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Transcript of the Weekly Media Briefing by the Spokesperson on Friday, 31st October 2025

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

First of all, let me begin with the roundup of this week's activities.

At the invitation of His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, led a high-level delegation, comprising Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and senior Cabinet Ministers, to Riyadh from 27 to 29 October 2025 to participate in the Ninth Edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII9) Forum.

The FII9 Forum, under the theme of "The Key to Prosperity: Unlocking New Frontiers of Growth," convened global leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators. Deliberations focused on addressing global challenges and opportunities on innovation, sustainability, economic inclusion, and geopolitical shifts.

During the visit, the Prime Minister held a meeting with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.

Upon conclusion of their meeting, a joint statement was issued that outlined the launch of an Economic Cooperation Framework between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The framework is based on the two countries shared economic interests and their mutual desire to strengthen trade and investment relations.

The framework would entail several strategic and high-impact projects pertaining to economic, trade, investment and development fields with a special focus on energy, industry, mining, IT, tourism, agriculture and food security. It is a testament to the efforts of both countries to strengthen their longstanding and time-tested fraternal relations and their shared vision towards building a sustainable partnership in the field of economic diplomacy.

Both countries also look forward to the convening of meeting of Saudi-Pakistani Supreme Coordination Council and are in the process of studying several joint economic projects, including the signing of MoUs on electricity interconnection projects and energy cooperation.

In Riyadh, the Prime Minister also met the President and the CEO of the World Economic Forum, Mr. Børge Brende. Mr. Brende invited the Prime Minister to the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum at Davos in January 2026.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar also held important engagements in Riyadh. He met with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, in Riyadh on 28th October 2025. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional and international developments, including the situation in Gaza, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to cooperation at multilateral fora, including the United Nations. They agreed to further deepen Pak-Saudi multifaceted partnership across all domains and continued strengthening of the bonds of brotherhood and friendship between the two countries.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister also inaugurated the upgraded Consular Hall and One-Window MRP Service at the Embassy of Pakistan in Riyadh. This reflects government's commitment to better community facilitation and provision of more efficient and accessible public service delivery to the Overseas Pakistanis.

During the week, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held telephonic conversations with his counterparts from Algeria, Türkiye and Canada.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister received a call last evening from Canadian Foreign Minister Ms. Anita Anand. The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral trade and investment, including sectors such as agriculture and mines & minerals, and collaboration under the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPPA). Canadian Foreign Minister thanked Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister for facilitating market access to Canadian canola exports to Pakistan.

Both leaders appreciated recent constructive engagements, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing mutually beneficial economic cooperation, and agreed to remain in close contact.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister also spoke to the Foreign Minister of Algeria, Ahmed Attaf, on 29th October 2025. Expressing satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral cooperation, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pak-Algeria relations, and enhance coordination in multilateral fora, including the United Nations.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister also received a telephone call from his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, during which the two leaders discussed the evolving situation in Gaza, and the next steps and modalities for achieving lasting peace in Palestine. The Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, invited the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister to Türkiye for the forthcoming meeting next week of the eight Foreign Ministers of partner countries who were engaged on the sidelines of UNGA80 in the diplomatic process on Gaza.

Ladies and gentlemen, moving on to Afghanistan,
The second round of talks between Pakistan and Afghan Taliban regime, in the presence of mediators, concluded in Istanbul yesterday evening. Pakistan participated in the Istanbul talks, which started on 25th October, in a good spirit and with a positive intension.

The Istanbul round was initially scheduled for two days. However, in an effort to reach an amicable agreement with the Taliban regime, Pakistan side, in earnest, continued the talks for four days.

Pakistan positively engaged with the Taliban regime, without compromising on its clearly stated position that Afghan soil should not be used for terrorism against Pakistan.

Pakistan does not seek further escalation of hostilities but expects the Afghan Taliban regime to honour its commitment to the international community, and address Pakistan's legitimate security concerns by taking concrete and verifiable actions against terrorist entities including Fitna al-Khwarij and Fitna Al-Hindustan.

It is highlighted that for the past four years, Pakistan has been urging the Taliban regime to take decisive and effective measures against the terror outfits present on Afghan soil. We repeatedly shared credible information about the presence of top leadership of Fitna al-Khwarij and Fitna Al-Hindustan on Afghan soil with the Taliban regime. However, despite repeated assurances in the past, there has been a surge in terrorist attacks in Pakistan from Afghanistan.

The consistent and total disregard of Pakistan's legitimate security concerns by the Afghan Taliban regime for the past four years and the unprovoked aggression against Pakistan with the support of Fitna al-Khwarij on 11th and 12th October and later on 14th and 15th October lead to violent exchanges across the international border. Pakistan decisively responded to Afghan provocations aimed at destabilizing the border areas, facilitating terrorism, and furthering the Fitna al-Khwarij's nefarious designs. Pakistan will respond resolutely if provocations continue in the future.

Pakistan has always been desirous of a peaceful, stable, regionally integrated and prosperous Afghanistan, which is at peace with itself and its neighbours. With the Taliban takeover of Kabul in August 2021, we expected the vision of regional peace and connectivity to be realized.

In the same spirit, despite our various security concerns, Pakistan took many initiatives this year to support and help Afghanistan, and extended a number of concessions to Afghanistan, especially for Afghan transit trade. We also elevated our diplomatic representation with Afghanistan from Cd`A to the Ambassador level and also agreed to extend CPEC to Afghanistan. The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister visited Kabul thrice, including on 17 July to sign the agreement on the Joint Feasibility Study of Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway project.

The Government and armed forces of Pakistan stand ready to take all possible measures to protect Pakistan's sovereignty, and ensure safety and security of its people.

Pakistan would continue to remain engaged in the mediation process and hopes for a positive outcome for the 6th November talks.

Pakistan highly appreciates the constructive role of brotherly countries of Qatar and Türkiye. They have been making their best efforts for an amicable and peaceful resolution of the issue.

Ladies and gentlemen, moving on to the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Poland which concluded when we last met here on 24th October 2025.

Subsequent to our last briefing, both Ministers signed a joint statement which took note of the shared historical ties between Pakistan and Poland and stressed the desire to strengthen bilateral relations and greater cooperation at multilateral fora. The two sides also discussed Jammu and Kashmir dispute and Ukraine, while emphasizing the peaceful resolution of conflicts, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.

This week, Israel continued violations of Gaza Peace Agreement. Pakistan strongly condemns these renewed attacks by Israeli occupation forces in Gaza, which have reportedly resulted in numerous civilian casualties.

These actions constitute a flagrant and clear violation of international law, as well as a breach of recently concluded peace agreement. Such aggressive measures by Israeli occupation forces threaten to undermine the international efforts aimed at establishing durable peace and stability in the region.
Pakistan calls upon the international community to ensure an immediate cessation of ceasefire violations by Israeli occupation forces.

Pakistan also reiterates its principled position for the establishment of an independent, sovereign, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Moving on to European Union.
This week, Third Session of Pakistan-EU Migration and Mobility Dialogue was held today at Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pakistan side was led by Director General Europe Irfan Ahmed and EU side by Deputy Director General Home Johannes Luchner.

The two sides reviewed the discussions held the preceding day during the 16th Pakistan-EU Joint Readmission Committee and the 3rd Pakistan-EU Talent Partnership Roundtable held at the Ministry of I&NC and Ministry of OP&HRD respectively.

Both sides appreciated the growing level of cooperation on the issue of migration and labor mobility.

Pakistan side emphasized that it remained committed to the EURA agreement. EU side acknowledged Pakistan's efforts towards curbing illegal migration. Both sides agreed to work towards implementation of the Pakistan-EU Talent Partnership Roadmap for mutual benefit.

It was agreed to hold the next session of Migration and Mobility Dialogue in Brussels.

On the Kashmir Black Day, ladies and gentlemen,
Pakistan solemnly observed the 78th anniversary of Kashmir Black Day on 27th October 2025, recalling the actions of the Indian forces on 27 October 1947 which led to the illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir. We condemn 78 years of occupation, state-terrorism, and human rights abuses in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and reaffirm our moral, diplomatic, and political support for the Kashmiri people enduring decades of suffering in their just struggle for the right to self-determination under the UN Security Council Resolutions.

We would also like to express our profound gratitude and appreciation to the OIC and the OIC-IPHRC for their consistent support to Pakistan's principled position on Jammu and Kashmir dispute and the Kashmiri people's legitimate exercise of their right to self-determination.

A wide range of activities, including seminars, webinars, panel discussions, and photo op exhibitions, were organized throughout the country and by Pakistan's missions abroad, highlighting the plight of innocent Kashmiris in the face of systematic oppression and brutality perpetrated by Indian occupation forces.

In their special messages on the occasion, the President, the Prime Minister, and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister underscored Pakistan's steadfast resolve to continue extending moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiri people in their just struggle. They urged the international community to play its due role in pressing India to end its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, halt its grave human rights violations, and cease all repressive measures against the Kashmiri people.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister also addressed letters to the President of the United Nations General Assembly, the President of the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Secretary-General of the OIC, apprising them of the grave human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
A special Kashmir Solidarity Walk was organized from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a special briefing was held for members of the Diplomatic Corps in Islamabad.

The observance of 27th October as a Black Day serves as a reminder of India's unlawful assault on Jammu and Kashmir. It also marks an occasion to pay solemn tribute to the resilience of the Kashmiri people who, despite decades of oppression, remain steadfast in their struggle for the right to self-determination.

Moving on to the earthquake in Türkiye, ladies and gentlemen,
On 28th October 2025, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Türkiye. Pakistan stands in full solidarity with the people of Türkiye and is ready to extend humanitarian assistance and aid for search and rescue efforts. Our prayers are with those affected. May the region recover swiftly and with resilience.

Pakistan is also deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the beloved Queen Mother of Thailand. We extend our heartfelt condolences to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the Royal Family, and the people of Thailand. We pay tribute to Her Majesty's lifelong dedication to humanitarian causes and women empowerment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thai nation in this moment of profound sorrow.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, the floor is now open for questions.

***
 

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): We have seen the joint statement, in other words the Istanbul Declaration, issued by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I would like to confirm whether the Afghan Taliban regime and its delegation participating in the negotiations have principally agreed on two points, a) to declare the TTP as a defunct terrorist organization and b) to issue a fatwa against the suicide attacks and terror attacks perpetrated inside Pakistan.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Despite several discussions between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime, are they heading towards a positive outcome, in Pakistan's perspective? If not, what are the fundamental reasons?

(Khalid Mehmood, Express TV): I would like your comment on the recently issued joint statement on Pakistan-Afghanistan talks in Istanbul where it seems that Pakistan's stance has not been reflected.

(Adeel Bashir, Roze News): How do you see the future of the interim understanding reached between Pakistan and Afghan Taliban in Istanbul? Do you view it as a step towards regional peace?

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News): I would like to know, for its part, what guarantees and demands have Pakistan sought from the Afghan Taliban regime? Secondly, has the Afghan Taliban regime sought any assurance from Pakistan regarding the usage of its bases for the conduct of American drone attacks?

(Zeeshan Syed, Neo TV): Regarding the deadlock which persisted for five days between Pakistan and Afghanistan where there came a point in which Pakistan demanded written guarantees from the Afghan Taliban regime, has any agreement in that regard been concluded yet? Or, will another session be convened for this purpose?
(Abdullah Mohmand, Dawn News): On the talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul, there was complete silence from your office despite the talks being conducted on the basis of diplomacy and dialogue. On the other side, however, the ISPR was sending updates and news tickers to journalists. So, was your office not allowed or authorized to speak on this issue? Did the Foreign Office participate in the talks in Istanbul? Were any officials from the Ministry part of the visiting delegation? Who is actually running and driving the Foreign Policy? And who was leading the talks in Türkiye, the Foreign Office, or someone else?

(Tahir Khan, NNI): Kindly tell us what transpired during the talks because we heard that the Pakistan delegation was about to depart and had to return from the airport. What happened? Why did a deadlock result in between the talks? Was there any representation from the Foreign Office? Because the delegation of the Afghan Taliban regime formally shared the composition of its seven-member delegation with the media but we are unaware of who represented from the Pakistani side.

Spokesperson: Let's begin in the reverse order with questions from Mr. Abdullah Mohmand and Mr. Tahir Khan. These talks were of a delicate nature. It was not possible for the Foreign Office to issue a minute-by-minute commentary during the course of the negotiations that took place. Therefore, as the Foreign Ministry, we have the right to remain guarded. We exercised our right. The delegation that participated in Istanbul talks was representative. It included all the stakeholders and incorporated input from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in their deliberation.

With regard to the substantive discussions that took place, all issues were discussed, including the issues that Mr. Aizaz raised. We would see these deliberations as a comprehensive and all encompassing; as we move to the next stage, i.e. the dialogue to be held on 6th November 2025.

If the subsequent round is conclusive, we would be able to give you a comprehensive overview of what transpired during those talks. The discussions on a positive trajectory. As a diplomat, one needs to be optimistic. These are very delicate talks. The topic is very difficult. It is challenging to be part of this process, but it also requires a degree of optimism, and I think we are entitled to be optimistic for the subsequent round.

There was also a question on the statement released by the Foreign Ministry of Türkiye being not reflective of Pakistan's position. The statement was a kind of a covering note on the talks that were held, it was not supposed to list the details. The statement was by the host Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so it should be read as a preface to a book rather than as the book itself.

Seeking guarantees from the Afghan Taliban regime by Pakistan is an ongoing process. Substantive issues were discussed during the talks which have proceeded to the next round. We take this as a continuum. It is very difficult to pass a single line verdict on Istanbul talks exclusively, particularly on the question on written assurances are a part of the discussions is an ongoing process. Let's move into the next round, which is on 6th November 2025 and see how far we can achieve progress on all substantive points, including written assurances.

(Mateen Haider): The President of the United States, during his recent visit to Asia, for the 61st time, admitted that seven fighter jets were shot down. However, while the POTUS continues to highlight this, there is no acknowledgement or admission from the Indian side that the jets were, indeed, shot down. I would like your comment on the statement by the US President on the Pakistan-India May conflict and why there is continued silence by Indian authorities on this?

Spokesperson: We have appreciate the role of the United States in the May conflict with India. The fact that the Indian side is silent or does not acknowledge the loss of their planes - I think, is a question for the Indian side to answer. Probably, it is too bitter a pill for India to swallow.

(Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): Usually, while bilateral ties are being cultivated, the Foreign Office is visibly involved. However, when it comes to war it seems that the Ministry of Defense and its representatives become more involved while the Foreign Office takes a step back. What is the reason behind this? They are a party in such talks, it is their right, however, the Foreign Office seems to go on the defensive in such situations. Why is this so?

Spokesperson: I do not think we were defensive or I gave the impression to this effect. Declaring War or making peace is the basic work of the Foreign Office. If my memory of Secretariat Instructions and the Government Rules of Procedure is correct, foreign office is central to carrying out the instructions of the Prime Minister and the Federal Cabinet on War and peace.

Istanbul talks took place with full engagement from the Foreign Office. The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister gave guidance on numerous occasions. The Foreign Secretary and our Afghanistan Division were also engaged. We need to dispel this impression that there is some sort of fragmentation in our government apparatus. This was the whole of the stakeholders engagement in Istanbul talks and it would continue to be so for the next round.

(Amna Ali, Daily Express): Now that both countries have reached a ceasefire, can we expect the reopening of border crossing, specifically for trade purposes?

Spokesperson: The border remains closed for trade for now. As I stated in my last briefing, the opening of the border for Afghan transit trade would depend on the evaluation of the security situation, and clearly that evaluation still warrants closure of the border. So, the border continues to remain closed till otherwise informed.

(Aijaz Ahmed, GNN): I have a few questions. Firstly, regarding the joint statement, its language seems to reflect that, for the time being, Pakistan has slightly backpedaled from its demand of seeking written guarantees from the Afghan Taliban regime because the current agreement has been termed as temporary and that the next round of talks will take place on 6th November 2025. Is that so? Secondly, has the Afghan Taliban regime accepted the presence of TTP and Baloch militants on their soil which they use to perpetrate cross-border terrorism against Pakistan? Thirdly, what was the level of participation from the Foreign Office? Was it at the Additional Secretary, DG, or Ambassadorial level?

Spokesperson: Regarding the backout on the demands for a written agreement, I think, if the talks had concluded, if there was no announcement that the talks will continue on the 6th November, then perhaps you could have made that assessment that there was no written agreement. Since talks continue to the next round, let us not reach a final verdict.

On TTP and BLA, I think as I said, it is not for me to comment on what transpired in the talks, but clearly Afghan Taliban regime acknowledged the presence of Fitnah Al Khwarij and Fitna Al Hindustan on their soil. They offer various justifications for their presence and also on the reasons why they cannot take action against them. But as far as the acknowledgement of their physical presence in Afghanistan is concerned, they agreed to it.

(Saleh Zaafir, The News): We are not confused about how the government apparatus functions in Pakistan. We know that who is who and what role does each entity play. My question is that the joint statement indicates that on 6th November 2025, talks would involve principal interlocutors from both sides. What would this entail? Secondly, it has been said that ceasefire will hold till the next round of talks, has the Afghan Taliban regime assured that there will be no defiance, on its part, to the ceasefire, through a terrorist attack against Pakistan? Should another terrorist attack take place in Pakistan, would it tantamount to defiance of this agreement agreed on by both sides? Moreover, there has also been mention of penalty, could you elaborate what sort of penalty will be liable for the violator?

Spokesperson: The principal interlocutor, at one level, could be representation at the political level, as it was in Doha. However, this should not be seen as a confirmation as to who will head the Pakistani delegation for 6th November talks. Principal interlocutor would imply representation at a senior level, possibly at the political level. I am not aware of a decision has been taken as to who would be leading the talks from our side, but presumably it will be at a political level.

On the ceasefire, the ceasefire holds for now. We have taken note of the assurances given by the Afghan Taliban regime on ceasefire, and as I mentioned in my statement mentions it, we hope this ceasefire will be respected.

With regard to determining violation of the ceasefire, our local commanders who are there at the border and our military would evaluate all potential attacks and it is for them to determine what constitutes a violation of the ceasefire.

As regard penalty of violation of the ceasefire, I refer to my opening statement that in case of any provocation, we would respond resolutely.

(Qurat ul Ain, Independent News): I would like your comment on the grant of the six-month sanctions waiver to India by the US to run Iran's Chabahar Port.

Spokesperson: We have taken note of this development. Let me make three points.
First of all, let me make one point clear. We welcome any decision that leads to the economic development and improvement of trade and businesses prospects in our brotherly country of Iran.

Secondly, the decision by the US to grant the six-month waiver is a sovereign decision of the United States. It is the United States that had in place measures to impose sanctions; it is for the United States to give the waiver.

Thirdly, with regard to the waiver given to India, we would warn India to not use or abuse this opening to promote terrorism, subversion, particularly the terrorism and subversion of Fitnah Al Hindustan, into Pakistan through the adjacent borders. India has promoted cross border terrorism from this area into Pakistan in the past. It must desist in doing so in the future.

(Mariam Elahi, Pakistan TV): The way you talk about the Afghanistan Pakistan negotiations in Istanbul, you sound very optimistic. Yesterday, the Defense Minister spoke to us, and he said that his optimism is very, very guarded, given that we have been very dedicated towards the talks as compared to the other side. Would you also call it a little guarded as compared to how apparently optimistic you are sounding?

My second question would be around India and US. We are getting news today that India and the United States have signed a defense framework agreement, significantly deepening their strategic and military cooperation. How does Islamabad view that?

Spokesperson: Well, the degree of optimism, I think you can judge. I would not rate my optimism to be excessive. I think it is a guarded optimism. We have been engaged with Taliban for the last four years, so it is very difficult to be excessively optimistic. I think it is a professional hazard in diplomacy to have some optimism. So as to what level of optimism do I have? I leave it to your judgment, but I think that it is a guarded optimism.

And about your second question, India US defense pact is a very recent development. It took place early morning today Pakistan time. We are evaluating the agreement, particularly with reference to its impact on peace, security and stability in South Asia.

(Raziq Batti, Kashmir Express): Sir, regarding Yasin Malik's sentence by India, UN representatives in Pakistan have stated that we are not aware of this news. On which forum did Pakistan raise the issue of Yasin Malik's sentence?

Spokesperson: I am not aware of what statement of the United Nations are you referring to. Maybe if you could guide us about that, I will study it and be able to offer a more detailed comment. Yasin Malik Sahab is one of the most prominent Kashmiri leaders. He has been quite vocal in defending fundamental rights and freedom of the Kashmiri people. He has already been awarded life sentence and a fresh plea seeking death penalty for him is under process. He has been subjected to sham trials, which merit greater attention and concerns, particularly that of the United Nations. The UN Human Rights machinery, the Special Rapporteurs, the Special Procedures Mechanism of the Human Rights Council, need to look at it from the perspective of civil, political rights of an individual, but also look in terms of its broader context, in relation with overall situation of human rights in India Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). If you recall, the United Nations Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights had published two reports, and those reports mentioned the draconian laws and the resulting undue punishments awarded to Kashmiri citizens in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Yasin Malik sahab's illegal conviction by the sham court in India must be followed by these forums.

(Sumaira Khan, Samaa TV): Sir, my question would be, have you confirmed Pakistan's level of representation at the Council of Heads of Governments that is going to be held in Moscow in November?

And secondly, let me bring you back to the bilaterals of Afghanistan and Pakistan. What is the level of contact right now between Kabul and Islamabad, apart from the negotiations being held in Istanbul right now, because yesterday, I came across a post from the Afghan Ambassador in Islamabad, Sardar Shakeeb, and it was very complaining, so I just thought to check it across with the Foreign Office of Pakistan as well that what sort of complaints are these because he is clearly pointing out towards the law enforcement institutions of Pakistan that they are harassing Afghan refugees. So what is the truth about the handling of Afghans right now? Thank you so much.

Spokesperson: On the SCO CHF in Moscow, I will have to check. I am not aware of a decision taken on who would lead Pakistan's delegation. We will make a formal announcement about it in due course.

On the statement you mentioned about the Afghan representative's statement, I have also seen the post on X. It is obviously a breach of diplomatic protocols - Let there be no doubt about it. We also take exception to the content of his post on X, because it is devoid of facts. If you recall, following the visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to Kabul, a 24/7 hotline on complaints on refugees under Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) was activated. This is an active complaint hotline. The Taliban regime's Representative could have also taken it up with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. So, there are multiple forums where this issue could have been addressed. But, he chose to go to public on this, which is a breach of diplomatic protocol.

(Shahid Nadeem, Al Jazeera): Coming back to Pakistan - Afghanistan talks recently held, we have some feeling that from your side, you have some apprehensions, especially regarding what was issued yesterday by the Turkish MOFA. Can you just explain more on this?

Spokesperson: I have no apprehensions on what was issued by the Turkish MOFA. The statement issued by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is fine for us. I have no apprehensions on that. As I explained it, that this is more of a covering note or a preface to the deeper talks, and we should not expect the note from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to elaborate the details of these talks. This was never expected. And I have in my statement, appreciated the role of Türkiye and Qatar on this. So please, do not read or interpret any apprehensions on our part.

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News): I just want to know that during the negotiations, did we raise two points, like during the visit of Amir Muttaqi to India, they declared Jammu and Kashmir as a part of India. Did we raise it?
And secondly, did we raise the dishonoring or disrespect of dead bodies of Pakistani soldiers by the Afghan Taliban during the Afghan aggression. Thank you.

Spokesperson: I think I answered this question that I am not privy to exactly what was raised in substance. The disrespect to dead bodies is a grave, grave violation of all norms of decency and normal human behavior. It is totally unacceptable.

(Saleh Zaafir, The News): There is an impression that the result of talks between Pakistan and Taliban administration is the failure of India which was out to subvert it. The second part of my query is that, could you report us the latest development and situation across the border in the wake of Indian exercises, which started yesterday on a massive level.

Spokesperson: India would not be happy towards any positive developments with respect to Afghanistan - Pakistan relations. So how far or to what degree India is unhappy about it is not for me to determine. One cannot care much about what India thinks on that issue.
We have taken note of the military exercise that India is undertaking. We are aware that Indian side has issued a NOTAM extending till
10th of November. Pakistan is carefully monitoring it. Our armed forces are seized of the matter. Any misadventure by India will be tackled with a quid pro quo plus response. We have assured it before and we can assure it again.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): The Defence Minister, as well as other government officials constantly indicated sending Pakistani forces to Gaza. Please do not mind. It is again, a silence on your end, since we are asking, what is the update? Any decision taken by Pakistan regarding sending Pakistani forces to Gaza?

Spokesperson: This is another important question that you have raised. The talk on International Stabilization Force started when Gaza peace Initiative was announced. Now we understand the discussion on International Stabilization Force is taking place between stakeholders, particularly the US, neighboring or regional countries. Pakistan will continue to work with all Arab and non-Arab Islamic countries, with regards to the mandate of the International Stabilization Force. Our primary goal remains lasting peace in the region, an end to the plight of the Palestinians and realization of their right to self-determination.

(Tahir Khan, NNI): I was in Peshawar yesterday. I saw many Afghan refugees stuck in traffic, some are residing in their relatives' homes and unfortunate situation is that two children also died. Chaman Border is open for Afghan refugees. So, any plan to open Torkham, because Torkham is the busiest crossing. And currently, majority of Afghans, who are living in KPK, Punjab and Azad Kashmir as refugees, they are also using the same crossing. So, any possibility to reopen Torkham only for the returnees?

Spokesperson: I am not aware of any plans to open the Torkham border. I will refer you to the authorities in Ministry of Interior to get further details on this issue. I do understand that the Chamman border is open, but whether we want to open other crossing or not, I think the Ministry of Interior would be better able to respond to it.

(Mateen Haider, GTV News): This is regarding Economic Cooperation Framework signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Would you like to share some details that how much investment Pakistan is expecting from Saudi Arabia and this investment from Saudi Arabia remained under discussion for over the last two, three years. So what is the outcome? How much investment under this Economic Cooperation Framework is Pakistan expecting, and which are the potential areas in Pakistan where Saudi companies are keen to invest? Thank you.
Spokesperson: Pak-Saudi Economic Cooperation Framework entails several strategic and high impact projects pertaining to trade, investment, and development field. The focus is energy, industry, mining, IT, tourism, agriculture and food security. Within these sectors, I do not have the exact figures in terms of exact quantification of the FDI, but it is certainly a positive development with regards to FDI. As I said, it is a shared economic interest and mutual desire to further strengthen economic relation based on shared vision towards a sustainable partnership.

(Aamir Abbasi, Nukta News): Sir, I have a question that many Afghans who want to travel to European countries, and they were promised to be taken there, but they are still here. So, do you have any latest updates? What is the deadline for them? Pakistan earlier requested to all these European countries to shift them, but they requested for little delay. So, what is the present status of all these stranded Afghans here?

Spokesperson: I understand that the delay in repatriation of the Afghan Nationals to European countries is on part of those recipient European countries. I am not aware of exact nature of the delay, and what exactly are the issues that may have been highlighted by the European countries. This is certainly something that I can check and we can revert back to you.

(Adeel Bashir, Roze News): Pakistan got a major counter-terrorism gain yesterday when Qari Amjad was eliminated by Pakistani security forces. So, there are two other notorious commanders of Noor Wali Masood, Molvi Faqir Muhammad Bajouri and Umar Karam Khorasani. Does Pakistan know the whereabouts of all these notorious terrorists?

Spokesperson: I cannot comment if we know or do not know of whereabout, and also difficult to comment on individuals per se. But, our overall thrust is to end this Fitnah al Khawaraj, eliminate it, uproot it, and totally neutralize it. Any leadership, any operator of FAK, anywhere - we have the right to take action against, because of their heinous crimes committed against the people of Pakistan.

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Due to Pak - Afghan tensions, many Pakistanis are trapped in Kabul including businessmen and workers. What are the reports about their safe arrival to Pakistan?

Spokesperson: I understand the Embassy is working on this issue. Many of these traders and businessmen have the option of leaving Afghanistan by transit flights. Exactly, how much is their number and how many are willing to come back or cannot afford to come back through transit, air routes, I do not know. I can check and get back to you on this.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Sir, reportedly Israeli Army Chief stated that there is no ceasefire in Gaza rather it is an operational change. A 20-point agreement was signed; people are raising doubts on that agreement. DPM/FM also expressed concerns in media briefing here that the points of the agreement had been altered. What is your opinion after Israel's constant violation of ceasefire of the 20 points agreements?

Spokesperson: Israel's actions, not just with regards to those 20 points but also their actions on the ground are extremely deplorable. Last week we made three press statements on this issue. ICJ Advisory Opinion came on this. This week, I just read out our response to civilian casualties due to Israeli illegal action. The Israeli actions are a challenge to peace. So, it is for the international community to take notice of that and to ensure that Israel abide by agreements and improved the situation not just in Gaza, but also in the West Bank.

(Ijaz Ali Sagar, Daily Shaheed Islamabad): There is a social media post circulating in which a Russian diplomat is stating that if Pakistan attacks Afghanistan then Russia will support Afghanistan. What is your opinion about it?

Spokesperson: I understand the post you are referring to is fake.