Transcript of the Weekly Media Briefing by the Spokesperson on Friday, 7th November 2025
Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Assalam-o-Alaikum,
Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Just now, we issued a curtain raiser on visit of the Prime Minister to Azerbaijan. At the invitation of H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, our Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif just left for an official visit to Azerbaijan to participate in the event marking the Fifth Anniversary of Victory Day being commemorated in Baku. We will continue to update you with the information on Prime Minister's engagements in Baku.
Let me a give you a roundup of this week's activities.
Yesterday, our Talks with the Afghan Taliban Regime commenced in Istanbul, with the presence and participation of the mediators.
Pakistan delegation has handed over its evidence based, justified and logical demands to the mediators, with singular aim to put an end to cross border terrorism.
The mediators fully endorse Pakistan's stance on the basis of the evidence provided by our side as well as the tenets of international law and principles. The mediators are discussing Pakistan's demands with the Afghan Taliban delegation, point by point.
Any other information being circulated on social media, especially Afghan accounts, is either pure speculation or deliberate disinformation. Such false information may please be disregarded.
The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, undertook an official visit to Doha, State of Qatar, from 3-6 November 2025 to participate in the World Summit for Social Development.
Hosted by the State of Qatar, the Summit convened world leaders with the aim to redoubling global efforts toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Upon its conclusion, the Summit adopted the Doha Political Declaration.
In his address to the Summit on 4th November 2025, the President raised the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and the imperative of realization of the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people.
The President underscored that the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) facing Indian state terrorism for decades.
The President also accused India of deliberately violating international law by breaching the Indus Waters Treaty, describing it as a direct threat to regional stability—an act that deprives millions of Pakistanis of their right to water, undermines Pakistan's sovereignty, and endangers the livelihoods of its people.
The President also condemned the Israeli aggression against Palestine.
The President urged enhanced global cooperation aimed at achieving social justice, equality, human dignity, expansion of social protection. He further emphasized the need for a fair, inclusive and reformed global financial architecture to support social development, especially in the Global South.
On the margins of the Summit, the President held meetings with various counterparts and world leaders, including His Highness the Emir of Qatar; His Excellency the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar; His Excellencies the President of Iraq and Tajikistan; Vice President of China; and the Secretary General of the United Nations.
At the invitation of the Turkish Foreign Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, visited Istanbul on 3 November 2025 to attend the Coordination Meeting of Arab-Islamic Foreign Ministers.
Pakistan, as one of the eight Arab-Islamic countries part of the Gaza Peace Plan, has remained engaged with the initiative that led to the signing of the Gaza Peace Agreement in Sharm El-Sheikh.
During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, along with his Arab-Islamic counterparts, deliberated on the way forward for a lasting ceasefire and sustainable peace in Gaza. The leaders jointly called for urgent humanitarian aid for the Palestinians, condemned Israeli ceasefire violations, demanded Israel's withdrawal from the Occupied Palestinian Territory and emphasized the rebuilding of Gaza.
Pakistan reaffirmed its principled stance for the establishment of an independent, viable and contiguous State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, in line with the UN and OIC resolutions.
Pakistan has been, and will continue to be, committed to efforts to restore peace, justice, and dignity to the Palestinian people, as well as to ensure the realization of their right to self-determination.
On the sidelines of the Meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister held a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of Türkiye.
During the meeting, the ministers expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Türkiye bilateral relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepened cooperation across political, economic, and defense spheres. Both sides agreed to continue working together on the issue of Palestine, especially establishing sustainable peace in Gaza.
Both leaders reaffirmed the strong bonds of brotherhood and mutual support that continue to underpin Pakistan-Türkiye relations and agreed to maintain close coordination on regional and international issues.
Upon his return from Istanbul on 4th November 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar attended the launch of Pakistan's first Chromebook Assembly Line, a landmark step in advancing Digital Nation Pakistan.
In his remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister noted that these milestones reflect the vision and guidance of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif whose digital transformation agenda is now being realized through concrete initiatives and partnerships.
After a productive telephonic conversation on 30th October 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, The Honorable Anita Anand, issued a joint statement, reaffirming the strong and enduring ties between Pakistan and Canada.
The statement highlighted the leaders' commitment to strengthened diplomatic and economic ties, including the facilitation of export of Canadian canola to Pakistan, the on-track negotiations toward a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) and cooperation on energy security and critical minerals.
On Wednesday, Indian media started flashing the false news that certain members of Hindu community were denied entry into Pakistan,
In our response, we categorically reject the unfounded and misleading allegations that members of the Hindu community were denied entry into its territory. These claims are entirely baseless and represent yet another attempt to distort facts and politicize a matter that was purely administrative in nature.
For record -- we issued over 2,400 visas to pilgrims from India, mostly Sikh brothers and sisters, to participate in the celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji from 4-13 November 2025.
i. On 4 November 2025, a total of 1,932 pilgrims successfully crossed into Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border.
ii. It is pertinent to note that approximately 300 visa holders were prevented by the Indian authorities from crossing over.
iii. The entire immigration process on the Pakistani side was smooth, orderly, and free of any hindrance. A few individuals were found to possess incomplete documentation and were unable to provide satisfactory responses to immigration authorities. Consequently, they were requested to return to the Indian side in accordance with standard procedures. Upon completion of their documents, these individuals will be allowed entry into Pakistan.
To suggest that these individuals were denied entry on religious grounds is completely incorrect and mischievous. Pakistan has always welcomed pilgrims of all faiths to visit its sacred religious sites under a well-established and facilitative framework.
Any attempt to give this issue a communal or political colour is not only regrettable but also reflective of the prejudiced mindset that increasingly dominates the Indian government and media narratives.
Pakistan is deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake in northern Afghanistan that has claimed precious lives and caused widespread destruction. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families, and we pray for the swift recovery of the injured.
I thank you all.
***
(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): My question is on the last round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban Regime upon the conclusion of which the joint statement issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry clearly stated that there has been an agreement on a verifiable monitoring mechanism. Today, you have disclosed that Pakistan has put forward its demands with the singular aim of stopping terror. So, is the formation of a verifiable mechanism not part of the talks anymore? And, will the talks continue today too? What is their current status? My other question is that there is a lot of talk on Pakistani troops partaking in the International Stabilization Force for Gaza, and a conference in this regard is also expected to take place soon either in New York or somewhere else, so, is Pakistan willing to contribute troops to be stationed in Gaza?
(Mateen Haider, GTV): My question is also related to the deployment of Pakistani troops in Gaza. The Indian media has reported that a meeting between intelligence officials of the CIA, Mossad and Pakistan took place where, it was further alleged by the Indian media, Pakistan demanded a hefty payment, in US dollars, from Israel for the deployment of its troops in Gaza. The Indian media has continued to report such baseless things. What are your official comments on this? Did any such meeting take place?
Spokesperson: On the first part of the question from Mr. Piracha, the idea of a verifiable monitoring mechanism is very much on the table. It has not been taken off from the agenda. In my opening statement, I pointed that Pakistani side has offered very clear, evidence-based, empirical information with concrete coordinates, on the basis of which, we believe, this verifiable mechanism can be formed. This is on the table. Our delegation, as we speak, is still in Istanbul. And as I stated that as long as they are in Istanbul, I do not have a final word on the conclusion or on the process of this particular round.
On the deployment of Pakistani troops to Gaza as part of the International Stabilization Force, decision will be taken in due course, as and when required. Certain quarters from the government have stated that the decision will be taken by the parliament. This is an important point as well.
On Mr. Mateen Haider's question on intelligence chiefs meeting reported by Indian media, let's not talk about the fairy tales projected by the Indian media. There was absolutely no truth in meeting of intelligence agencies or any demands for hefty payments for Pakistan. The precious lives of Palestinians are too invaluable to be attached with a price tag.
(Khalid Mehmood, Express TV): This is a follow up question, there was a deadlock, previously, during the talks which led the Pakistani delegation to return. Now that the talks are being held again, is the situation the same as it was during the previous round of talks? Are the talks still ongoing or have they ended? If so, will they resume in a subsequent round? Secondly, what is the stance of Qatar and Türkiye, being the mediators of these talks? Are they supporting Pakistan's stance? Moreover, are their delegations participating in the current round of talks?
(Adeel Bashir, Roze News): You have stated that Pakistan has communicated its evidence-based, justified and logical demands to the mediators in Istanbul, would you like to share the points of the demands that Pakistan has shared with the mediators? Also, who is representing Pakistan at the talks from the Foreign Office?
(Asghar Ali Mubarak, Daily Mail International): My question is regarding the previous round of talks held between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban Regime in Doha where no implementation of any of the clauses, agreed on by both sides, could be witnessed. So, what guarantees are being sought by Pakistan during the current round of talks and how would they be implemented?
Spokesperson: Regarding the first question on deadlock in Afghan talks--well, "deadlock", "stalemate", "impasse", are different words assigned to a very difficult negotiation process. You have used one of these words, i.e.: deadlock. You are entitled to use it. I would like to refer back to my original comment that our delegation is in Istanbul, as we speak. The mediators are also there. So, let's wait. I would not assign a verdict yet on the status of talks.
On the justified, legal demands I mentioned these demands were in the context of the set of information shared by Pakistan. These are the empirical, logical sets of information on the presence of Fitna Al Khwarij in Afghanistan, their abettors, their movement, the formation of tashkeels and the trends to that effect. So, this is the kind of evidence-based, verifiable, empirical information which is contained in Pakistan's document.
The demand is a single liner. The demand is that based on information provided these infiltrators of Fitna Al Khwarij should not be allowed to operate from Afghan soil and kill innocent Pakistanis. A verifiable mechanism should be created. The demand is simple. It has been made through a document which is empirical and logical. It is for the Afghan Taliban Regime to act upon it and agree on a verifiable mechanism.
The mediators are also interceding, on the basis of this evidence-based information provided by Pakistan. So, this is how the dynamics are working. And, you are entitled to your pessimism on the previous round of talks. As for the current round, let us wait and see how things unfold before we come to a final word on this.
(Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): For the 20th time, US President Donald Trump talked about the Indian fighter jets shot down by Pakistan during the Pakistan-India war which took place earlier this year. Starting from the figure of 6 fighter jets that were shot down, the POTUS then went on to state 7 fighter jets, and now he says that there were 8 beautiful jets that were shot down. Meanwhile, as per information by the Pakistan Foreign Office, about 5 fighter jets of India were shot down by Pakistan during the war. Similarly, President Trump said that he called Prime Minister Modi, telling him that there will be no war with Pakistan. As President Trump repeatedly gives out such statements, is there any intended messaging behind them? If so, toward whom is it directed? It is also believed that whenever an election in India is around the corner, like the Bihar election this year, India perpetrates false flag operations against Pakistan. Now that the first phase of the election in Bihar is over, has the risk, as indicated by President Trump, been eliminated?
(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): I would like your comments on the reports as well as the belligerent statements from India, signaling that India is preparing for another war. Also, if you could please share how many violations on the LoC been committed by India during the past 10 to 15 days?
Spokesperson: The number of planes shot down by our brave Air Force, be these six, seven or eight, is part of history. It stands out as a landmark event in the history of air warfare. We stand by the numbers that have been given by our Spokespersons from the ISPR and the Air Force. The number of planes which were shot down is important. But perhaps more important is the fact that an act of aggression by an aggressor India, much larger in size, was repulsed and deterred by Pakistan. This is the message that India ought to take.
President Trump has played a positive role in this conflict, particularly, when India requested the US's intercession to end this conflict. The role of the President of the United States was positive, and we hope that it would remain so far, the future. I say this because the war mongering from India continues. Given how some of its political leaders have now transitioned from normal belligerents to serial war mongers. So, stopping this kind of war mongering and threats from India is important.
We would like the President of the United States, and indeed larger international community as well as the United Nations, to keep a tab on the issue of peace, security and stability in South Asia--take notice of this bellicose, belligerent war mongering, emanating from New Delhi, and urge India to behave like a normal, civilized country, which is invested in peace and security of its region and beyond.
Regarding preparations for war by India--well these continue. We have to, as is our religious injunction, "keeping our horses and power prepared". We are instructed to be prepared for war. Accordingly, our military preparedness is robust, and our armed forces and political leadership are fully geared to the defense of our country. This is backed by the resolve of the people of Pakistan, which is the key factor in this overall national determination to protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity against any Indian aggression.
(Saleh Zaafir, The News): My question pertains to what was previously asked by my colleague, Mr. Abdullah, on the number of Sikh pilgrims who have come to Pakistan for this annual yatra. Secondly, what is the policy on the Kartarpur corridor? Is Pakistan prepared to welcome Sikhs from that entrance? Thirdly, what would be the future policy in case some Sikh pilgrims would like to visit Pakistan?
Spokesperson: As per record that I have shared with you, we issued over 2400 visas to pilgrims from India. I do not have, as I said, the faith-wise breakup of the visiting pilgrims. The second set of information that I have is that on 4th November, 1932 pilgrims crossed over. I, however, do not have the details on how many of the pilgrims were from the Sikh faith and otherwise. If you would like the detailed breakup on this, we would definitely get back to you on this.
On Kartarpur, as per my information, there is no hindrance from our side for the visitors to cross over and visit Kartarpur Sahib. If the people are facing any hurdles reaching it, that is due to stoppage from the Indian side.
With regard to the policy for members of the Sikh community and others interested in visiting Kartarpur Sahib, from non-India destinations from abroad, they are allowed entry as per their visa requirements, specific to their nationalities. So, for instance, if travelers from some countries have facility of visa—upon—arrival, they are being given visa upon arrival. Overall, it is an open process from Pakistan and we are welcoming pilgrims to Kartarpur Sahib and the religious sites.
(Abdullah Mohmand, Dawn News): In your rebuttal to the claims made by the Indian media regarding the denial of entry to members of the Hindu community at the Wagah border, you stated that more than 1900 visas were issued for the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, could you quote a figure on how many non-Sikhs persons were allowed entry into Pakistan for this festival? Secondly, the delegation of the Afghan Taliban Regime participating in the current round of talks in Istanbul includes your counterpart, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, as well the Deputy Interior Minister and Anas Haqqani, but no one from Pakistan's political side is part of the Pakistan delegation. Who formed this delegation? The Prime Minister or the Foreign Office?
Spokesperson: With regard to your first question, I am not sure how many non-Sikhs or Hindus were allowed entry. The fact of the matter is that, as I said, 2400 visas were issued. My understanding is that majority of them were of the Sikh faith, but there may be people of other faiths as well. Those who had valid and complete documents were allowed entry into Pakistan. There was no discrimination based on any religion or faith. I can check if we have the record of the breakup of visa holders in terms of their faith or religion.
With regard to the delegation, our delegation is being headed by DG ISI. Additional Foreign Secretary for Afghanistan and West Asia, Syed Ali Asad Gilani, is also part of the delegation.
(Allah Noor Wazir, Mashriq TV): Initially, US President Donald Trump said that there were 6, then went on to say that 7 Indian jets were shot down by Pakistan, and now he says that 8 planes were shot down. You also said that DG ISPR and the Air Force stated that 6 planes were shot down by Pakistan. What is the actual number of planes that were shot down, is it 8 or 6? Which figure is accurate? Secondly, if the talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban Regime fail, will Pakistan go to war with Afghanistan? Thirdly, you and your predecessor have said that Pakistan has shared reports on TTP sanctuaries, so, according to those reports where are these sanctuaries located? Fourthly, and this issue was also raised today in the parliament, in which countries, has the staff of Pakistan Embassy been unable to receive their salaries?
Spokesperson: Regarding the number of jets, the number is definite. The problem is that sometimes they talk of Rafales. So, it could be four Rafales and two other non-Rafale planes, six Rafales or two non-Rafales and so on. The reason why you see different figures is because of the type of the planes that were shot down. If President Trump is saying eight, so it may be six Rafales and two non-Rafales, or five Rafales and three non-Rafales. As such - the issue is the make or model of planes, rather than their numbers.
On your second question, let me reemphasize that the talks are taking place as we speak. Our delegation is in Istanbul. The two mediators are there, so is the Afghan delegation. So, let's not come to a conclusion on failure of talks.
What happens if these talks fail is a speculative question. I will not venture into issuing a statement yet. All I can say is that in any eventuality, we will protect the lives of our people and make sure that our innocent civilians, our military forces, our law enforcement agencies on the border are not killed from attacks emanating from Afghanistan.
On the issue of salaries of staff of Pakistani Embassies, I am not aware of it. These may be an instance of delayed payment of salaries at stations where banking channels are not operating. In that case the salaries are not credited. For instance, when I was posted at Tunis few years ago, the situation in Libya was grave, and due to disruptions in the banking channels, we used to get our staff's salaries delivered physically through Tunis. I do not know if such situation persists anywhere in our Missions abroad.
(Tahir Khan, NNI): So, after what happened yesterday along the Pak - Afghan border, on this side, Chamman and on the other side, Spin bolduk. The Afghan Taliban, say that Pakistan fought on the Afghan side, and today they said four people were killed and around five were injured. Pakistan's Information Ministry has rejected the statement from the Taliban side. Is there any chance of reopening of the borders, because you said maybe last week or the other week, that the borders are hard, so we cannot open it. So, now as there is almost peace on the border, and three weeks have passed since the closure. So, is there any chance of reopening of the border?
(Muhammad Anwar Abbas, 24 News): In the joint statement issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry on negotiations, there was a clause that violation of ceasefire will result in penalty on the violator. After the recent violations of ceasefire from the Afghan Taliban, how Pakistan will proceed towards above mentioned clause in this aspect?
(Rashida Sial, Azad Digital): Sir, in the ongoing talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan, there is one clear demand that is counter-terrorism operation against TTP. What are other important demands in the charter of demands that Pakistan has put forward and what are the demands of the Afghan side and where is the deadlock?
Spokesperson: On question of Tahir Sahab, I will echo Ministry of Information's statement about the Chamman incident. We also reject this false claim by Afghanistan side regarding this Chamman incident. Actually--firing was initiated from the Afghan side to which our security forces responded immediately and in measured and responsible manner. Regarding opening of border, these are the kind of incidents which are stopping opening of border. If with closed borders, at the crossings or around the crossings, we face this kind of unprovoked attacks, then obviously, the security situation warrants that these border openings, sort of remain closed. As I said last week that opening of border will depend on the evaluation of the security. So obviously, the incident, on Chamman border does not contribute to any positive assessment to the evaluation of border that would lead to the opening of these border crossings.
About course of action on the violation of ceasefire, I understand this would be under discussion in Istanbul particularly in the wake of this Chaman incident. So let us wait for hearing from them.
Madam Rashida Sial, on question about charter of demand, from our side—as I said, our document is very empirical, grounded in facts, and with full coordinates. On Charter of demands from the Afghan side, I think that it is more abstract. They are making demand as tit for tat. Afghan demands seems like a knee jerk reply and to the demands that we have made. But what I can tell you is that our demands are logical, evidence based, empirical, and to my understanding, the demands by the Afghan side are reactionary and just abstract.
(Aijaz Ahmed, GNN): I was going through some Afghan social media accounts which are official but are being handled in an unofficial way. An Afghan Taliban leader also tweeted on one such account that Pakistan supports ISIS and helps them infiltrate into Afghanistan and we demand Pakistan to take action against them. Did any such demand come from the Afghan side in negotiations?
Secondly, when the agreement was reached, it was decided that a mechanism will be established which will determine which party violated ceasefire, how many times ceasefire was violated, and what will be the penalty. Are these violations by Afghan Taliban so significant in number that these will be put forward in the negotiations?
Thirdly, are negotiations being held directly or indirectly through a mediator just like previous negotiations?
Spokesperson: As far as the ISIS elements in Pakistan are concerned, this is absolutely false and ridiculous. We are ourselves victims of terrorism. We are facing a scourge of violence against our forces and ISIS is no friend of any civilized society or government. So, if ISIS is part of demand by Afghan side this is reactionary. Argument peddled by these Afghan accounts or handles in this regard, is absolutely incorrect.
As regards the format of the negotiations, I know for the fact that mediators, and both Afghanistan and Pakistan are in the talks. They are participating and back and forth information is being shared. The round of talks that took place yesterday had these mediators present and participating.
I am not privy to what exactly transpired. I believe this issue would be raised. Obviously, the issue of ceasefire point is important because the initial agreement was premised on the ceasefire. So, if the ceasefire is violated while the talks are underway, such violations might will have featured in the discussion.
(Syeda Qurat ul Ain, Independent Urdu): Minister of Information Ata Tarar, over the last weekend, had claimed in a press conference that Pakistan had caught, allegedly a spy from Pakistani waters, Mr. Ijaz Mallah. He had claimed that he was caught with a few sims that were from the UAE. So, has Pakistan been in contact with the UAE Government on this matter?
Spokesperson: Ministry of Interior would be in best position to answer it. I do not have this specific information or whether we took it up with a third country or not.
(Syeda Qurat ul Ain, Independent Urdu): Minister of Information referred to MoFA.
Spokesperson: I will check then from the concerned quarters. I do not know but I can check and get back.
(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Zohran Mamdani has been appointed as first Muslim mayor of New York. This is a huge change in local politics of the USA. What are your comments?
Spokesperson: First of all, this is an internal matter of the United States. Politics of the United States, the elections that is an internal matter. Obviously, we welcome that Mr. Mamdani who shares the same heritage from South Asia is elected as Mayor of New York position. Congratulations to him and best wishes.
(Amna Ali, Daily Express): Sir, did Pakistan ask this time the mediators to urge Afghanistan Taliban to adopt policies that are not India centric, to make talks more successful?
Spokesperson: Madam, I am not privy to what transpired and what do you mean by India centric policies. I think we have a single point focus, and that is Afghan soil should not be used for promoting terrorism and violence in Pakistan. So, to the extent of terrorism in Pakistan from Afghan soil directed by New Delhi, obviously this would be part of the discussion and our interlocutors would be raising these issues.
(Sardar Shokat Mehmood Khan, Islamabad Today): Sir, on one hand, India is openly preparing for war against Pakistan. On the other hand, America and India signed a defense agreement and American President gave a statement last night that indicated he will visit India next year. Do you think this is a U-turn on President Trump's part and what will be its consequences on Pakistan?
Spokesperson: There is obviously no U-turn from the U.S. President. The relations between India and the US are between two sovereign countries and we do not have any objection to that. We believe Pakistan - US relations should follow an independent course, not anchored or dependent on the third country. India-US defense agreement, is a framework agreement and a periodic upgrade of the previous version. With regard to this agreement, and about the proposed or the planned visit of President Trump to India in the future - let me state that President Trump played a very positive role in the 90 hours war during the May conflict. We hope that the US will continue to play its important role for peace and stability in South Asia. On that count, we view the engagement of the US President in positive terms.
(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): Sir, you just stated that the Afghan Taliban is playing tit for tat in negotiations. Let us talk about the previous sessions. In previous talks what were Afghan Taliban's demand, as we have seen reports that they are asking for written guarantees. So, will you please elaborate it.
Spokesperson: What I meant was that their reciprocal demands seem more in abstract terms. They talk of certain broad political issues. I do not know, quite frankly, what transpired in this round of talks with respect to those demands. But the point is that if there is some concrete information in Afghanistan's exchange, obviously, our side will respond accordingly.
About second part of the question, I am not aware of that of any written guarantee sought by Afghan side.
(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): Your views about the recent agreement between India and Israel regarding the electronic warfare.
Secondly, there are reports that Israeli senior officials and Israeli experts are present during the recent, or rather ongoing Indian military exercises across Runn of Kutch and Jasalmer areas. I wish to have your comments, sir. Thank you.
Spokesperson: On electronic warfare, we are aware of the cooperation between India and Israel, particularly in the area of defense and within defense, the area of emerging and disruptive technologies. Israeli manufactured systems were used by India in the May 9 conflict.
As regards the presence of Israeli personnel in the ongoing Indian military exercise, I am not aware of any particular information. But what I can assure you, as I assured last week regarding these exercises -- Pakistan remains vigilant with respect to these exercises. Our military forces are on the watch, fully capable to address any untoward incident emanating from across the border.
(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail Islamabad): Sir, there are reports that Saudi Arabia played a crucial role in de-escalating conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan after the recent skirmish. Even Donald Trump reiterated this. Is Saudi Arabia also playing role of a mediator in these negotiations?
Spokesperson: I am not aware of it.
(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): This is a public interest question. The rejection rate of Pakistani students and visitors applying for foreign visa is very high. Students pay heavy fees to Embassies and still their visas get rejected. Can this matter be taken up diplomatically emphasizing on easing the visa policy for students and visitors?
(Sardar Amer Hussain Alamgir, Daily Maddar): Pakistan Immigration Directorate also brought forward a new format according to which, a person going on a work permit, will give an affidavit authorized by a 17-Grade officer. Was this format put in implementation on the demand of a foreign government or a country? Because of this, in past days, many people suffered financial losses in the shape of flight tickets.
Spokesperson: You raised an important issue, particularly our students, who are denied visas despite paying the fees. This is, I think a regular part of conversation. In this matter, at certain point, Foreign Ministry gets engaged and these issues are resolved. I know for a fact, in my previous area of work, not as Spokesperson, that there was one visa denial for an important UN conference of our post graduate student who was going there in a student capacity. So, these issues are taken up. It is a very serious issue, and you have very rightly pointed out that it is a public issue, but we consider it to be our duty to address these questions. So, two levels, one, at the overall systemic level, this issue is raised with these countries to ease visa particularly for students who have obviously paid fees. And at the second level, we do help out individual applicants who reach out to us in certain cases.
Regarding this affidavit, I will have to check. Immigration and Passport department comes up with their own policies. As you know, they are under Ministry of Interior if they have asked for any work-related visa; I think you might also like to check with the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development about it.
Thank you.
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