Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Friday 14th November 2025
Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Assalam-o-Alaikum,
Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Let me begin with a roundup of weekly activities.
On the invitation of H. E. Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan would be undertaking a State visit to Pakistan on 15-16 November 2025.
We just issued a curtain raiser. Will keep you updated on it.
This high-level visit is reflective of the longstanding, fraternal relations between Pakistan and Jordan. It would serve to fortify the strategic tone of Pakistan-Jordan relations and place it on a higher trajectory encompassing comprehensive and broad-based partnership including in political, economic and cultural spheres.
During his visit, His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein will hold important meetings with the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan. During these meetings, the entire range of bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries will be discussed. A special investiture ceremony to award the highest civilian award to His Majesty will also take place at Aiwan-e-Sadar.
The visit of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein will further consolidate the longstanding Pakistan-Jordan relations and contribute towards expanding the scope and spectrum of bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries.
As mentioned during the last week's briefing, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif undertook an official visit to Baku, Azerbaijan, at the invitation of President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, to participate in the events marking the Fifth Anniversary of Victory Day.
During his visit, the Prime Minister held a meeting with President Ilham Aliyev. He felicitated the Government and people of Azerbaijan on the Victory Day. He reiterated that the Victory of Azerbaijan served as a beacon of hope for oppressed people striving for self-determination including the people of Indian Illegally Occupied in Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.
The two leaders reviewed the whole range of Pakistan-Azerbaijan longstanding, fraternal ties. They and agreed to further strengthen their multi-faceted cooperation in the fields of political, trade and investment, energy, connectivity and defense. The Prime also extended an invitation to President of Azerbaijan to visit Pakistan which he graciously accepted. The Prime Minister lauded President Aliyev for signing the historic peace agreement with Armenia earlier this year.
President Ilham Aliyev thanked Pakistan for its consistent support to Azerbaijan in its just struggle against illegal occupation of Karabagh region. He also appreciated Pakistan's role in the promotion of regional stability in South Asia.
The Prime Minister attended Baku's grand Victory Parade where a contingent from the Pakistan Army also participated along with Azerbaijani and Türkiye forces. On the sidelines of the event, the Prime Minister met President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye and held a productive discussion on expanding Pakistan- Türkiye historic, deep-rooted fraternal ties.
Ladies & Gentlemen! This week Pakistan hosted an important inaugural Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference (ISC) from 11-12 November 2025 in Islamabad in which the Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, participated.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister addressed and chaired the opening session of the second day of the Conference, presiding over the "General Debate: Peace, Security & Development through Multilateralism." His statement is also available on our webpage.
On the sidelines of the Conference, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister held meetings with the heads of various visiting delegations, including the Head of the Belarusian Delegation, Member of Parliament, and former Foreign Minister of Belarus, Mr. Sergei Aleinik; Member of the Federal National Council of the UAE, Mr. Ahmed Mir Hashim Khoori and the Chairman of the Supreme Elections Commission of Syria, Dr. Mohammed Taha Al-Ahmad.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, addressed the inaugural session of the 6th Margalla Dialogue on 11th November 2025.
He commended the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) for organizing the event under the theme of "The Future of Global Order: Cooperation or Confrontation", the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister underscored the importance of multilateralism in an era marked by unilateralism, polarization, and trade wars.
He emphasized that multilateral institutions must be strengthened to effectively address global challenges such as climate change, polarization, terrorism, and the erosion of international law and norms. He cautioned that these trends pose serious threats to global peace, security, and development, and called for renewed commitment to international cooperation and justice.
Full text of the DPM/FM's statement is placed on our webpage.
The third round of talks with the Afghan Taliban Regime was concluded in Istanbul on 7 November 2025.
Pakistan deeply appreciates the sincere efforts made by brotherly Turkiye and Qatar as mediators.
For the past four years, since the Taliban regime came to power in Afghanistan, there has been a sharp surge in terrorist attacks emanating from Afghan soil on Pakistan. Throughout these years, Pakistan, despite suffering military and civilian causalities, exercised maximum restraint and did not escalate.
Pakistan's expectation was that with the passage of time, Taliban regime would be able to control these attacks and take concrete actions against the TTP/FaK elements present on Afghan soil.
During these years, Pakistan also tried to positively engage with Afghan Taliban regime by offering bilateral trade concessions and humanitarian assistance. However, despite all these positive gestures by Pakistan from the Taliban regime has only been hollow promises and inaction.
TTP/FaK and BLA/FaH are declared enemies of the State of Pakistan and its people. Anyone harboring, abetting or financing them is not considered a friend and well-wisher of Pakistan and its people. Pakistan is determined to take every possible action to safeguard its interests and security of its people.
We regret that Taliban regime is constantly trying to misrepresent the issue of terrorists hiding in Afghanistan as a humanitarian issue.
Taliban regime is also trying to portray the TTP/FaK and BLA/FaH elements as refugees in Afghanistan. This is not a humanitarian or a refugees crisis, but a ploy to frame terrorists as refugees.
Pakistan is ready to receive any Pakistani living in Afghanistan and their families, provided they are handed over at the border crossings of Torkham or Chaman and not hurled across the border, fully equipped with sophisticated weapons and equipment.
Pakistan has never eschewed dialogue with any Government in Kabul. However, Pakistan would not hold dialogue with any terrorist group, be it TTP/FaK or BLA/FaH.
Among Afghan Taliban, there are people who do not want a confrontation with Pakistan. But there is a strong lobby, with monetary support from foreign actors that has been tasked to stoke tensions. These elements have engaged in abuses and outrageous allegations against Pakistan. By doing so, they are fast eroding whatever goodwill they had within Pakistan.
Some elements in Taliban regime also try to propagate that there is some disagreement within Pakistan over Afghan policy. This is misleading, there is absolute clarity among the people of Pakistan that the ordinary people of Pakistan are the biggest victims of the terrorist activities by elements hiding in Afghanistan and their abettors.
The Armed Forces of Pakistan are making sacrifices to safeguard the lives and properties of the people of Pakistan. Therefore, the entire Pakistani nation is with its Armed Forces to safeguard the interests of Pakistan and lives of the people of Pakistan.
Similarly, there is an attempt by elements of Taliban regime to instigate Pashtoon nationalism in Pakistan. It is a historical fact that Pashtoons in Pakistan are a vibrant part of the society and the state, holding leadership positions across the spectrum of public life and civil society. More number of Pashtoons live in Pakistan than in Afghanistan. Therefore, instead of instigating Pashtoonism in Pakistan, it would be wise for Taliban regime to look into its own credentials of inclusivity across all segments of its population in its governance structures.
With evidence-based and well documented sharp rise in terrorism emanating from Afghanistan into Pakistan after August 2021, the Taliban regime can neither out rightly deny this reality nor absolve itself of its responsibility.
While Afghan Taliban declare terrorism as Pakistan's internal issue, they fail to mention that there are people in Afghanistan who have issued fatwas, legitimizing terrorist attacks against Pakistan. Moreover, terrorist groups operating inside Pakistan now comprise large number of Afghan nationals.
Pakistan remains committed to resolution of bilateral differences through dialogue. However, Pakistan's core concern, i.e. terrorism emanating from Afghanistan needs to be addressed first and foremost. Pakistan's Armed Forces and its people are well determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from its soil and take action against its supporters, abettors and financiers.
In the context of the arbitration initiated by Pakistan against India under the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), Pakistan has taken note of the recent Decision of the Court of Arbitration which has offered helpful clarification on certain aspects of the Court's 'Award on Issues of General Interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty', which was published on 8 August 2025.
Pakistan has also taken note of the Procedural Order issued in parallel with the decision which affirms that the Court will continue to conduct these proceedings in a phased manner and would take into account the proceedings taking place before the Neutral Expert under Article IX and Annexure F of the IWT.
The Neutral Expert proceedings were initiated on India's request with their next phase scheduled to take place in Vienna from 17-21 November 2025. While India has decided to halt its participation, Pakistan continues to fully participate in the Neutral Expert proceedings in good faith. In this respect, the Neutral Expert has ruled that India's non-participation could not operate as a bar to the proceedings going forward.
We took a very strong exception to the remarks by the Spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs attempting to link President Trump's comment on nuclear testing with allegations about Pakistan's past nuclear record.
India is clearly distorting facts and misrepresenting the remarks of U.S. President Donald Trump. The U.S. side has already clarified its position to the media regarding the statement by the President.
For the record, Pakistan's last nuclear tests were conducted in May 1998. Our position on nuclear testing is well established and clear. Pakistan has been supporting United Nations General Assembly resolutions calling for a comprehensive ban on nuclear testing. In contrast, India's abstentions on these resolutions reflect its ambiguous and questionable intentions in further nuclear testing.
Pakistan's nuclear program operates under a robust command and control structure, comprehensive export controls, and an impeccable record of compliance with the global non-proliferation regimes. Allegations of "clandestine or illegal nuclear activities" are baseless, malicious, and part of India's disinformation campaign aimed at diverting attention from its own irresponsible conduct. India's record on nuclear safety and security remains deeply concerning.
Over the past several decades, numerous incidents involving the theft and illicit trafficking of sensitive nuclear material and other radioactive substances have exposed serious deficiencies in India's ability to safeguard its facilities. As recently as last year, radioactive equipment from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), along with the highly radioactive substance Californium—valued at over USD 100 million—was found on sale in India.
Such recurring incidents of theft and illicit sale point to the existence of a thriving nuclear black market for sensitive and dual-use materials in India. The international community must take serious note of these alarming gaps, which pose a grave threat to both regional and global security.
On the tragic crash of a C-130 cargo aircraft near the Georgia–Azerbaijan border, we, the Government and the people of Pakistan, express our deepest sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the Government and the brotherly people of the Republic of Türkiye.
I thank you all.
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(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): The Afghan Taliban Regime has directed local businessmen to trade with countries other than Pakistan, and if, they still continue to trade with Pakistan and face difficulties, the Afghan Taliban Regime will not be responsible, implying that the Afghan Taliban Regime has halted trade with Pakistan. What is your stance on this? Also, will it affect the trade volume of Pakistan? Secondly, the US Secretary of State has given a statement expressing the US' desire to expand strategic relations with Pakistan. Since both countries already share strategic ties, to what extent would these pre-existing ties be expanded?
Spokesperson: On the question of trade, we have heard the remarks by the leadership of the Afghan Taliban Regime.
Pakistan is a strong proponent of regional trade and connectivity, and, in the same spirit, we extended a number of trade concessions to Afghanistan that I also referred to in my opening statement.
As I said before, our positive gestures have not been reciprocated by the Afghan Taliban regime, which continues to harbor and actively support the elements that are perpetrating terrorism against Pakistan while using the Afghan soil. So, given this scenario, trade and transit with Afghanistan are only possible if the Afghan Taliban regime takes clear steps against anti-Pakistan elements operating from its soil. The value of human lives surpasses the value of any trade conducted. This is our position.
On Pakistan-US strategic relationship, I am not aware of the exact statement of the US Secretary of State that you referred. Pakistan and the United States share multifaceted cooperation in strategic defense, economy, trade and commerce, and social sector. The effort of the governments is to enhance this all-encompassing cooperation across all domains.
(Mateen Haider): During this week, two deadly terrorist attacks in Pakistan took place, one in the federal capital, Islamabad, and the other at the Cadet College in Wana. The security agencies, after their investigation, have, once again, established that the handlers as well as the mastermind of these attacks were from Afghanistan. Similarly, on the suicide terrorist attack in Islamabad, the Prime Minister highlighted India's role behind the attack which was perpetrated through its proxies based in Afghanistan. In the light of these findings, will Pakistan be taking up this matter with the Afghan Taliban regime? Or, as stated before, will Pakistan be taking direct action against these terrorist outfits?
Spokesperson: Both the incidents that you referred to, i.e.: the attack in Wana as well as in Islamabad, had deep Afghan fingerprints. And in case of the Islamabad attack, an Afghan national was the suicide bomber. So, let this reality sink in in Kabul.
We have heard varying explanations from the Afghan Taliban regime on TTP/ FAK, but the fact of the matter is that if an Afghan national is blowing himself up and killing other civilians in Islamabad. Is this not responsibility of the Afghan Taliban regime. This goes a step beyond Pakistan's point on TTP and FAK.
The involvement of this Afghan national in the attack reflects the gravity of the situation. Pakistan will be taking it up with the Afghan Taliban regime, and, indeed, will be taking all the necessary measures to protect our people.
Regarding the Prime Minister's statement you referred to, condemning the suicide bombing by the Indian backed FAK and FAH and urging the international community, the Prime Ministry rightly noted that the time has come for the world to take stock of such heinous acts perpetrated against Pakistan.
(Waseem Abbasi, Arab News): I have a question regarding a meeting between Yasir Ilyas, advisor to the Prime Minister, and Michael Izhakof, Director-General of the Ministry of Tourism, does Pakistan endorse this meeting? Does this imply a shift in Pakistan's policy towards Israel? Is Pakistan preparing on joining the Abraham Accords?
Spokesperson: I have no information on this meeting. The gentleman you referred to is a public figure, I would request you to ask him about the meeting, I have no information on this.
(Raziq Mehmood Bhatti, Kashmir Express): After the Red Fort blast in New Delhi, India's attitude has been appalling as it has connected the incident with the Kashmiri fight for self-determination, and, taken Muslim doctors from Delhi under custody as well. More than 1500 unarmed Kashmiri people were arrested in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and other areas. At what level Pakistan is raising its voice against these oppressive measures being taken by the Indian government against the Kashmiri people and what steps have been taken?
Spokesperson: This is an important question. India is, indeed, as you rightly pointed out, much obsessed with Pakistan on the issue and the bogey of terrorism which the Indian leadership uses to divert attention from its own internal challenges that are mounting day by day.
The Indian public is waking up to the false promises of its leadership, and now the movie of terrorism has again been summoned to calm the masses. We see a relationship between terrorist incident and the political activity in India like elections. It is a very familiar playbook, whenever such an incident occurs, the Indian side comes up with the names of Muslims, flashing them on their screens. It gives an impression of a witch hunt against Muslims with particular focus on the Kashmiri people from the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
This issue needs to be viewed from the prism of law-and-order, instead of linking it with politics of the region and politics of the Hindutva that the Indian leadership espouses, in a knee jerk fashion.
(Syeda Qurat ul Ain, Independent Urdu): You have stated that the advisor is a public figure and must be approached regarding his meeting with an Israeli official. In the past, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commented on similar interactions, or visits by journalists to Israel. So, I would repeat the question asked by my colleague that how did a Pakistani official, representing the Prime Minister, meet with an Israeli official? Did the government endorse this meeting? If not, will any action be taken against this official? Is Pakistan, as asked by my colleague before, planning on joining the Abraham Accords? I have another question, yesterday, India has claimed that the Delhi blast was reportedly orchestrated by Turkiye, I would like your comment on this.
Spokesperson: I have not seen the report or any information on a meeting of the Advisor to the Prime Minister or any public figure with an Israeli representative. I can assure you that if such a meeting or interaction took place, it was, certainly, without authorization by the government. However, I would like to point out that we need to, first of all, confirm if such interaction actually took place.
I also do not think it is fair to link this with the broader issue of Abraham Accords or the recognition of Israel. Such linkage is too far-fetched, and I would request our distinguished media personnel to not venture into such speculation.
As for your second question, the Indian side, after a blast, can come up with any amount of conjecturing, fairytales, war mongering and in that blame a third country, I have not seen the report. Frankly, on these issues, the credibility of the Indian media, and other segments of the Indian society leaves a lot to be desired.
(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Since the King of Jordan is scheduled to visit Pakistan, what are the developments regarding the Pakistani forces to be stationed in Gaza as part of the International Stabilization Force? Has any decision been taken regarding their deployment in Gaza? If so, what will be the responsibility of these forces? The disarmament of Hamas, or stabilization of Gaza? I have another question on a report published today by the New York Times where it has been mentioned that Pakistan has signed a $3.25 million contract with a top US lobbying firm for lobbying in the US, what is your view on this?
Spokesperson: First of all, the visit of King of The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, is taking place in the bilateral context. Naturally, Pakistan and Jordan cooperate in a wide area of multilateral issues, including Palestine. So, I am sure that Palestine will feature in the discussions between His Majesty and our leadership during the visit.
On the International Stabilization Force, no decision has been taken as yet on Pakistan's participation. The exact role or mandate of the International Stabilization Force itself is under discussion at the UN Security Council. I do not think a decision has been taken by the Security Council yet. So, this is an evolving process.
We are engaged with it in a sense that Pakistan is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, and is undertaking these negotiations as Security Council member. So, we await the Security Council's decision.
And as indicated earlier Pakistan's participation in the stabilization force will be decision taken at the highest level, including through participation of the Parliament.
Regarding your question on the contract signed between Pakistan and this lobbying firm, I am not aware of it. We have noted your question and will check from our concerned liaison.
(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Three questions. Firstly, with regards to the ongoing Sri Lankan cricket team's visit, we saw that a lot of dark shadows were casted on it, particularly in the context of the recent bombing. So, any words of reassurances that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would have to offer to the Sri Lankan cricket team and the people, particularly pertaining to their security.
Number two is with regards to the next steps of the neutral experts meeting (IWT), because India has walked out saying that it is holding the treaty in abeyance, and therefore it would not want to be a party to the neutral experts. So, what is Pakistan's take on the matter?
And number three, the Indian External Affairs Ministry, on Tuesday issued a statement which was quite critical of Pakistan's internal affairs and maintained some delusions on their part. I mean, it does not even bother a fact that it should be mentioned and repeated. How would Pakistan want to react for India trying to meddling into Pakistan's internal affairs?
Spokesperson: First of all, on the Sri Lankan cricket team, they are our valued guests, and indeed, especially for me, coming from the city of Rawalpindi, I see big banners of how the city is welcoming the Sri Lankan cricket team. So, I, as in my personal capacity, join this welcome that my city is offering. More than that, what the Interior Minister, who is also the chairman of the PCB, has said, MOFA fully echoes and endorses those comments. And we hope that we will see very good cricket in coming weeks.
On the neutral expert on IWT, this meeting is going to take place in Vienna. Pakistan is participating and is following it, and while India has decided to halt its participation. You may recall that this neutral expert's proceeding was initiated at India's request. So now, if India is backtracking on its initiated process, that leaves quite a bit of room for negative commentary on India's attitude. As regards holding Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, there is no provision in the treaty that it could be held in abeyance. So, India's position is not just illegal but also untenable.
Finally, you asked about the statement by Indian MEA. Well, we categorically reject this baseless, misleading and highly irresponsible statement by the spokesperson of Indian Ministry of External Affairs. India is clearly habitual of such diversionary tactics aimed at concealing the subversive activities within the region and beyond. India's track record of sponsoring terrorism and violence in Pakistan is well documented and internationally recognized, from orchestrated attacks on civilian infrastructures, including school buses, passenger trains and other public spaces, to sabotage and operations, hosting of terrorists from across the regions. India very maliciously, has been exposed. The case of India's intelligence operative serving commander Kulbhushan Yadav, apprehended in Pakistan and found guilty of espionage and terrorism, remains an undeniable proof of India's destabilizing designs. So, India must reflect on its own actions inspired by the violent Hindutva ideology that has come to dominate India's domestic and foreign policy. This extremist mindset funds regional instability, promotes hatred and undermines peace across South Asia, so no amount of propaganda or diversions as done by the Indian spokesperson is going to mask India's own bleak track record. And we will continue to expose these activities and stand resolutely against any attempts by India to destabilize the region.
(Tahir Khan, NNI): Sir, what is the current standing of the Pak-Afghan relations? Are they severed off or is there still an option I mean, is there a diplomatic contact at some level?
Secondly, third round of talks was unsuccessful in Istanbul. When will fourth round of talks start and what are the expectations? Turkish President announced that he will send a high-level delegation comprising of defense and minister and intelligence chief. What is the status of that delegation?
Spokesperson: I will be very careful in picking up an adjective to describe the relation between Pakistan and Afghanistan right now. 'Stalemated', you can say. Obviously, there is a 'deadlock' in the negotiations and 'impasse'. You can use these words. Pakistan remains committed to resolving bilateral differences including through dialogue. And as I said in my opening statement that our core concern on terrorism has to be addressed. And since that core concern is not being addressed, and since our innocent civilians, our members of the security forces are being killed, unfortunately, by Afghan nationals, as is evident in this Islamabad attack. So, given this situation, what option do we have? We cannot be oblivious to the loss of lives of Pakistanis at the hands of these Afghan nationals, and indeed their TTP and Fitnah-Al-Khawaraj elements.
Regarding the visit of the Turkish delegation, I am sorry, I have been asked this question informally as well during the course of the week, and let me tell you that the matter was discussed between President Erdogan and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Baku. And after the meeting, President Erdogan announced to send a high-level delegation to Pakistan, in the context of the mediation process. We deeply appreciate the sincere effort of the brotherly people of Türkiye. Further details of the visits are being worked out, and I can only share you these details as and when are available to me.
(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Tehran Times reported today that the Iranian Foreign Minister, Sayyed Abbas Araghchi spoke to his Russian counterpart yesterday, and they inter-alia discussed something about Pakistan and Afghanistan that how to get it resolved. So, my question is whether Russians have approached Pakistan because Iranian Foreign Minister also spoke to DPM Sb here last week maybe. Whether Russia is also taking interest and has there been any contact from Russia regarding resolution of this core issue that Pakistan is highlighting since long that terror should be stopped and it should not be exported to Pakistan from Afghan soil?
Spokesperson: Iran is a brotherly, friendly country. Pakistan is always in favor of finding peaceful resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy, and we appreciate the offer of mediation of our brotherly country, Iran. We believe that Iran can play an important role. We would not shy away from any mediatory role by Iran. Mediations are always welcome. We have a very strong case. So generally, mediations are resented by a country or a side which is on a weak legal or a political case, Pakistan's case on this issue, on terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, is very strong. So, obviously we will not shy away from mediation. As regards Russia, well Moscow is part of various processes on Afghanistan. So, any role from Russia would also be welcome in a sense that Russia has a positive influence on the region.
(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Tahir Sahab, it was decided in Istanbul talks that whoever violates the ceasefire agreement will be punished. Has this matter been taken up before the mediators?
Secondly, what is the status of ceasefire after Islamabad and Wana terrorist attacks? Is the ceasefire still in effect?
Spokesperson: Regarding ceasefire violation, obviously this, issue has remained on the table. I am not privy to whether this particular issue was discussed in the way that you have raised it, but obviously this issue is there on the table.
On this status ceasefire on the border, we look for the inputs of our commanders and our forces on the border that exist. It is a long border. We keep receiving reports on incidents here and there. So, it is a difficult situation. I am not in a position to say whether the ceasefire is holding or not holding, but it is a difficult situation.
(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): Sir, could you tell us that till what time the Afghans, whom are staying here illegally, would be repatriated to their country? Because there is a growing demand from the public of Pakistan that they should be sent back as soon as possible. And the other question is regarding Sikh pilgrims who were here last month for their sacred places, and next month, another group of Sikh Yatris is coming. I wish you know that, is there any movement? Is there any development on Kartarpur Sahab Corridor?
Spokesperson: On Afghan repatriation, I am not particularly aware of any timeline, but I can tell you that broadly, there are three categories that we talk about. One are the Afghan legal visa holders who are here on either visit, business etc. – obviously they are staying. Then, there are the registered refugees – they also follow due process. The third category or those who are being sent back – they are unregistered, who are obviously illegal. So, I think the process of repatriation with respect to the third category, is taking place that process is taking place in coordinated way – these people are then taken to the border, border crossings are open, and these people are made to cross into Afghanistan. I am not aware of any particular timeline as to when there will be zero illegal Afghan residents in Pakistan.
On Sikh pilgrimage to Kartarpur, as I said, I think in the last briefing also, there is no bar from our side on Kartarpur corridor. Sikhs and pilgrims from other faiths, who are coming from third country other than India, are obviously going to Kartarpur. But if India is not letting its people, its nationals to cross over from its side of the border into Pakistan for pilgrimage to Kartar Saab, this is an Indian decision. From our side the corridor is open.
(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail Islamabad): Sir, Pakistan faced terrorist attacks when Inter-Parliamentary Conference was taking place and Sri Lankan Cricket Team was touring Pakistan. If I go to background, Pentagon in June this year stated that Pakistan is facing increased terrorist attacks from TTP and other terrorist groups. On 12 August 2025, after a high-level meeting with an American delegation in Islamabad, a Joint Statement was released affirming that joint action will be taken against terrorists? What is the update about it?
Spokesperson: On counter-terrorism, one is the efforts on the ground, in which security forces, they are taking action, on particular incidents in former tribal areas in KP, Balochistan, and even in Islamabad. So, these efforts are ongoing. But obviously this terrorist onslaught is emanating from Afghan soil, and this is what our consistent position has been. So, yes, we are fighting this with the great resolve and sacrifices of our security forces, our armed forces, police and other law enforcement agencies. And on the international level, we are working with the interested governments, with the stakeholders, to build our case against cross border terrorism and to feed our narrative into various international platforms where this counter terrorism activities are raised, for example, the UN Security Counter-terrorism committees and other platforms. So, this is an ongoing work.
(Allah Noor Wazir, Mashriq TV): Is Afghan Taliban facilitating Pakistan in counter-terrorism activities against TTP or are they helpless in front of TTP?
Secondly, what are you comments on Afghan Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's remarks that how can they control TTP in Afghanistan?
Thirdly, did Afghanistan ask for PKR 10 billion rupees loan from Pakistan?
Spokesperson: I do not think Afghan Taliban regime can say that they are helpless in front of TTP. This is not something that we can believe in, because, after all, Taliban regime claims to have control over all of its territory. So, the argument that they are helpless against TTP is not tenable.
The statement of the Afghan Foreign Minister, I have commented in detail in opening remarks. There have been numerous statements coming out from Afghanistan, including by the Foreign Minister. So, you will see the response in my statement.
Regarding, 10 billion rupees loan, I am not aware of it. I will have to check. I will have to see that interview.
On resettlement of TTP, if there is any refugee in Afghanistan from Pakistan; this is what I said in the statement. The way to deal with any Pakistani refugee is that you bring them to the border. We will receive them with open arms. They are from us, if they are from Pakistan. And they have to come at the border crossing in Chamman and Torkham. This is clear. We cannot have a situation where a bunch of fighters are hurled into Pakistan, equipped with latest weapons and then claimed that these were Pakistanis. It Afghan regime claims that they are helpless or they cannot take action against TTP, then what about their own nationals – like this one who did the suicide bombing in Islamabad this week. What about their Afghan masterminds and handlers. So, Afghan Taliban regime cannot absolve itself of the responsibility of terrorism inside Pakistan emanating from Afghan soil, both by Afghan nationals and by TTP. We are very clear on that.
(Muhammad Anwar Abbas, 24 News): Sir, I want to ask two questions. Firstly, a woman named Afira Bibi has been arrested in recent Indian terrorist attack. She is allegedly being linked to Omar who was the suicide bomber involved in the Delhi attack and he is being linked to Pakistan. What are your comments on this? Did India provide any evidence through its High Commission?
Secondly, three Pakistan delegations visited Israel involving renowned anchor Ahmed Quraishi, Zafar Kalasara and others. If our passport does not allow visiting Israel, what actions were taken against those who visited Israel without consent of the authorities?
(Syeda Qurat ul Ain, Independent Urdu): Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously said that they would check this very case, this very visit of the journalists that happened this year, and it said that they would get back to us.
Spokesperson: This Afira Bibi and Omar, as I mentioned, this is a very familiar Indian playbook. We do not know who these people are. Generally, it is very convenient to flash Muslim names on Indian media screens whenever an untoward incidents taken place there. So, I am not able to comment, and I do not think that India has shared any details with us.
As regards the previous visits of Pakistan nationals to Israel, I can tell you with a certain assurance that they were not authorized or under information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If these individuals have violated any passport regulations pertaining to travel to a country disallowed on Pakistan passport, our authorities ought to look into it. I have no information, and I can tell you that these visits or these interactions with Israel are not authorized.
Thank you.
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