Ladies and Gentlemen Assalam o Alaikum!
I welcome you all at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
I will begin with a roundup of the activities over the past two week.
Prime Minister’s participation in the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif led a high-level delegation to the 56thAnnual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, held from 20 to 22 January 2026.
The Prime Minister held multiple substantive engagements, including participation in the WEF’s Informal Gathering of World Economic Leaders (IGWEL)’ session on “Restoring a Spirit of Dialogue in a Divided World”.
On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, and addressed Pakistan Breakfast at the Pakistan Pavilion.
During the visit, Pakistan along with seven Arab-Islamic countries including Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and the UAE joined the Board of Peace (BoP) as part of their ongoing efforts to support the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan under the framework of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803. Pakistan along with these seven countries also issued a Joint Statement on the occasion which is available on our web portal.
The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, is undertaking an official visit to the United Arab Emirates from 26-29 January 2026.
On 27th January, the President met with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi. The leaders discussed ways to further deepen the longstanding and brotherly relations between Pakistan and the UAE. They reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and explored new opportunities in trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, technology, and people-to-people exchanges, highlighting the significant potential for expanding economic and strategic partnership. President Zardari highlighted the significance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s recent visit to Pakistan and expressed appreciation for the UAE’s continued support for strengthening bilateral ties. Both sides also exchanged views on a range of regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development.
The visit of the President, subsequent to the recent visit of H.H the President of the UAE to Pakistan, reflects the deep brotherly ties and mutually rewarding partnership between the two countries.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar accompanied the Prime Minister of Pakistan to attend the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, held from 20 to 22 January 2026.
On the sideline, the DPM/FM met the Foreign Ministers of Canada, Finland and Thailand. He also met the President of International Committee on Red Cross and Red Crescent. We released the brief readouts of these meetings, which you all covered.
The DPM/FM also inaugurated the Pathfinder Group’s Pakistan Pavilion. DPM/FM appreciated the initiative to showcase Pakistan’s vast economic potential and emerging opportunities on a global platform, while highlighting the dynamism and innovation of Pakistani start-ups. He underscored the critical role of start-ups in advancing socio-economic development and driving innovation across diverse sectors. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to facilitating and promoting entrepreneurs and start-ups, particularly those led by youth, to fully realize Pakistan’s economic potential.
On his way back from Davos, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister made a brief stop-over in UAE to meet the Chairman of the Department of Finance Abu Dhabi, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi’s Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs, Chairman of Etisalat (e&), and Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Holding Company (ADQ).
Both sides also explored opportunities to increase UAE investments in Pakistan and exchanged views on broadening and deepening trade and economic relations to unlock greater mutual prosperity. Discussions also focused on Etisalat’s (e&) ongoing investment in Pakistan and its plans to expand its footprint through its flagship stake in the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL). They exchanged perspectives on resolving long-standing issues related to PTCL’s operations and future growth.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister emphasized the need to promptly settle remaining issues and to collaborate closely to enhance bilateral economic relations, build on historic goodwill, and open new avenues for investment, trade, and joint ventures. The UAE side expressed full agreement and reaffirmed his strong commitment to advancing shared objectives.
Both sides agreed to pursue joint efforts to expeditiously resolve outstanding matters and to actively promote initiatives that expand economic and trade cooperation, fully aligned with the guidance of their respective leaderships.
This week, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, H.E. Than Swe visited Pakistan.
In his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, the full gamut of bilateral relations were reviewed. It was decided to expand cooperation across diverse sectors, including religious tourism as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges, with a view to promoting shared prosperity. They also exchanged views on regional and international peace and security, and agreed to remain in close contact on matters of mutual interest. Both signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations, which will facilitate regular engagement and sustained dialogue on bilateral, regional, and international issues.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with the EU High Representative/Vice President, Kaja Kallas. Welcoming the positive momentum in Pak-EU relations, both leaders discussed ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation. They also exchanged views on the recent regional and international developments including Iran. DPM/FM reaffirmed the importance of sustained dialogue and engagement. Both sides agreed to remain in close contact.
The DPM/FM spoke with Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi twice. The two leaders exchanged views on current regional and international developments. They also discussed the current situation in Iran and the wider region. DPM/FM expressed hope for peace and stability, and both sides agreed to continue bilateral consultations on matters of mutual interest.
The DPM/FM spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty; Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan; Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono; Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Foreign Minister of Qatar, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi. They reviewed regional developments and agreed to remain in close contact on key regional & international matters.
DPM/FM held a telephonic conversation with Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser H.E. Md. Touhid Hossain. They reviewed Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations, including trade and economic cooperation, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration across multiple sectors. The two sides also exchanged views on current regional and international developments and underscored the importance of sustained engagement to advance shared interests and promote regional peace and prosperity.
Pakistan and Belgium held the 4th session of the Bilateral Political Consultations in Islamabad. Pakistan side was led by Additional Secretary Europe Ambassador Ayesha Ali and Belgian delegation was led by Director General Birgit Stevens.
The two sides appreciated the positive momentum in bilateral relations with reference to areas such as trade, investment, education, health sciences and people to people exchanges. Additional Secretary Europe thanked the Belgian side for its continued support for Pakistan’s GSP Plus status. The Belgian delegation also paid a courtesy call on the Foreign Secretary Amb Amna Baloch.
Pakistan and Ghana convened the First Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) on 26 January 2026 in Ghana, marking an important milestone in the development of bilateral relations between the two countries. The Pakistani delegation was led by Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Foreign Secretary, while the Ghanaian side was headed by Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, Chief Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the consultations, an MoU on Bilateral Political Consultations and an MoU between the Foreign Service Academy, Islamabad, and the Ghana Foreign Service Institute were signed. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, defence, tourism, cultural, health, education, information technology, and other mutually beneficial sectors.
The two sides also agreed to hold the next round of the Bilateral Political Consultations in Islamabad next year.
I thank you and open the floor for Q & A.
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(Adeel Bashir, Roze News): We have seen that government is making promises that the security situation in Pakistan is going better day by day, but the current news is US State Department has urged American citizens planning to travel to Pakistan to reconsider their plans, citing security reasons. How do you see the statement?
Spokesperson: We have seen the statement. We understand that it is not downscaling of the existing travel advisory, but an update whereby certain issues that were there in the previous travel advisories have been removed. The two sides are engaged on this through diplomatic channels. Let me add that Pakistan remains open, safe and secure for international travel.
(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Sir, there are reports that Kazakhstan’s president is visiting Pakistan, and he’s going to sign a MoU related to a trade, a railway track starting from Kazakhstan enroute from Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, and they say that they have agreed to Pakistani authorities’ principal decision has already been made. So, have we started negotiating with Afghanistan as well? Because that railway track is coming via Afghanistan. So, any engagement with Afghanistan for reopening the borders, and particularly the trade thing, which is going to happen.
Spokesperson: First of all, the visit of the President of Kazakhstan is going to take place soon. We will issue a press release on this, with exact dates, highlighting the main issues on the agenda, and the agreements and MOUs that will be signed during the visit. As regards the railway project, I’m not particularly aware at what level is this negotiation. However, the project is definitely under discussion. In the press releases/curtain raisers, we will describe the main issues on the agenda, including project that you highlighted if it is to come under discussion.
(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Sir, couple of questions, you just talked about American travelers, and in reference to the previous advisories, my question is the war clouds are hovering over Iran on this region, as the ships or the fleets they have been ordered to move towards Iran, while Saudi Arabia and other Middle East countries, they are vehemently opposing any clash in this region, whether Pakistan is also doing some efforts, as Pakistan enjoys good relation with the United States, as well as brotherly country, Iran, avert such a situation right in our neighborhood? My second question is that there has been a lot of talk about India, EU, their negotiations and finalization of trade talk, the business community in Pakistan, who had an edge over their exports, over the competitors from the region, because of the GSP plus, now they worry about loss of around $10 billion of their edge, whether Pakistan is also doing something, because our GSP plus is ending next year, and what will be the fate of exports of Pakistan in terms of the competitors from the region?
Spokesperson: First of all, on the war crowds hovering – Pakistan has always advocated for peace and diplomacy to settle all outstanding issues. Pakistan remains firmly opposed to interference in internal affairs of our brotherly country Iran. We have opposed the use of force; we have opposed the imposition of sanctions. This week, our Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, twice he had telephone conversations with his Iranian counterpart. Our delegation at WEF, particularly the Deputy Prime Minister was also engaged with the US side. So, our advocacy for peace diplomacy continues and this remains our stated position. This region cannot afford war, turmoil because this in essence, stops the economic development, and prosperity. So, we hope that peace and diplomacy will prevail.
On the India EU trade, first of all, we are aware of this agreement. We have seen reports and as well as the content. Pakistan maintains long standing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with the EU. The EU GSP Plus scheme for Pakistan has proven to be a win-win template for bilateral cooperation, both for Pakistan and EU. Imports of textile and apparels from Pakistan to EU cater for the consumer market, providing uninterrupted supply of affordable goods through the arrangement. The total volume between our two sides stand close to 12 billion euros. We remain committed to further strengthening relations with the EU in all areas of mutual interests, including trade. This matter came under discussion during the strategic dialogue held late last year. Our Deputy Prime Minister conducted this strategic dialogue with his EU counterpart. This matter also came under discussion in our numerous subsequent engagements with the EU side and also with the constituent countries of EU – like, for example, at the latest bilateral political consultations with Belgium held this week. We are following this matter bilaterally with the EU Member States and also collectively with the EU headquarters in Brussels.
(Zeeshan Syed, Neo TV): Sir, there are reports that when the Pakistani delegation or the Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif was leaving for Davos, for signing the Gaza Board of Peace, the foreign office prohibited Shahbaz Sharif or the government of Pakistan to sign the Gaza Borad of Peace for the time being. What is the authenticity of this news?
Spokesperson: This news is incorrect.
(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Sir, two to three questions, firstly, after signing the board of peace, some ministers and MNAs were delivered a briefing in foreign office. Those MNAs were blank when they were asked about it. So, can you brief us about what points are there in the agreement of Board of Peace? Because yesterday there was a news that the Prime Minister has taken approval from the Cabinet through circulation summary. Secondly, Mr. Piracha also asked about tariff, Iran has been threatened on tariffs, so, where does Pakistan stand? Will our trade with Iran continue or not?
(Azaz Syed, GEO News): Sir, are we the permanent or non-permanent member of the Board of Peace? Because for permanent member there is a fee. And if we are the permanent member then who has paid the fee?
(Asghar Ali Mubarik, The Daily Mail International): Sir, now that Pakistan has signed the Board of Peace, President Trump during his last tenure stated that he would play the role of mediator in resolving the Kashmir issue. And now we can see that this Board of Peace can be used for broader areas not just Gaza. Pakistan has always taken the Kashmir issue on diplomatic fronts. Does Pakistan want to settle the Kashmir issue through Board of Peace?
(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Sir, will the importance of the United Nations vanish in the presence of the Board of Peace? Will its superiors take the decisions? Because major European countries are opposing the Board of Peace.
(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Sir, do you believe that the signing of Gaza Board of Peace was the decision of civilian government? If yes, then what were your inputs in that?
(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): Sir, who will be representing Pakistan in this so-called Board of Peace?
(Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Sir, the leader of opposition in Senate of Pakistan has opposed the inclusion of Pakistan in Board of Peace. We can see the similar statements of different MNAs as well. So, in this situation, when government circles have already signed the Board of Peace, what would be the plan of action for future when the opposition is dissenting?
Spokesperson: Let me, try to summarize all the questions that have been asked on Borad of Peace.
First of all, Pakistan has joined Board of Peace in good faith. Our basic objective in joining the Board of Peace is threefold. One, to consolidate and sustain ceasefire in Gaza; second to support reconstruction; and thirdly to advance a just and lasting peace based on the Palestinian right to self-determination. Pakistan did not join the Board of Peace alone. Seven other important Muslim countries, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia and Qatar have also joined the Board of Peace along with us. As such, Pakistan joining the Board of Peace should be seen in the continuum of the initiative by these eight Arab Islamic countries to promote peace in Gaza, leading towards a lasting solution to the Palestinian question – and this initiative dates back to September and August last year. All eight countries have joined the Board of Peace with a single collective voice. The Board of Peace offers a viable glimmer of hope for Gaza and for wider Palestinian question.
For over two years’ the people of Gaza have witnessed unprecedented suffering, death and destruction. The UN Security Council remained deadlocked on this issue. The International Court of Justice issued three advisory opinions, and the General Assembly adopted a number of resolutions, all of which failed to prevent the Israeli onslaught. So, in this backdrop, the Board of Peace is a glimmer of hope for Palestine. It is a misconception that joining Board of Peace is anyway connected to any Abraham accord or any sidetrack to this issue, Pakistan’s positions remain unchanged, and we will not become a party to the Abraham accord. The BOP does not replace the United Nations. It has been established with a specific mandate authorized by the UN Security Council resolution 2803. We understand that the Board of Peace is intended to complement and not undermine the UN system. Pakistan has not decided to join the International Stabilization Force and the membership of the Board of Peace does not imply contributing to troops to ISF.
As regards the decision to join the Board of Peace itself, the Foreign Ministry and all stakeholders held joint consultations. This was a collective decision taken with all procedural formalities completed in terms of the ‘Rules of Business’ of the Federal Government.
We hope that the framework established by the Board of Peace will lead to concrete steps towards permanent ceasefire, expanded humanitarian assistance, the reconstruction of Gaza; and will advance Palestinians people’s right to self-determination through a credible, time bound political process in line with international legitimacy and the relevant UN resolutions; culminating in an independent, sovereign, contiguous state of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 border with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
Pakistan looks forward to continuing to play a constructive role as part of the Board of Peace in achieving these goals and in ending the suffering of our Palestinian brothers and sisters.
Representation at the Board of Peace depends on at what level the meeting is taking place. I mean, there could be a summit level, or a ministerial level. So, on this issue, we will know, as we advance in this process. As regards, the status of the membership, Sir, there is basically as three years membership. And after three years there is certain payment. There is no permanent and non-permanent category, as such, linked to the financial contribution.
(Sardar Shaukat Mehmood Khan, Islamabad Today): Sir, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman has stated that Saudi soil would not be used against Iran. How Pakistan sees this statement? My second question is that Pakistani government contacted the U.S. government when America suspended Pakistani immigrant visas. What is the progress on this?
Spokesperson: On Iran, I have replied, we also oppose the use of force. We are against, coercive measures against Iran and interference into its internal affairs.
On immigration visas, yes, our two sides are engaged in the diplomatic channels, both here in Islamabad and in Washington. This is an evolving process. We are following it in earnestness, as much as its importance.
(Anas Mallick, Asia One News): A couple of questions because we’re meeting after a brief break of two weeks.
Firstly, the EU spokesperson on Foreign Policy and Security Policy has just tweeted last night, like a short while back, condemning the conviction of human rights defenders, lawyers Iman Mizari and Hadi Ali Chattha. Does Pakistan have any comment to say for the EU spokesperson’s Tweet?
Secondly, this week, Pakistan’s neighbor also signed an arrangement with the UAE, particularly when it comes to the defense agreement. How does Pakistan see that? Because the other part of the question has already been asked by Piracha Sahab.
Thirdly, we saw a terrorist attack in DI Khan at a wedding. The terrorist was a 21-year-old Afghan national named Abdul Rahman. Has the matter been taken up diplomatically with the Afghan side, and what does Pakistan have to say on the matter? Thank you.
Spokesperson: On your first question about the EU position: first of all, this is a domestic affair of Pakistan, the trial and conviction took place under our local laws through a judicial process. The relevant individuals have a right to appeal and have a right to a judicial recourse. As such, there is domestic remedy available to these individuals. Whilst we remains engaged with the EU on all issues, we do make a distinction about our domestic affairs.
Your second question on the UAE – we have noted this development and the letter of intent that was signed between the UAE and India. Pakistan enjoys close brotherly relations with the UAE. We remain committed to further strengthen these multifaceted ties. We would not comment on a particular agreement between the two sovereign states as such.
You rightly mentioned about the DIK incident as having involvement of an Afghan national. This has been the trend over the past several terrorist attacks where the culprit turned out to be an Afghan national. This goes on to reinforce the arguments made here, and by ISPR as well: terrorism from Afghanistan has to stop. The Taliban regime has been previously stating that terrorism, is limited to certain Pakistani individuals affiliated with the TTP. But we have seen these are actually the Afghan nationals who are committing terrorism in Pakistan. So, this goes on to reinforce our argument that the Afghan soil is being used to foment, plan and execute terrorist incidents in Pakistan. The embassies are open in Kabul and Islamabad. This matter of terrorism is taken up bilaterally, as well as in our various other trilateral and multilateral arrangement that exist on Afghanistan.
(Amir Saeed Abbasi, Nukta): Last week, there was a high level Pakistani parliamentary delegation. They were in the US, and they urged US lawmakers this week to remove their country from list of nations subject to immigration visa restrictions. So, what Pakistan has so far done to request the US to remove these visa restrictions?
Spokesperson: This matter has been under discussion in Islamabad as well as in Washington through our diplomatic channels. This is an ongoing review. Our understanding is that eventually Pakistan will be excluded from this list. Our talks with the US, our diplomatic exchanges with the US are geared towards this objective.
(Raziq Bhatti, Kashmir Express): Please comment on the behavior of Indian court during Yasin Malik’s hearing.
Secondly, his wife has been campaigning in Islamabad and Rawalpindi for his release and she has urged Pakistani government to take the matter of Yasin Malik to ICJ. What preparation has been made by Pakistan to take this case to ICJ and what are the possible threats in this matter?
Spokesperson: On the sham trial of Yasin Malik, we have expressed our opinion in the past. We would like to reiterate that it is a travesty of justice, and through a sham trial that Mr. Yasin Malik has been convicted of certain crimes which are basically aimed at penalizing his political activity in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Yasin Malik Sahab is a respected leader, and we expressed our strongest reservations on the way the trial has been conducted, on the way the charges have been framed, and on the way the investigation process was conducted leading up to the sentences of Yasin Malik sahib. Pakistan maintains strong, diplomatic, political, moral support to all Kashmiri leaders and people in their struggle for the right to self-determination in illegally occupied Kashmir.
You mentioned about the ICJ. I’m not particularly aware of what Mrs. Yasin Malik stated, but of course, we remain open to exploring all avenues to not just ease the suffering of Yasin Malik Sahab in his trial and imprisonment, but also on the wider question of the settlement Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the UN resolutions through free plebiscite to ascertain the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
(Afzal Reza, IRNA): Coming back to the question regarding the situation in Middle East and the growing military buildup by the US, the issue is that Mr. Spokesperson that the Iranians always say they are ready for equal and mutual respect-based negotiations to solve the issues, particularly regarding nuclear talks. But the US wants to impose a dare perspective with the way of the war and aggression. Even they threaten the leadership, even the Supreme Leader, under the pretext of the so-called internal issue faced by the Iranians. How Pakistan sees all these developments in its neighborhood? And you mentioned regarding diplomacy with Tehran and Washington, are we expecting any high-level exchange between Tehran and Islamabad in coming days or a very near future?
Spokesperson: I think I’ve already explained most of what you asked in the previous answer. Pakistan remains firmly opposed to the use of force and coercive measures, including imposition of sanctions on Iran. We also oppose interference in Iran’s internal affairs, and our position would continue. We will continue to advocate for peace and diplomacy. On nuclear issue that you mentioned, I have also explained our position very categorically on this, particularly with respect to the arrangement of the JCPOA and subsequent UN Security Council resolutions – with reference to the resolution presented by the Russian Federation in the UN Security Council in September last year, and also the resolution by the then President of the Security Council the Republic of Korea. We supported both the resolutions, and we constantly advocate for peace and diplomacy. Just this week or maybe a week prior to this, the UN Human Rights Council also adopted a resolution on Iran which opposes the use of force and calls for upholding of the UN Charter. So we subscribe to these positions, and we will continue to do so. Iran is a brotherly country, an important neighbor, an important player of international community and global fraternity. We wish Irani people well, and we pray for their peace, progress and prosperity.
In the context of bilateral exchange I mentioned, the two telephone conversations between our Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, and the Foreign Minister of Iran. The telephone conversation do constitute diplomatic exchange, which are continuing. As regards the physical visits, I’m not aware of anything that is planned right now. If there is any plan, we will let you know.
(Shaoukat Piracha, AAJ News): In the context of the foreign policy, it’s always reflection of the aspirations of people of a particular country, framed and contextualized by your ministry. People of Pakistan want to see cricket. There is a craze and excitement about cricket, but at the same time, there is also excitement of friendly relations with Bangladesh. What is the recommendation of Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Because the decision is to be made on Friday or Monday, as the Interior Minister said, but what’s the recommendation of this ministry, whether Pakistan should play Cricket World Cup, starting from February 7, or should Pakistan boycott?
Spokesperson: This is the matter between the Pakistan Cricket Board and the ICC and relevant cricket authorities. Our PCB, Pakistan Cricket Board is led by our Interior Minister. I believe there have been some discussions of the Interior Minister and the guidance of the Prime Minister was solicited. In the past, there have been instances where PCB has consulted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I am not aware that the Foreign Ministry has been consulted this time on this matter. PCB is the appropriate forum to ask this question.
(Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): When it comes to cross-border terrorism, Canada, America, Qatar and UAE, we can clearly see India’s role in it. We usually prepare dossier, but nexus of India – Afghanistan relations which are getting unveiled particularly in terrorism, has Pakistan prepared dossier on this? So that their friendly countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE can be informed about this nexus?
Spokesperson: Counter-terrorism discussions are ongoing in our exchange. The dossier, perhaps you are referring to a physical compilation, a compendium of evidence. So dossier is compiled on the need basis. A dossier is not an end in itself but means to an end. And the means to an end is to give concrete evidence to the interlocutor on evidences of terrorism emanating from India. So the dossiers of Indian involvement as the solid proof of Indians’ involvement in terrorism in Pakistan are available for discussion with our interlocutor. Kulbhushan Jadav example is there, the Jaffar Express bombing and so on and so forth. This is part of the regular exchange. I would urge you to not remain focused on the dossier in its physical form. Yes, that exists, but the real substance lies inside the body of evidence that we discuss with our interlocutors, including with the relevant UN and multilateral organizations who deal with counter-terrorism, including for example the SCO RATS, which Pakistan is leading.
(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): Sir, submission is that Indian High Commission here in Islamabad arranged two separate functions to commemorate their Republic Day, and the administration here in the Federal capital facilitated them in holding these two functions, and the Indian diplomats are thankful for this favor and cooperation. But at the contrary in New Delhi, our diplomats, Pakistan’s diplomats, have to transact their routine daily business through many difficulties, so what talk of reception? What talk of holding functions?
And the second part of my question is that, was there any exchange, or did Pakistan send any greetings to the Indian leadership on their Republic Day?
Spokesperson: You are right. There’s a marked difference between the way the Indian diplomats are treated in Islamabad and the way our diplomats are treated in New Delhi and elsewhere in India. So, we would urge reciprocity in our decent, civilized, normal behavior towards Indian diplomats. Treating Envoys fairly is a tradition from ancient times. We urge India to uphold those traditions. We also hope that our High Commission in New Delhi will be able to hold the National Day reception in New Delhi with the same ease with which the Indian High Commission held its reception.
As regards the message, I am not aware of it, I will have to check from the relevant desk about it.
(Muhammad Anas Mallick, Asia One News): In a judgment, by a local court judge, he has referred and referenced to Iran, DPRK and Cuba as terrorist states. And I’m referring to the same Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha judgment by Judge Afzal Majoka. What is Pakistan’s policy version of the matter? Does Pakistan consider Iran, DPRK and Cuba as a terrorist state, because, contrary to what has been written in the judgment? Thank you.
Spokesperson: We have seen the judgment. These are views of the learned judge. Pakistan, of course, does not subscribe to this opinion. This kind of designation of terrorist states does not exist either in the UN parlance or under international law.
(Tahir Khan, NNI): You have stated Pakistan’s position on Afghanistan. My question is that are Pakistan – Afghanistan relations a closed chapter? As all border crossings are closed for past three months. Is there any diplomatic channel, on any level, operating between Pakistan and Afghanistan? What is the status of relations? Is there any chance of improvement of relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan? Should we consider Afghanistan as another India for us?
Spokesperson: Pakistan has always desired, mutually beneficial relationship with Afghanistan in all areas of our engagement, including regional connectivity, realization of economic cooperation. However, the progress on these aspects remains contingent upon addressing Pakistan’s core concerns regarding terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. I am afraid those core concerns are not being addressed by Afghan side. So, one cannot have a particularly optimistic pronouncement on the state of our bilateral relations with Afghanistan. I will be careful not to compare it with any other bilateral relationship that we have. We view Pak-Afghan relations in its own dimensions and in its own trajectory. The current situation is result of Taliban’s complete lack of action to address Pakistan’s genuine security concerns with respect to Fitnah-al-Khawaraj/TTP. Pakistan continues to be attacked by terrorists present on Afghan soil, including by Afghan nationals. This is on the official side of what the Afghan government does. But we also very strongly condemn the recent highly provocative and instigating speech by the Nazim of Khost Madrassah in Afghanistan. I am sure you’ve closely followed it and may have seen the speech or heard about it. The speech is highly condemnable and is not conducive for peace and stability in the region, particularly in the context of Afghan relations with Pakistan. Threatening Pakistan with revenge of actions taken against TTP will further aggravate the already strained relations. Pakistan has consistently been calling for taking concrete and verifiable action against TTP and Fitnah-al-Khawaraj. We will urge Afghan Taliban regime to discourage such incendiary and provocative statements. This statement is just another example of how the downward spiral of relationship continues because of certain actions and inactions from the Afghan side.
22. (Sumaira Khan, Samaa News): Pardon my ignorance in this regard but I just wanted to know that what exactly is the current state of trial, or the proceedings on Kalbhusan Jadav? Are we still hearing from the Indian side to grant them access to the person who was caught in infiltrating Pakistan’s territories and obviously concocting all the terrorist plots within Pakistan’s territory? So, what exactly is the current state on his proceedings in Pakistan?
Spokesperson: Kalbhusan Jadav stands convicted and is in our custody. He was an individual who was in the service of the Indian military had a paybook, a service book with him. An Indian Intelligence operative from Indian military was caught red handed promoting terrorism in Pakistan. I’m not aware of any recent request for consular access from the Indian side, and with respect to the status of the case, I can check and revert on this.
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