Assalam-o-Alaikum,
Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Thanks for joining us for the Weekly Briefing.
A high-level Russian delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Alexei Overchuk is on an official visit to Pakistan.
Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk held detailed talks with Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
The two sides noted the positive momentum in Pakistan-Russia relations and agreed to pursue robust dialogue and cooperation in areas of trade, industry, energy, connectivity, science, technology and education.
The two sides will also continue to consult and coordinate on multilateral fora including at the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Deputy Prime Minister Overchuk’s visit is taking place in pursuance of the vision of Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif and President Vladimir Putin on transforming bilateral relations into a solid, mutually beneficial economic partnership.
A Memorandum of Understanding between Pakistan Mercantile Exchange (PMEX) and Saint Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange (SPIMEX) was signed yesterday. Pakistan also signed the instrument of accession to the MoU on Creation and Development of International Transport Corridor Belarus-Russia-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan.
Earlier this week, the US Acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, John Bass and Principal Assistant Secretary of State Elizabeth Horst met with Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and called on Deputy Prime Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
The two sides held discussions on a wide range of issues of bilateral engagement and cooperation, including progress in the ongoing dialogues on trade, energy, security, health, climate change and counter-terrorism.
Pakistan strongly condemns this week’s attacks in Lebanon carried through detonation of electronic equipment. Use of cyber and electronic means to commit terrorism in foreign countries is reprehensible. We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the people and the Government of the Republic of Lebanon.
Repeated terror attacks are a manifestation of Israel’s alarming adventurism in the region which has endangered regional peace and security. Pakistan reaffirms its support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and calls upon the international community to take urgent steps to hold Israel to account on its acts of international terrorism and violations of international law.
Pakistan strongly condemns the Israeli airstrikes of 12 September against an UNRWA run school-turned-shelter in Gaza. The horrifying massacre that also included death of UNRWA staff is yet another crime committed by Israel in Gaza since October last year.
These ongoing attacks on civilian targets including refugee camps also go against the spirit of the ICJ’s provisional measures, which called for the provision of essential services and humanitarian assistance to address the challenges faced by the Palestinians in Gaza.
Pakistan calls for the full implementation of ICJ’s Advisory Opinion delivered on 19 July 2024, which emphasizes the illegal nature of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and highlights the urgent need for the international community to uphold the right of self-determination for the Palestinian people. This includes an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to bring about an end to the suffering faced by the people of Gaza. We therefore welcome the United Nations General Assembly Resolution to turn the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice into action. The draft resolution presented by the state of Palestine was co-sponsored by Pakistan.
Yesterday, Indian occupation force conducted the first phase of a farcical election exercise in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. On this occasion, we wish to remind India that given the IIOJK’s internationally-recognized disputed status, any so-called election conducted in pursuance of the Indian Constitution carries no legal value in the eyes of international law.
The relevant UN Security Council resolutions clearly state that the final disposition of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute will be made in accordance with the will of the Kashmiri people, expressed through a UN-supervised plebiscite. Any other process cannot, therefore, serve as a substitute to grant of the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.
A so-called electoral process held amidst excessive deployment of security forces, defies all international standards for the expression of free will of a people who remain under decades long occupation. The number of Kashmiri political prisoners remains in thousands and 14 political parties have been outlawed. Holding any electoral exercise under Indian supervision in such an environment of fear and intimidation, has no validity whatsoever.
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.
Now I have an important announcement.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, will participate in the high-level segment for the 79thSession of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York from 23rdto 27thSeptember 2024. He will be accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and senior government officials.
In his address at the UN General Assembly, the Prime Minister will reaffirm Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism; and express support for the role of the United Nations in fostering global peace, security, and prosperity. He will emphasize the importance of addressing long-standing issues on the agenda of the UN Security Council, including the question of Palestine and the Jammu & Kashmir dispute.
The Prime Minister will attend several high-level meetings on the side-lines of the UNGA Session including the “High-Level Meeting on Existential Threat posed by Sea-level Rise”; and the UN Security Council’s Open Debate on “Leadership for Peace”. His programme will also include bilateral meetings with world leaders; meetings with the UN Secretary-General and the President of the UN General Assembly; and members of the Pakistani diaspora.
Similarly, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister will have an extensive programme, consisting of several high-level events and bilateral meetings with his counterparts.
He will represent Pakistan at the “Summit of the Future” convened by the UN Secretary-General on 22-23 September 2024. He will also take part in several ministerial meetings including the OIC Annual Coordination Meeting of Foreign Ministers; the meeting of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir; the Ministerial meeting of G77 & China; and the Non-Aligned Movement’s Ministerial meeting.
The Prime Minister’s upcoming participation in the 79thUNGA Session will be an opportunity to present Pakistan’s policy perspectives on important issues on the global agenda, and reaffirm Pakistan’s strong commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and international peace and security.
I thank you
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(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): India has sent a notice to Pakistan under Article 13(3) of the Indus Water Treaty, asking for a reassessment of the treaty on bilateral basis. What does Pakistan have to say on that?
Spokesperson: The Indus Waters Treaty is an important treaty that has served both Pakistan and India well over the last several decades. We believe it is the gold standard of bilateral treaties on water sharing, Pakistan is fully committed to its implementation. We expect India to also remain committed to the treaty. Pakistan believes that it is our collective responsibility to maintain ecological balance, protect our environment and avoid measures which may have adverse implications for the environment. The two countries have a mechanism of Indus Commissioners, and we believe all issues pertaining to this Treaty can be discussed in this mechanism.
(Nur Aiman, 65 News): My question is that reportedly, India is busy in illegal construction in rural areas and fields of Jammu and Kashmir. What is the stance of Pakistan on it, as they are destroying their employment and the climate of Jammu and Kashmir?
Spokesperson: Okay, I do not have the background of the particular question that you are asking. I can, however, underline that it is important for the occupying power under international law to ensure that the ecological and environmental standards in the occupied territories are upheld, and that there are no construction projects that may damage the ecological balance of the occupied territory and affect the livelihoods and lives of the people under occupation.
(Siyar Ali Shah, Khyber News): Afghan Council General disrespected the Pakistani national anthem. Pakistan has also taken notice and a demarche has been handed over. Recently, they explained that there was music in the national anthem. Does Pakistan accept this justification and secondly, Pakistan has not recognized the Afghan Government. Why do we invite them to official events like this? Are there any SOPs regarding such events, because it was an event of official nature where they were invited. Will they be invited to such events in the future?
Spokesperson: First I would like to underline and reiterate that disrespect of the host country’s national anthem is against diplomatic norms. Pakistan considers the act of the Acting Council General of Afghanistan as reprehensible, and we reject the explanation that he has given in this regard. We believe his action has hurt the sentiments of the people of Pakistan. We have conveyed our strong protest to the Afghan authorities, and we believe that it is important for any individual who is in Pakistan with diplomatic status, should respect Pakistani anthem, which is a symbol of the statehood of Pakistan.
(Aftab Jahan, News One): CM KP has defended acting Afghan Council General’s behavior. What do you have to say about this?
Spokesperson: I have not seen that statement that you are referring to, but I would like to underline what we said last time that according to the Pakistani Constitution, conduct of foreign policy is the prerogative of the Federal Government. Secondly, there are procedures in place regarding interaction with foreign diplomats and inviting them to important events and activities, and we hope that all government departments, including our provincial governments, will follow those guidelines.
(Zeeshan Yousafzai,Dunya News): It is being said that the Afghan Consul General and some other Afghan officials are living illegally in Pakistan. They do not have any documentation, so why are they being invited to official events despite their illegal residence status?
Spokesperson: According to the data which is available with us, Mr. Hafiz Muhibullah Shakir, the Acting Council General, is here on a valid visa and enjoys diplomatic status.
(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Is Pakistan thinking of taking any action against the Afghan Council General in view of the recent development. Any plans to declare him Persona Non Grata?
Spokesperson: We have conveyed our very strong protest with the Afghan authorities and decisions will be taken after internal deliberations and after conclusion of consultations with the Afghan government. Pakistan reserves the right to take action in accordance with diplomatic norms and practices.
(Ali Hussain, Business Recorder): Ma’am as you talked about diplomatic norms, is it mandatory or is it a diplomatic protocol for the foreign diplomats to stand up in respect of the national anthem of the host country?
Spokesperson: Yes, these are diplomatic norms which are respected by diplomats around the world, where respect is shown to the flag and anthem of the host country. We expect that any individual who enjoys diplomatic status in Pakistan to respect those norms.
(Kiran Butt, The Khorasan Diary): Ma’am, you have factually corrected that his documents are proper. So, this news was shared by PTV News official on their twitter handle in which it is written that he neither does he possess Afghani passport nor does he have any POR card and his family went to Afghanistan back in 2015 with dollars and rations from UNHCR. PTV which is the state media, had they not confirmed it from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Interior about the legality of their documents? Secondly, the Chief Minister of KP has defended, in his statement yesterday that because there is music in the national anthem, the Counsel General does not respect Pakistan’s national anthem. But, in the past all the events that I have attended in Peshawar, he was standing for the national anthem and did not break any diplomatic norms. Now in your statement, you said that we will consult this with the Afghan government. So, either you are going to raise this issue once and it won’t happen in the future? Or are you going to ask that why they disrespected the national anthem this time because in 2021, they were respecting the national anthem.
Spokesperson: We have raised this with the Afghan authorities and conveyed our strong displeasure on this latest incident, and we also reject the explanation that the acting Council General has given for his actions. You may raise this question with the PTV.
(Imran Waseem, Aik News): Ma’am, a similar incident happened in Germany where Pakistan’s Consulate was attacked and Pakistani flag was disrespected by Afghan nationals. Now a new incident has taken place in which the national anthem has been disrespected. What are the updates on that incident? Afghans were involved in that too, and now the diplomats are doing similar acts. Had we addressed that issue head on, the recent incident would not have happened.
Spokesperson: The attack against Pakistani Consulate in Frankfurt took place in Germany, and it is the responsibility of the German authorities to ensure the protection and sanctity of diplomatic missions. This issue has been raised with the German authorities, who have expressed their regret at the incident. They are conducting an investigation, and have assured us that action will be taken.
(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Ma’am US State Department Spokesperson has spoken about US concerns regarding Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme and expressed reservations regarding nuclear arms proliferation and their use. Pakistan’s response on this? Secondly, have we talked about Pakistan Steel Mill’s upgradation during the visit of the Russian delegation?
Spokesperson: The visit of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation is ongoing. He is holding meetings with several government officials, I should say, several ministers, in addition to the meeting that was held yesterday under the leadership of the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan. And at this stage, I do not have the readout of all the meetings which have taken place and which are taking place even as we speak now. We would be able to give you a more detailed readout at a subsequent briefing. Your question was regarding the US decision to impose sanctions against commercial entities on allegations of links with Pakistan’s ballistic missiles. On this issue, Pakistan has already issued a statement on the 14th of September. We consider these actions as biased and politically motivated, and these steps have been taken without sharing any information with Pakistan. In the past, some listings of commercial entities were based on mere suspicion, involved items not listed under Export Control regimes and yet were considered sensitive under broad catch-all provisions. We consider these as double standards and discriminatory practices. These practices undermine the credibility of global non-proliferation regimes, increase military asymmetries; and endanger international peace and security.
(Naveed Siddiqui, Talon News): Ma’am, there have been some social media reports regarding secret meetings in 2023 by the then Prime Minister Shabaz Sharif and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar with DG IAEA, without the involvement of Pakistani nuclear authorities regarding the potential sale of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal. Is there any truth to the claims that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is being considered for auction?
Spokesperson: These are fake and preposterous news. The Deputy Prime Minister has not held any meetings with any individual or entity on Pakistan’s nuclear program. That’s one thing. Secondly, we had earlier discussed the visit of Director General IAEA that took place last year. In that context, we must look at the mandate of IAEA. IAEA is an organization, a UN agency, that focuses on peaceful uses of nuclear technology. So such malicious reports, we believe, have no grounds whatsoever. They have no agenda but to politicize Pakistan’s nuclear program. The sanctity and security of Pakistan’s nuclear program is paramount for the entire Pakistani nation. We therefore caution everyone to reject such irresponsible and malicious propaganda.
(Saleh Zafir, The News): Ma’am, Prime Minister, is visiting United Nations General Assembly Summit. I have come to know through the Indian media, that Indian Prime Minister is also visiting for the same purpose. Has India requested a meeting with Prime Minister of Pakistan on the margins of this UNGA Summit?
Spokesperson: Your answer is in the negative. No.
(Kiran Butt, The Khorasan Diary): Ma’am. There was a report in Express Tribune this morning and then there was another report in dropside.com that Pakistan is going to give China some militarized naval bases and China proposes anti-terror tie-up. Then there is a whole plan to, you know, give a naval, militarized base to China. What’s your comment on that?
Spokesperson: This speculation is completely unfounded and we reject it. There is absolutely no basis for these speculations. Pakistan, as we have said in the past, has no plans to offer bases to a foreign government or military directed against any other country.
(Tang Binhui, Xinhua News Agency): My question is about China international fair for trading service 2024 that just concluded .There was two MOUs signed between Pakistani and Chinese enterprises, worth 350 million US dollars. Could you share some comments on this?
Spokesperson: Yes, these are two recent MOUs signed between Pakistani and Chinese companies reflect the positive trajectory of Pakistan China economic ties. These MOUs build on the momentum from Prime Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif’s visit to China in June, where he attended a Pakistan business and investment conference in Shenzhen that resulted in several agreements, 16 of which have already operationalized. These agreements underscore Chinese investors’ confidence in Pakistan’s market and highlight Pakistan’s role as a key regional partner. Continued collaboration between Pakistan and China in the economic domain will foster job creation, technological advancement and capacity building in Pakistan, while offering Chinese companies access to Pakistani markets.
(Syed Asif Ali, Din News): Ma’am, my question is regarding Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan. We have seen that India is violating Indus Water treaty from decades. Sometime it builds dams on it and sometime it stops the water of Pakistan and now it has sent another letter to Pakistan. My question is that the Indus Water Treaty is not in isolation. At the same time, we are selling Pakistani salt to India at cheap rates. India is now violating its treaties with Pakistan and this treaty is revisited. Will we stop supply of white salt and pink salt from Khewra?
Spokesperson: I would first like to state that I’m not going to indulge in speculation on something that we believe has not yet happened.
Pakistan, as I said just now, Pakistan considers the Indus Waters Treaty as an important treaty for both Pakistan and India, and Pakistan is committed to its full implementation. We hope that India will also comply with all the relevant provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty.
(Sumaira Khan, Sama TV): Ma’am,yesterday we saw the Russian Deputy Prime Minister in town, and our question, specifically from him, was that, what’s Russia’s position on Pakistan’s potential inclusion in BRICS. And our Foreign Minister, our Deputy Prime Minister, Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan in due course will become member of BRICS. So, can you shed some light that exactly in what span of time Pakistan would be able to comply with all the procedures, and whatever we call it, how we would go about to meet that criteria, and what exactly would be the time frame, if you can comment on that?
Spokesperson: First, I would like to clarify that Pakistan has applied for membership of BRICS and we are awaiting a signal from BRICS regarding our request to become member of the grouping. We believe that as a developing country, we are qualified to play an important role in this organization. We believe it is a bit premature to start discussing the timelines at this point. We believe that as a grouping that claims to represent developing countries and professes inclusive multilateralism. BRICS will move ahead to live up to its claims of inclusive multilateralism and accept inclusion of Pakistan.
(Saleh Zafir, The News): Ma’am, you told that you don’t have any timeline for the membership of BRICS. But the BRICS Summit is going to take place in Moscow towards the end of next month. Is Pakistan’s case being considered in that conference.
Spokesperson: We do not have that information.
(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): In your opening statement, you said that Pakistan strongly condemns the attacks in Lebanon, but in the same sentence, you said that the international community must hold Israel to account. So, does Pakistan believe that Israel is behind these attacks in the absence of an official claim by the Israeli authorities?
Spokesperson: I would like to interpret or explain the statement that I just made. You can read the statement that stands for itself.
(Ishtiaq Ahmed, APP): According to Amnesty International, they have found several fair trial violations under international human rights standards which have resulted in this arbitrary detention of Imran Khan. It also called for immediate release of Imran Khan from arbitrary pre-trial detention. Your take on this please?
Spokesperson: We have noted the statement. Any decisions regarding the trial or release of any individual in Pakistan are taken by the courts of Pakistan in accordance with our laws and constitution.
(Allah Noor Wazir, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, in 2014, in KPK, almost 337 people were martyred and more than 600 are wounded. Is the Afghan government supporting the activities of TTP in Pakistan? What is Pakistan’s position on this?
Spokesperson: Pakistan’s position is that any terror groups or entities or individuals which are based in Afghanistan that continue to threaten Pakistan’s security must be stopped from their activities directed against the security of Pakistan. We believe it is a responsibility of the Afghan authorities to ensure that these groups and outfits do not threaten Pakistan’s security. We have shared concrete evidence of the involvement of these entities in terror attacks in Pakistan, and we expect the Afghan authorities to take action against those individuals who are responsible for these terror attacks. The Afghan authorities are fully aware who these individuals are. They know the location of these individuals and entities inside Afghanistan. It is therefore their responsibility to ensure that their territory is not used to foment terrorism against Pakistan.
(Anwer Abbas, 24 News): Recently Matthew Miller made a statement regarding Pakistan’s ballistic missiles that the US does not support it. So have John Bass and Elizabeth also talked about this with Pakistani authorities?
Spokesperson: You may have seen the statement which we released on the meeting of Mr. John Bass with the Foreign Secretary. We discussed progress on dialogue between Pakistan and the United States on important issues. With regards to issues relating to arms control and non-proliferation, there are other channels of communication. And when these meetings take place, we invariably make announcement of those talks.
(Naveed Siddiqui, Talon News): Ma’am, Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, will confront Pakistani Defence Minister on 14th of November in Oxford University. Can you share the details of the event?
Spokesperson: I do not have details of this event. Maybe the Ministry of Defence can share with you the details.
(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Ma’am, as cyber attacks happened recently. Pakistan’s National Computers Response team has also issued alerts and advice. In wake of this, has Foreign Office issued instructions related to its consulates and missions? Your comments?
Spokesperson: With regards to security matters, we do not discuss these issues in the media and the public. Pakistani Missions and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and indeed, all government officials and offices, continue to take measures to protect our officials and our communications against cyber terrorism.
(Russian News Agency): The Russian energy week will take place on 26th to 28th of this month in Russia. So, will there be any Pakistani delegation to participate in this forum?
Spokesperson: Once we have the details, we will share with you.
(Kiran Butt, The Khorasan Diary): Ma’am this week, we also saw that the tenure of Special Representative of Afghanistan, Asif Durrani was, you know, cut short. He was supposed to leave the designation in March, but he left early. So is there any replacement of him coming? Was his contract being terminated? Or is his position being discontinued? Can you share the details?
Spokesperson: High level appointments are made by the Government of Pakistan according to the requirements of that particular point in time. Ambassador Asif Durrani was appointed as Special Representative of Pakistan for Afghanistan in May 2021. After serving three years in this position, the government has decided to terminate his contract. He has our best wishes. At this point, there is no decision regarding his replacement.
(Ishtiaq Ahmed, APP): Ma’am, 11 Pakistani nationals are stuck in the transnational online scamming syndicates based in the neighboring countries of Thailand. It is reported that six of them have reached the immigration while five are still missing. Any update please?
Spokesperson: Our mission in Myanmar has approached the relevant authorities for the release of Pakistani nationals who have been illegally detained by criminal gangs and to assist them in recovery and early repatriation of these individuals to Pakistan. When we have further information, we will share with the media. It is important to note that transnational criminal networks and organizations operating in some part of Southeast Asia pose a serious threat to regional security. These groups engage in illegal and sophisticated scamming operations to ensnare and trap individuals seeking job opportunities. We believe there is need for coordinated international response to the challenges of human trafficking and transnational organized crime. We will continue to work with countries of the region to ensure that Pakistani nationals who fall victim to these criminal networks are released and brought back to Pakistan. We also advise Pakistani nationals applying for job opportunities abroad to ensure the authenticity of these job offers before they decide to accept these job offers.
(Saleh Zafir, The News): Ma’am, if I have correctly heard that you said, the contact of Mr. Asif Durrani has been terminated by the government, but the report appeared in the media was that he himself opted for quitting the job. I wish to know if his contract has been finished by the government? What are the causes of that? Was there any complaint from Kabul or of any other sort? If you can comment please?
Spokesperson: I think I said that in my answer, that when a high-level appointment is made by the government, it is according to the requirements of the time. Ambassador Asif Durrani was appointed the Special Representative of Pakistan for Afghanistan in May 2021. As per the requirements at that time, the government was of the view that he was the right fit for this position. The government has now decided to go in a different direction.
(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): First question regarding the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia who was here. There was discussion on energy trade, regional connectivity, but security and counterterrorism is missing from both briefings. What are the reasons?
Spokesperson: Because security issues were not on the agenda of the talks. The agenda of the talks was in economic and trade, investment and connectivity matters. And that is what was the focus of the talks yesterday; and that is the focus of his visit to Pakistan, taking place in light of the understanding between Prime Minister of Pakistan and President of Russia, who decided to add the economic substance in this relationship.
(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Lieutenant General Amir was appointed Ambassador in UAE, but there are reports that this decision has been reversed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the incumbent Ambassador has been told to serve. So, are you confirming these developments?
Spokesperson: I have not made any personnel announcement of this sort earlier and I don’t want to indulge in any speculation regarding personnel appointments today.
Thank You!
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