: First, regarding the discussions in the Parliament of Pakistan and the statements that you are referring to, I would invite your attention to the clarifications issued by the respective ministries, including the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Secondly, Pakistani nationals who live in the Middle East, are in millions. They are law abiding, and have been living there for decades and contributing to the development and economy of these countries. With respect to some cases of illegal behavior, Pakistan has continuously asked its nationals to respect the laws and culture of the host countries. We will continue to engage with our friends in the Middle East, including with the governments of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Pakistani authorities remain committed to taking action against criminal behavior and human smuggling.

(Aghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Ma’am, an important point of National Action Plan is that Pakistan will ensure honourable return of Afghan refugees to Afghanistan. Two days ago representative of UN dealing with Afghan refugees, held meetings in Pakistan. What was the agenda of these meetings?

Spokesperson: First, Pakistan’s position on repatriation of illegal foreigners has been pronounced and reiterated on several occasions. We have underlined that all individuals who are present in Pakistan, in violation of our immigration laws, must return to their countries.

Secondly, with regards to communications with UNHCR, we believe that the UNHCR has a very specific mandate. It is focused on individuals who enjoy refugee status in Pakistan. Pakistan continues to engage with UNHCR to facilitate their safe stay in Pakistan and to find solutions for their early and honourable return to Afghanistan.

32. (Anwar Abbas, 24 News): Ma’am, the committee on International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination published a report in which they have raised concerns regarding Blasphemy in Pakistan. What is your reaction?

Spokesperson: First of all, as you know, the International Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination is an international treaty and Pakistan is a party to the ICERD. There is a regular review mechanism under which Pakistan’s periodic report under ICERD was examined by the relevant committee. In the report, Pakistan discussed its efforts regarding elimination of Racial Discrimination. We believe that the Convention on Racial Discrimination is an important International human rights instrument and Pakistan remains committed to its full implementation.