Transcript of the Weekly Media Briefing by the Spokesperson on Friday, 21 November 2025
Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Assalam-o-Alaikum,
Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Let me begin with a roundup of this week's activities.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, is currently on an official visit to Brussels from 19-21 November 2025 EU High Representative/Vice President for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas had invited the DPM/FM to co-chair the 7th session of Pakistan-EU Strategic Dialogue.
The Strategic Dialogue is the highest level of institutionalized interaction between the two sides which reviews cooperation between Pakistan and the EU in all sectors under the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan 2019.
During the visit the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister also participated in the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum.
On the sidelines of these events, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister has been holding a number of bilateral meetings and engagements with the senior EU officials, including the President of the EU Council, Antonio Costa; EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner; EU Commissioner for International partnerships Jozef Sikela and key Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).
DPM/FM also visited the NATO headquarters and held a meeting with the NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. During the meeting both sides exchanged views on areas of mutual interest including peace and security, terrorism and regional and global developments.
The DPM held a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of Hungary after which both the countries signed the renewal of an MoU on Cooperation within the Framework of the Stipendium Hungaricum Program 2026-2028. This program will offer 400 scholarships to citizens of Pakistan for pursuing higher students in Hungary.
The DPM also held a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of Denmark Lars Lokke Rasmussen, and Foreign and European Affairs Minister of Slovenia Tanja Fajon. During the meeting with the FM of Slovenia, both sides also signed an MoU for establishing a framework of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Slovenia.
The DPM/FM also held meetings with the Foreign Ministers of Cyprus, Netherlands and Germany. During the meetings with his Dutch and German counterparts the entire spectrum of bilateral relations came under discussion. Both sides also exchanged views on latest global and regional developments.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister's visit to Brussels marks a significant milestone in Pakistan-EU relations. Pakistan remains committed to developing a comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership with the European Union.
Prior to his visit to Brussels, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister undertook a visit to Moscow at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Russia, H.E. Mr. Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin, where he led the Pakistan delegation at the 24th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (SCO-CHG) held from 17-18 November 2025.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister delivered Pakistan's national statements in two sessions of the CHG where he reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the "Shanghai Spirit". He outlined Pakistan's priorities which comprise enhanced cooperation in connectivity, energy, transport linkages, logistics and infrastructure development.
He emphasized the need for greater economic integration through trade, investment and digital advancement.
He encouraged SCO to take steps towards promoting the use of national currencies for mutual settlements, and called for the establishment of an SCO Development Bank, an SCO Development Fund and an Investment Fund.
He also recommended leveraging the potential of the SCO Interbank Consortium to finance development projects in SCO countries.
Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of building human capital and empowering youth by strengthening academic linkages and transforming the SCO University Network into a consortium for applied knowledge.
On regional politics, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister underscored the need to initiate a comprehensive dialogue to address the full spectrum of regional issues. He stressed that stability in Afghanistan remains imperative for peace and stability across the region.
The Moscow SCO-CHG considered and approved around a dozen decisions, documents and statements. Upon the conclusion of the meeting, all SCO leaders adopted a Joint Communiqué outlining the strategic direction of SCO's future work in economic cooperation.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister represented Pakistan in a joint call by the Heads of Government of SCO Member States on President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation
He also engaged with the Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the Russian Prime Minister, Mikhail Mishustin, on the sidelines of the SCO CHG. He held formal meetings with Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Alexei Overchuk; the Foreign Minister of Russia, Sergei Lavrov where bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues featured in extensive discussions.
His other bilateral meetings in Moscow include; the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani; Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Abdulla Aripov; the Prime Minister of Tajikistan, Kokhir Rasulzoda; and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The CHG is the second-highest forum of the SCO, focusing primarily on cooperation among Member States in the socio-economic, trade and financial sectors. Last year, the SCO-CHG was chaired by Pakistan and hosted in Islamabad in October 2024.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister also held two telephone conversations this week.
On 15th November 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister spoke with the Foreign Minister of Egypt, Dr. Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty.
The two leaders also discussed regional developments, including in the Middle East and peace efforts for Gaza. Emphasizing the importance of continued high-level engagement, the Egyptian Foreign Minister expressed his desire to visit Pakistan at an early date. He also conveyed his condolences over the loss of precious lives in the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan.
On the same day, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister also spoke with the Foreign Minister of Oman, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi.
The two sides agreed to reschedule the 8th Joint Ministerial Commission Meeting at the earliest mutually convenient date and discussed forthcoming high-level bilateral engagements.
The DPM/FM conveyed his warm felicitations ahead of the brotherly Sultanate's National Day and lauded the enduring Pakistan-Oman fraternal ties.
The 13th Round of Pakistan-Iran Bilateral Political Consultations was held in Islamabad on 17 November 2025.
Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs, Mr. Majid Takht-Ravanchi led the respective delegations.
Ahead of the BPC, Deputy Minister Takht-Ravanchi paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister. The two leaders discussed preparations for the BPC, key regional and multilateral developments along with ways to further strengthen Pak-Iran bilateral relations.
During the BPC, consultations were focused on the close, brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran. The two also reviewed the status of implementation of decisions of the previous BPC and agreed to enhance and diversify bilateral trade and expand cooperation in energy, transport connectivity, education and people-to-people exchanges.
There was also an exchange of views on important regional and global developments. Both sides underscored the significance of regular convening of various institutional mechanisms, including Joint Economic Commission (JEC) and Joint Trade Committee (JTC), to forge closer cooperation on these issues. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue cooperation at multilateral fora, including the UN, OIC and ECO and strengthen dialogue on global and regional issues of common concern.
It was agreed to hold the next round of Bilateral Political Consultations in Tehran on mutually convenient dates.
The 6th round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Finland was held on 18th November 2025 in Islamabad.
The Pakistan side was led by Additional Secretary Europe Muhammad Khalid Jamali and the Finnish side was led by Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Security Policy Outi Holopainen.
The two sides discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including cooperation in trade, investment, education, science and technology and climate change and held a detailed exchange of views on global and regional issues of mutual interest.
Appreciating the positive momentum in bilateral ties and reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to further strengthen cooperation with Finland, Additional Secretary (Europe) thanked the Finnish side for its support Pakistan's GSP Plus status and invited Finnish companies to participate in the upcoming Pakistan-EU Business Forum scheduled in April 2026.
It was further agreed to hold the next round of consultations in Finland.
The 3rd round of Pakistan-Thailand Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) was also held in Islamabad on 18th November.
The Pakistan side was led by the Additional Foreign Secretary (Asia & Pacific) Mr. Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, while H.E Mrs. Sirilak Niyom, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, led the Thailand side.
The two sides reviewed Pakistan-Thailand bilateral ties and reaffirmed the commitment to further enhance cooperation, inter alia, in the areas of trade and investment, development, education and people to people exchanges and upgrade the enduring partnership.
Both sides agreed to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Thailand and also agreed to convene the next round of Bilateral Political Consultations in Bangkok on mutually agreed dates.
Pakistan strongly condemns these continuing violations by the Israeli occupying forces and extremist settlers against the Palestinian people in the occupied West Bank, including repeated storming of the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and provocations against worshippers. Such actions constitute a blatant violation of the international law and the relevant UN resolutions.
It is imperative that the sanctity of the holy sites must be ensured in accordance with the international law and the historical status quo.
Pakistan calls upon the international community to take urgent and effective measures to ensure protection of the holy sites, prevent further settler violence and incursions, and uphold relevant UN resolutions.
We reiterate its principled position in support of a just, comprehensive and lasting peace based on the Two-State solution, leading to 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.
Pakistan remains gravely concerned about the persistent and serious human rights situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The prevailing policies, marked by widespread detentions, arbitrary arrests, and extensive restrictions on fundamental freedoms, continue to amount to collective punishment of the occupied Kashmiri population. Reports of profiling Kashmiri youth on the basis of their identity and faith further heighten these concerns.
India continues its efforts to alter the demographic character in the occupied territory and to erode the religious, cultural, and social heritage of the Kashmiri people. These measures appear to form part of a deliberate strategy to suppress the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri population. Thousands of Kashmiri youth remain missing, while many genuine political representatives of the Kashmiri people remain in arbitrary detention. Such coercive actions cannot undermine the Kashmiri people's enduring commitment to realizing their internationally recognized right to self-determination.
Pakistan calls upon the international community including the United Nations, the Human Rights Council, and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to take full cognizance of the grave human rights situation in IIOJK. We urge these bodies to encourage India to take immediate remedial measures, ensure accountability for documented violations, and allow credible international human rights organizations to conduct independent and impartial assessments.
A just, peaceful, and lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, remains essential for durable peace and stability in South Asia.
Finally, we received several media queries this week soliciting our comment on the sentence awarded in the trial of Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh:
This is an internal matter of Bangladesh. The people of Bangladesh are fully capable of addressing their issues in accordance with their own democratic and constitutional processes.
I thank you all.
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(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Recently, US President Donald Trump has restated his role in stopping eight international wars. On Pakistan and India, he also stated that India was aiming to wage another war against Pakistan which he prevented. How does Pakistan view this statement by President Trump? Secondly, continued violations of the Gaza ceasefire agreement by Israel are being witnessed, are these violations indicative of a failure of President Trump's Peace Plan on Gaza? Thirdly, it is being said that those Pakistanis that hold dual nationalities, their dual nationalities are being eliminated, I would like your comment on this.
Spokesperson: Pakistan appreciates the role played by the US in easing tensions between Pakistan and India. We also acknowledge USA's positive role in the Middle East, in Israel and Palestine, particularly with reference to the cessation of violence perpetrated by Israel and Israel's plan about the West Bank and on the peace process in Gaza. These are challenges to peace process in Palestine. On the issue of dual nationalities, I would refer you to the Ministry of Interior. I am not aware of any decision taken in this regard.
(Tahir Khan, NNI): The border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan are closed. You stated previously that the reopening of the borders and the resumption of trade with Afghanistan will be contingent upon assessment of the on-ground situation. While that remains to be seen, what would become of the three projects that Pakistan shares with Afghanistan and other regional countries, i.e.: TAPI, CASA1000, and UAP? My other question is on the five-day visit of the Afghan Minister for Trade to India. Should we view this visit with concern, especially when it takes place almost immediately after Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi's visit to India last month?
Spokesperson: On the broader issue of trade, our policy remains the same that I outlined last week. We have closed the border crossings and suspended all trade with Afghanistan due to the support being extended to Fitna Al Khwarij and Fitna Al Hindustan terrorist elements by the Afghan Taliban Regime. The onus of delay in the reopening of the border crossings rests with the Afghan Taliban Regime.
Similarly, the projects that you mentioned - TAPI, CASA1000 and of course, the very projects initiated in the follow up of sincere efforts by our Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister during his two visits to Afghanistan - success of all these projects is also incumbent upon the Afghan Taliban Regime to halt its support and abetment to terrorist outfits operating from the Afghan soil.
This is an important denominator of our trade and economic engagement with Afghanistan that the support for FAK, FAH and their affiliated terrorist organizations by the Afghan Taliban regime, should stop. The Afghan Taliban Regime should also stop Afghan nationals from carrying out terrorist attacks inside Pakistan.
On the visit of the Afghan Trade Minister to India - these are developments between the two sovereign countries. Pakistan remains committed to trade connectivity and the improvement of trade ties in the region. Our relations with Afghanistan are based on its own merit and consideration and not on third-party involvement.
(Sardar Shaukat Mehmood, Islamabad Today): My question is regarding problems Pakistani nationals and students face while applying for visa in the UK and the US where it has been seen that if any student/individual is found to have commented on Israeli atrocities in Gaza on social media, their visas have been rejected after digital profiling conducted by embassies. What is Pakistan's policy on this issue? Is the Foreign Office taking any steps with regard to education diplomacy? Is there any reciprocal visa policy being formulated by Pakistan with regard to this development?
Spokesperson: We remain cognizant of the problems faced by our students regarding their visas, particularly for their travel to Western Europe and North America. I can recall that when semesters start in these universities in the period between July and September, we usually take up these matters with relevant embassies in Islamabad around that time.
As per the input we receive from these embassies, the delay usually occurs on account of administrative constraints. Sometimes, they say, they receive a lot of applications where the processing of each application takes time. We follow this matter so that students, who secured legitimate admissions at universities abroad, do not miss out on their academic year.
With regard to digital profiling by embassies, again, we take up such matters based on specific cases. If a Pakistani student has been charged for violating certain domestic laws, that is a separate issue.
On Pakistan's visa regime, it remains largely liberal. Most of the time, we offer easy visa access. I do not think that there are any undue or excessive visa restrictions for Pakistan. Hence, there is nothing that would warrant us to undertake any reciprocal measures.
(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): The President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, himself announced that the Turkish Foreign Minister, Defense Minister and Intelligence Chief will be visiting Pakistan for mediation between Pakistan and Afghanistan that has not materialized as of yet. What is cause for this delay? Is it non-cooperation? If so, is it from Pakistan or the Afghan Taliban regime? My other question is on the President of the United States' statement where he stated that he prevented India from attacking Pakistan for the second time. When did the US prevent India from this attack on Pakistan?
(Ghazala Noreen, Suno News): In continuation of Mr. Piracha's question, Iran and Russia have also offered to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan, what is Pakistan's stance on this offer?
(Qurat ul Ain, Independent Urdu): There have been multiple media reports of Russia, Iran and Türkiye playing a mediatory role in backdoor talks aiming for a Pakistan-Afghanistan dialogue. Could you please confirm the veracity of these reports? I have another unrelated question, how does the Foreign Office assess the recent US congressional report on the Pakistan-India conflict? Does Pakistan view any of the observations in the report for carrying probable implications for our bilateral relations or for regional stability as a whole?
Spokesperson: Firstly, on the statement of President Erdoğan and the mediatory role played by the brotherly state of Türkiye, as I stated last week, Pakistan welcomes the statement of the Turkish President. We have, on record, thanked the President and the people of Türkiye for their positive role. We continue to remain engaged with them.
This visit has, not taken place. It is being scheduled. The travel schedules of Ministers take time to firm up.
With regard to non-cooperation as a cause of delay in arrival of Turkish delegation; the delay should not be attributed to any non-cooperation from Pakistan. Whether there is any non-cooperation from the Afghan Taliban regime, I am not aware of it.
Regarding President Trump's statement, I am not aware of the exact statement you have referred to as well as the context of the statement. So, I will not offer any comment.
The larger question on the role of Russia and Iran, well, many states have offered mediation, and we appreciate the support of our friendly and brotherly countries. It is too early to comment on any specifics or other offers of mediation. We will react upon it once we receive it. In fact, last week, Mr. Piracha asked a question about Iran's role, and my reply was that, in principle, we appreciate the offer, but this was in principle so, once we receive any specifics, we would react to it.
On the US Congressional report, the Prime Minister made a comprehensive statement on it yesterday. Therefore, I do not think that in terms of our reaction to this report, I have to add anything further.
But this is a research report. Obviously, the drafters of the report may have taken references from open sources. The final conclusion of the report i.e. Pakistan's overwhelming success in the conflict is reflective of the opinion of the authors of the report. This is quite a telling conclusion of the report, which everyone has taken due note of.
(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): It has been widely reported by the local and international media that President Trump said, in so many words, that Indian Prime Minister Modi assured him that he will not enter into another war with Pakistan. To what extent do you see this assurance from the Indian Prime Minister and the statement made by the US President as credible? My other query is regarding Bangladesh. You stated that it is an internal matter of Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh, at the same time, has requested for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India. I would like your comment on this demand made by Dhaka since it has now become an international subject for discussion.
Spokesperson: With regard to President Trump's statement and the fact that he referred to his conversation with the Indian Prime Minister where the latter assured him that he will not go to war — we take the words of the US President, which is credible.
However, the assurance by the Indian Prime Minister that India will not go to war with Pakistan - we obviously take such assurance with a pinch of salt as it is not backed up by any cooling down of belligerent statements emanating from India.
The Indian leadership, both political as well as military, continue to monger war and issue hostile statements. Therefore, we have no option but to remain vigilant.
About Bangladesh, this is a matter internal to the democratic and constitutional process of Bangladesh, as also I referred to previously in my Opening Statement. I would not offer any further comment on this matter.
(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): You have already addressed the report by the US Congress, however, there are still some aspects of the Pakistan-India conflict on which I would like your comments. It has been reported that China, during the May conflict, shared its intelligence with Pakistan and provided live input as well. Moreover, when we read that report, it seems to give the impression that China was the real winner out of the conflict between Pakistan and India as there has been a surge in the sale of Chinese weapons. How do you view these observations? Thirdly, Pakistan is a member of the SCO and there is another SCO summit being convened where Afghanistan has not been invited despite it being a major transit corridor between South Asia and Central Asia. As member of the SCO, what is your stance on this?
Spokesperson: On the US congressional report, as I have already stated, it is a research report, the drafting of which would have involved reference to open-source reference material, be it Indian sources or otherwise. So, I would not comment on any specifics because then it would lead to my commentary on the references that report has used. Whatever references the authors of the report have used, they are entitled to it.
On the SCO meeting, I think it relates to the membership of Afghanistan in the SCO as well as the recognition of diplomatic status that the SCO countries have for Afghanistan not all recognized Afghans Interim Government. I understand that, the SCO works on consensus. So, lack of consensus may have led to Afghanistan's absence from the forum that you are referring to.
(Allah Noor Wazir, Mashriq TV): Has Pakistan established any contact with the Afghan Taliban Regime regarding the terrorist attacks in Islamabad and Wana? Is the TTP being abetted just by India or is the Afghan Taliban regime complicit as well? My other question is on the statement by the US President on Bagram Airbase. Does Pakistan support it? If the US takes control of the Bagram Airbase, would there be peace in the region, especially in Pakistan? Moreover, what steps are being taken by Pakistan for the return and rescue of Pakistani students who are stranded in Afghanistan due to the recent closure of borders? In addition, India is attributing the Delhi attack with Pakistan. What is your stance on this?
(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): There are reports that the Supreme Leader of Afghanistan, Mullah Haibatullah, became the subject of an assassination plot last week. Do you have any information on this?
Spokesperson: In the context of Pakistan-Afghanistan, we have open embassies. Our ambassador is in Kabul. The Afghan embassy here is also open. So, the channels of communication have not broken down.
The statement by the US President on Bagram, well, this is a matter essentially between Afghanistan and the US. Bagram is in Afghanistan. We recognize Afghanistan's sovereignty over Bagram. I have nothing more to do or say on this matter.
On the Supreme Leader's assassination attempt, I have no information on that.
We did not receive any information on if there is a large number of Pakistani students and businessmen stranded in Afghanistan. Air routes are open.
If there are any cases of those who cannot travel by air and are stranded then our embassy must be cognizant of that. If you have any special information, you can tell me after the briefing. We can then get in touch with our embassy in Kabul and see how we can help.
(Anwer Abbas, 24 News): Sir, President Trump recently stated that India was going to attack Pakistan but he stopped the attack. Don't you think President Donald Trump stopped India from getting humiliated at the hands of Pakistan armed forces again and indirectly supported India?
Secondly, China and Russia opposed Gaza Peace Plan in UN but Pakistan, while supporting the efforts of American President voted in favor of the plan. Is diplomatic distance between Pakistan and China & Russia increasing?
Thirdly, When Mr. Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran will reach?
Spokesperson: I will not comment on President Trump's statement as I am not certain which one are you referring to. We have acknowledged the role of the US in peace and security in South Asia, particularly with reference to May 9th conflict.
On Gaza, Pakistan voted in favor of the resolution at the UN Security Council, whereas Russia and China abstained. Russia and China made statements on why they have abstained on this resolution. Pakistan also made a statement on why we voted in favor of it. You may compare Pakistan and China's statements and note that there is some similarity. China chose to abstain on it; we chose to vote in favor of the resolution. With degree on convergences between Pakistan and China's position. We voted differently, I think is a matter of detail. The fact is that there were convergences between Pakistan and China's position on Palestine, and indeed with the Russian position, particularly with respect to the previous UN resolutions, the UN Charter, right to self-determination, right to statehood and atrocities and violence against Palestinian people.
I have no information on the visit of Mr. Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran. I will inform you if we have any dates of the visit.
(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Israel is constantly violating ceasefire, international laws and agreements in Gaza. Pakistan along with other Muslim countries signed an agreement in Sharm al Sheikh relating to peace keeping force. Does that agreement still exist?
Secondly, did we discuss the matter of peace keeping force with King of Jordan?
Spokesperson: If you look closely at the resolution, it mentions that an International Stabilization Force to be deployed in Gaza. So, the Security Council has pronounced on it. Now in the follow up of the resolution, an International Stabilization Force will be created there.
During the visit of His Majesty, the King of Jordan, last week, Palestine was discussed. Pakistan and Jordan coordinate closely on the issue of Palestine. Even on this UN resolution, Pakistan supported all proposals made by Jordan as part of the Arab group. We closely coordinate at the UN, at the OIC and other relevant forums.
(Aijaz Ahmed, GNN): Last week, an Afghan leader, who is famous by the name of Fa'dai Trainer gave a statement which was reflected in international media as well, that he has prepared 4,000 suicide bombers and will teach Pakistan a lesson. In this context, where are Pakistan and Afghanistan standing? Will Pakistan give them a response for their actions of supporting terrorism in Pakistan?
Secondly, Afghanistan has suspended trade with Pakistan. Who will suffer more economic damage: Pakistan or Afghanistan and what are Pakistan's alternative routes to Central Asia?
Spokesperson: On your first question, this statement only goes on to show what Pakistan has been saying that there are elements in Afghanistan who have issued such horrific statements. Training 4,000 terrorists to do suicide bombing in Pakistan is an admission of the fact that what is happening in Pakistan with respect to the bomb blasts in Islamabad, in Wana. Three, four days back, three to four terrorists were neutralized in Kurram. You must have seen the press release of the ISPR. So, this goes on to reinforce Pakistan's position that Afghan soil is being used to launch terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, either through Fitnah Al Khawaraj, Fitnah al Hind and their accomplices. So, this individual is one of the accomplices, if not the full participant.
Regarding trade route, we are cognizant of the loss to Pakistani traders who are suffering. But this is an existential threat even for these traders. If you recall, on 10th and 15th November, the trade posts were actually attacked from Afghanistan. So, either we get ourselves killed, or we undertake a very risky trade. What is the choice? I think this is a difficult choice that we have made. But we are sticking on our position because doing trade has become risky. So, with respect to trade, the position remains the same as I outlined last week.
(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Although you closed the window for further comments and questions on Bangladesh. So, my question is again, regarding trade. Pakistan exports to Afghanistan were around $1.4 billion while Afghan is around $900 million. With the passage of time due to Indian diplomacy, dependency on Pakistani goods reduced from 95% to 65%. Pakistan always demanded from India that trade and security should be segregated, but not that choice with Afghanistan. You do think that is the failure of our foreign policy that India is creating space in Afghanistan as Afghanistan is using Bandar Abbas and Chabahar, as well as through airline, they are doing trade. So, you do not think that this is a failure on our side as well, that we are not able to segregate trade with security as we demand it. We always demand from India that trade and security should be segregated. What is your take on this?
(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): In continuation of what Abdullah said. On daily basis, we are losing 3 to 4 million dollars in this trade and Afghanistan is losing 1 to 1.5 million dollars. You stated your stance but the Foreign Ministry has not stated its next course of action. You comment on this, please.
Spokesperson: Abdullah, responding to your question on segregation of trade and security, I think you should view it in a holistic four year continuum, and not in this episode of November. So, what has happened in the four years continuum since the Afghan regime took over in 2021. We tried to remain engaged with them. We incurred loss of life. TTP became active. TTP and Fitnah al Khawaraj and Fitnah Al Hind, they started attacking Pakistan. So, from 2022, 23, 24 and mid of 25, we segregated trade and security. But then there is a threshold of patience. I think that threshold of patience has been crossed. Now we cannot let our people be killed indiscriminately. We cannot let the trade as if to trade is a license to kill Pakistanis from Afghan soil. This is a serious matter. I think before pronouncing a judgment on our segregation of trade and security, you should look at all the efforts that Pakistan made in the last three to four years. Now, there is a threshold that was crossed.
Regarding the figures of trade in US $ that you mentioned, well these are the assessments. But again, what options do we have? Do you think killing of Pakistani civilians, security forces, ordinary traders, is it worth an X amount of US dollars of trade? Can you put a price tag on a human life, a Pakistani life? Consider the people whose father, children, mother have been killed in these terrorist attacks. Can we convince them that look, let this killing continue because we are having an X amount of dollars of trade with Afghanistan. I leave it to your judgment.
(Islam ud din Sajid, Anadolu News Agency): Recently, the Iranian Foreign Minister said that Tehran will host regional meeting of Foreign Ministers in Tehran to ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. So, has Iran contacted Pakistan for any meeting and will Pakistan participate? And secondly, yesterday, the US State Department issued some military equipment for India including anti-tank missiles. So, what is Pakistan's reaction on it.
Spokesperson: As I stated, any role of mediation, in principle, is welcome. But we have not received any invitation for a particular conference in Iran as yet. And we can only comment if we receive an invitation and decide on our participation. In principle, I have said that we welcome these mediatory roles by our friendly countries.
US - India, military cooperation frankly, it is between the two countries. We remain cognizant of the impact of any arms transfer, any weapons system transfer to India as well as its impact on regional security and stability.
(Afzal Reza, IRNA): My question is regarding the Iranian nuclear issue and the recent visit by the Deputy Foreign Minister, Dr Majeed ul Islam to Islamabad. Despite Iran's continued readiness for fair and pressure free negotiation with the US, the IAEA Board of Governors has issued a new resolution against Iran. Today, your counterpart, Mr. Baghei, the Spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, said that the previous agreement, Mr. Ambassador, the Cairo agreement, has been canceled and Iran will respond to the new anti-Iranian resolution in the IAEA. I understand that Pakistan has always been against negative and unconstructive action against Iran related to the nuclear issues, specifically the snapback, the so-called option by the E3. How do you see, Mr. Ambassador all this development, what is Pakistan's position? And my next question, was the Pakistan Afghanistan tension, also discussed during the Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi's visit to Islamabad, thank you.
Spokesperson: On the Iranian nuclear issue, our position is principled and remains steady. We recognize right of nuclear enrichment to the permissible limits, as per their Iran's rights and obligations under international law. We always call for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve issues, with respect to this subject. Pakistan opposed military strikes on Iranian nuclear installations. We also supported the continuation of the JCPOA arrangement that Iran had undertaken with other countries, and to that extent, we were supportive of efforts to extend the mandate of UN Security Council Resolution 2231. If you recall, in September at the UN Security Council, Pakistan voted in favor of the Russian draft resolution, which actually called for extension of resolution 2231—that would have avoided this snapback process as you referred. We also supported the draft resolution presented by the President of the Security Council for the month of September, the Republic of Korea, which again, was basically to extend the mandate of the Security Council resolution 2231. So, our position remains firm.
As regards Iran's interaction with the IAEA and with the US and E3, we call for dialogue, diplomacy, non-confrontational approaches. We remain firmly opposed to the imposition of sanctions and use of force on this matter.
During the Bilateral Political Consultations with Iran this week in Islamabad, yes Afghanistan was discussed. We are appreciative of Iran's role in the region. We believe it is positive. As I said in my earlier questions, we have welcomed, in principle, Iran's any role in helping peace and security in the region. We view Iran's role in Pakistan Afghan relation with the positivity in both substance and in process.
(Mohammad Elakkad, Sputnik News): Regarding the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister/Prime Minister/Senator Ishaq Dar to Russia and his meetings with the Russian leadership, could you please clarify if the request of Pakistan to join BRICS was discussed in these meetings, and what is the latest update in this regard? And additionally, do you believe that the presence of India in this group could be an obstacle to Pakistan's membership?
Spokesperson: I am not aware if BRICS was raised. This was an SCO meeting, and then we had bilateral meetings on the sidelines. I am not aware if the matter was raised on Pakistan's membership or on any point that India may have made on this issue.
(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Pakistan is one of most affected countries from climate change. Our climate minister predicted another intense cloud burst. Sir, what were the outcomes of international conferences on climate change and what positive outcome did the affected countries received from such conferences?
(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): I have a very simple and innocent question that, do you have any deadline in your mind, that when will you permit the pomegranates and tomatoes along with the suicide attacker from Afghanistan?
Spokesperson: Suicide attackers can never be allowed. Trade of tomatoes and pomegranates depend on security threats from Afghanistan.
On climate change, we totally share your concern about the slow process on climate diplomacy. Particularly with respect to the plight of the climate vulnerable countries and communities. This process is slow, but Pakistan remains engaged with it. We remain engaged in our national capacity, trying to push it as quick as possible with other allied groups, for example, G-77 in China.
If you recall, three years, four years ago, we were able to create a climate fund for the reparations of climate damages, for the fund to be spent in climate vulnerable countries. The pace of the follow up process it is not as quick as we would want. But we remain committed to follow it and push it to basically enhance its outcomes particularly for the vulnerable communities and states.
Thank you.
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