Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on
Thursday 21 November 2024
This week Pakistan hosted a number of incoming delegations.
A high-level Parliamentary delegation from Spain’s Senate Foreign Affairs Committee visited Pakistan from 13-19 November 2024. They held meetings with Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq; Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan; Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif; Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan; and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch.
In these meetings, the two sides reaffirmed close bilateral relations, and agreed to promote trade, investment and tourism; and enhance cooperation in education, agriculture, renewable energy, climate change, disaster risk management and pollution control. Noting the positive role of parliamentary engagement in bolstering bilateral relations and people-to-people contacts, the two sides committed to continue parliamentary exchanges and cooperation to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
The UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan), Hamish Falconer visited Islamabad from 19-21 November 2024. In Islamabad, he held meetings with the National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi.
The two sides discussed bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed the importance of strong Pakistan-UK relations; and enhanced cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, parliamentary engagement, and climate action; and at the UN Security Council.
The Second Round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Bosnia and Herzegovina was held on 15 November 2024 in Islamabad. The talks were co-chaired by Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe), Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan and Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Edin Dilberovic.
Pakistan in the World Last Week , From Directly the Office of Spokesperson MOFA Islamabad
The two sides discussed major regional and global developments and the different facets of bilateral relations. They reaffirmed their commitment to further develop and deepen political, trade, economic, social, and humanitarian relations.
The third round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan was held on 19 November 2024 in Islamabad. Additional Foreign Secretary (Afghanistan & West Asia) Ambassador Ahmad Naseem Warraich led the Pakistan side while the Kazakh side was led by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Alibek Bakayev.
The two sides discussed bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Kazakhstan, including on political relations, inter-parliamentary exchanges, economic & trade ties, connectivity, education, information technology, telecommunication, culture and tourism. They agreed to maintain the momentum in bilateral cooperation and to collaborate closely at multinational fora.
The 14th Session of Pakistan-EU Joint Commission is taking place in Islamabad today. The EU delegation is led by Deputy Managing Director of Asia & Pacific, Ms. Paola Pampaloni while the Pakistani delegation is led by the Secretary Economic Affairs Division, Dr. Kazim Niaz.
The dialogue reflects growing partnership of Pakistan with the European Union. These annual meetings provide a valuable platform for both sides to engage in meaningful discussions and foster mutual understanding on key areas of bilateral cooperation.
We welcome the latest report of the UN Special Committee to investigate Israeli practices, released last week. The report describes Israel’s warfare practices in Gaza as acts of genocide and documents millions of civilian casualties and grievous conditions intentionally imposed on Palestinians.
Pakistan welcomes the Committee’s condemnation of the ongoing smear campaign and attacks against UNRWA and the United Nations; and support its call on all Member States to uphold their legal obligations to prevent and stop Israeli violations of international law and holding it accountable.
We regret the result of the last night’s vote at the United Nations Security Council and its inability to reach consensus over the resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. We reiterate our call for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire; unhindered access to humanitarian assistance; and full support to UNRWA and its mandated humanitarian activities.
As we observe the World Children’s Day this week, we shall not forget the plight of the Kashmiri children who continue to live in an environment of fear and intimidation, as a result of ongoing Indian atrocities in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Living in a highly militarized territory, the trauma faced by the Kashmiri children is immense, leaving indelible scars on their psychological and mental health. Over 100,000 children have become orphans as a result of Indian operations in IIOJK. Their plight deserves international attention. We call on the international community to stand up for the rights of the Kashmiri children and demand an end to their suffering.
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 an Announcement;
At the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko will undertake an official visit to Pakistan from 25-27 November 2024.
President Lukashenko will hold extensive talks with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and discuss areas of bilateral cooperation. Several Agreements and MoUs will also be signed during the visit.
Pakistan in the World – November 2024
Q n A
Q – Two questions today, the media has reported from the United Nations in New York that UN Security Council tabled another resolution which was vetoed by the United States that was meant to bring immediate cease fire in Gaza. How do you comment? And second, this week, Pakistan witnessed high wave of terrorism and some of the deadly attacks, again emanating from the Afghan soil. Pakistan have been calling on Afghan authorities time and again to ensure that its territory is not used against Pakistan, but no attention is paid to Pakistan’s request and attacks continue and the terrorists are infiltrating into Pakistan from the Afghanistan border. Your comments, please.
Spokesperson: On your first question, I’ve already covered that in our opening statement. Your second question is regarding the threat that Pakistan faces from the terror groups which have sanctuaries and hideouts in Afghanistan. Pakistan is concerned about the activities of these terror groups. We are also concerned about continued freedom of operation of terror groups that have found hideouts in Afghanistan. The Federal Apex Committee of the National Action Plan discussed activities of terror groups. You may have seen their press release. The Government of Pakistan is deeply concerned about the support that terror groups receive from hostile powers.
Q: What you have been terming as foreign intervention or interference into our domestic affairs, again there has been one letter from the US Congressman (46 of them) and another from the British Secretary David Lammy. How do you respond to these latest incidents of interference? Related question is, since David Lammy talked about their Minister’s visit to Pakistan in his letter, so did Mr. Hamish Falconer take up “these pressing issues of liberties and political rights” during his visit?
Spokesperson: First Mr. Falconer is the Parliamentary Under Secretary and so his designation is different from the description that you have given. With regards to the letter that you have mentioned, we have seen a letter on the social media that has been sent by the UK Foreign Secretary to a British MP. This appears to be an internal communication between the British Foreign Secretary and a member of Parliament. It has not been officially shared with the Government of Pakistan. As outlined in the letter, judicial processes are a domestic matter for Pakistan. Pakistani laws and constitution will hold supreme in all cases under trial in Pakistan.
Pakistan in the World – Aug / Sep 2024
Q: A Chinese envoy visited Islamabad and there was also report circulating that some evidence has been shared with the Chinese about terror attacks emanating from Afghanistan. Can you confirm if this was discussed with the Foreign Secretary, Amna Baloch during the visit? Also, Pakistan does not have the Special Representative for Afghanistan for the past two months. Is there any possibility of having one? Any names being considered? Don’t you think it’s high time that we have somebody to talk to Afghanistan or especially look after this matter? What are the updates on this?
Spokesperson: On your second question, there is, at present, no proposal under consideration for appointment of a Special Envoy on Afghanistan. Our Additional Foreign Secretary for West Asia and Afghanistan continues to lead Pakistan’s engagement with Afghanistan and discussions with neighbouring countries of Afghanistan.
Secondly, with regards to your second question – the Chinese Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs, Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong and the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation on Afghanistan, Ambassador Zamir Kabulov visited Islamabad recently.
They held meetings with the Foreign Secretary, as well as detailed talks with Additional Foreign Secretary Afghanistan and West Asia Ambassador Ahmad Wasim Warraich. During these meetings, the two sides discussed the situation in Afghanistan; the concerns about terrorism that Pakistan continues to face from hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan; and the importance of cooperation between neighboring countries of Afghanistan for peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan. I will not go into details of these discussions.
Q: Ma’am, how does Pakistan see Doha Agreement? Is Afghanistan complying with the agreement? Additionally, does Pakistan consider the current Afghan Government, which has acquired power through force, a threat for itself and the world?
Spokesperson: We believe that terrorism is a threat not just for Afghanistan but also for neighbouring countries of Afghanistan, including Pakistan, as well as to the wider world. It is critical that the Afghan authorities take action against terror groups that have found sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. We have, on several occasions, shared concrete evidence with the Afghan authorities, with regards to these terror groups and their operations in Afghanistan and their continued threat to the security of Pakistan.
Pakistan in the World – July / Aug 2024
The concerns of the international community have been outlined in the United Nations reports and in the meetings of the neighbouring countries and the regional countries on the Afghanistan situation. We hope that the Afghan authorities will consider terrorism to be a serious threat, not just to the region, but also to their own security, and fulfill their obligations under various international agreements, including the Doha Agreement.
Q: Firstly, particularly with regards to Afghanistan. Day before yesterday, there was an attack in Bannu that was claimed by an offshoot of Hafiz Gul Bahadur group Ansar al-Mahdi. Now Hafiz Gul Bahadur group is the same group against which Pakistan acted on the 18th of March, in a rare air strike. Has this matter also been taken up diplomatically, and is there an agenda to carry out a similar action or repeat of 18th March?
Spokesperson: On issues relating to terrorism and the recent attacks, I would first refer you to the local law enforcement authorities, which can share with you the details of the attack and those behind it. Secondly, I would also like to refer to the press release issued after the meeting of the Federal Apex Committee of the National Action Plan that discussed in detail the threat that Pakistan faces with regards to terrorism and Pakistan’s determination to combat terrorism through All-of-Government approach.
Q: Madam, Turkmenistan has completed its portion of TAPI gas pipeline project and the Trans-Afghan railway line up to its border. Both Afghanistan and Turkmenistan have expressed their commitment to complete these two projects. Is there any consideration from Pakistan side in this connection? As both these projects are vital to Pakistan’s economic interests?
Spokesperson: Pakistan is committed to regional connectivity with Central Asia, including in the domain of energy and railway connectivity. Pakistan has also expressed support for the TAPI project, and we will continue to engage with countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan to make this project a reality.
Q: Ma’am, there is a restriction imposed on mosques in Chattis Garh, India, after which Muslim groups are protesting. Need your comment on this.
Spokesperson: We have made our statements in the past as well on developments with regards to the freedom of religion for Muslims in India. We urge Indian authorities to ensure the freedom of religion for all its nationals, including Muslims, stop Islamophobic attacks and administrative restrictions against Muslims in India.
Q: Madam, there are some reports regarding 100 Pakistani nationals including women, who went to Cambodia for jobs and are now being tortured. These victims are approaching media channels and are sharing their plight. Since this is a case of human trafficking, what is the take of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this matter?
Q: There are also reports of around 100 Pakistanis taken from Malaysia to Myanmar in the same way, who are being subjected to forced or bonded labor and torture.
Spokesperson: First of all, we are unable to confirm the figures that you are mentioning. We are aware of some cases of Pakistani nationals who are facing such situations in countries in East Asia and our relevant Embassies are in contact with the host governments, as well as with regional countries who are facing similar challenges with regards to human trafficking, bonded labor and forced labour. This is a human tragedy and the Government of Pakistan is committed to ensuring that all its nationals are freed and brought back to Pakistan. We also believe that situations where transnational organized crime is rampant require coordinated regional response. Lastly, we reiterate our request to Pakistani nationals who are offered any lucrative job opportunities to confirm the authenticity of such offers and companies before availing these job opportunities.
Pakistan in the World – June/July 2024
Q: We have seen stringent measures taken by the US government against Pakistan. First, they imposed the sanctions on ballistic missiles materials and now there is a total deep silence on implementation of the Doha Accord and Pakistan’s security concerns from across our western border? Despite being a US ally in the war on terror, is Islamabad being ignored? Is there a shift in the US Foreign Policy that Islamabad was already expecting?
Spokesperson: Pakistan remains closely engaged with the US authorities to discuss matters relating to security and terrorism and on other issues that are of concern to both our countries. We have also conveyed our concerns about terrorist threat that Pakistan faces from Afghanistan and the sophisticated equipment that these terror groups have, which continue to kill Pakistani nationals. This is an ongoing dialogue, and we hope to work with the United States for peace in Afghanistan and to ensure that Afghanistan fulfills its commitment on countering terrorism so that these terror groups do not threaten Pakistan’s security.
Q: On Tuesday, 25 undocumented Afghans were taken into custody from Islamabad. What is the update on the repatriation campaign that was taking place? And what are the latest numbers of those Afghans who have been sent back?
Spokesperson: First, I’m not aware of the latest incident that you have referred to. Maybe the Ministry of Interior can share with you the details. Secondly, as we have said in the past, the process of repatriation of individuals who are in Pakistan in violation of our immigration laws continues. So until the end of October, over 757000 foreign nationals have been repatriated. That includes individuals who have left of their own free will. Pakistan will continue to uphold its laws and ensure that any individual who is in Pakistan is here on valid documentation and visas.
Q: Ma’am, America might not have shared anything regarding Asif Merchant or given consular access. Is there any timeline or deadline set in the international law for exchange of information and access to consular services?
Spokesperson: For legal aspects of this case, I would advise you to contact the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Law and Justice. Pakistan continues to await details in the case of Asif Merchant.
Q: Ma’am, Pakistan and China have established a Joint Working Group to address security issues concerning the Chinese in Pakistan. Recently our delegation from Pakistan’s Interior Ministry reportedly visited China. Can you confirm this and is there any update that Interior Ministry has shared with you regarding that visit?
Q: Yesterday in a briefing to the Parliamentary Committee, the Secretary Planning said that a joint working group has been formed for the security of the Chinese nationals. Your comments please?
Spokesperson: We already have a joint working group with China on security, which was established a while back. Pakistan and China continue to discuss all aspects of security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan and these conversations have continued, including in recent days.
Q: What is the recent status for the UAE visas for Pakistanis? And secondly, I want to know about the Champions Trophy, what is the progress regarding participation of India?
Spokesperson: I think on your second question, you may like to contact the Pakistan Cricket Board, they will be in a better position to share with you any updates, because they have the lead in this process. With regards to the visas of Pakistanis for the United Arab Emirates, we made our statement last week, that the granting visa to any individual is the sovereign right and decision of the country concerned. We do not subscribe to the impression that there is a ban on visas for Pakistani nationals. Pakistani nationals continue to travel to the UAE. Any issues that arise with respect to the issuance of visas and stay of Pakistani nationals in the UAE are important agenda items, and we continue to discuss these issues with the government of the United Arab Emirates.
Pakistan in the World – October 2024
