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Transcript of the Weekly Media Briefing by the Spokesperson Thursday, 16 January 2025

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

I welcome you all at the weekly press briefing.

The Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training hosted the International Conference on "Girls' Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities," from 11th -12th January 2025 in Islamabad.

The global summit was attended by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif; Secretary General OIC Hissein Brahim Taha; Muslim World League Secretary General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, besides high-level officials, ministers and dignitaries from a number of other Islamic countries.

While addressing the meeting of the visiting ministers and authorities of education from various Muslim countries, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of female education as emphasized upon by the Islamic teachings and the instructions of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). He highlighted a number of reforms undertaken by the government in the education sector.

Islamabad Declaration, adopted by the Conference, comprises of several commitments agreed upon by the participating countries. It emphasizes the empowerment of women in education across all levels.

The Declaration underscored girls' education as a fundamental right protected by divine laws, Islamic teachings, and international charters and further emphasized aligning education with Islamic principles, national priorities, and global advancements, aiming to empower women and foster stable and peaceful communities.

On the sidelines of the Conference, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with Mr Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar also held a meeting with the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha.

The Fourth Round of Pakistan-China Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) and the Fifth meeting of the CPEC Joint Working Group on International Cooperation and Coordination (JWG-ICC) was held on 10th January 2025 in Beijing. Foreign Secretary Ms. Amna Baloch led the Pakistan delegation, while Vice Foreign Minister Mr. Sun Weidong led the Chinese side.

The two sides noted with satisfaction the positive trajectory of Pakistan-China relations and reaffirmed the commitment to further deepen the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. They reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation and agreed to further strengthen the mutual partnerships in developing CPEC. The two sides underscored the need to reinforce their mutual coordination at the multilateral forums, including at the United Nations Security Council and exchanged views on a range of regional and international issues.

Pakistan welcomes the Gaza ceasefire reached on 15 January 2025 and calls for its immediate and full implementation. It is hoped that the truce would lead to permanent ceasefire and help in scaling up humanitarian assistance.

Indiscriminate use of force by Israeli occupation forces has caused unprecedented loss of lives and property and displacements of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilian Palestinians. Israel's expansionist designs have destabilized the entire region.

Pakistan reiterates its support for a just, comprehensive, and durable solution to the Palestinian issue, leading to the establishment of a sovereign State of Palestine based on the pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Pakistan-UK friendship is characterized by warmth, cordiality, robust cooperation and trust.

As such, we note with deep concern the increasingly racist and Islamophobic political and media commentary in the UK that is aimed to conflating the reprehensible actions of a few individuals with the entire 1.7 million British Pakistani diaspora.

Pakistan strongly rejects the baseless accusations and unfounded assertions made by India's Defence Minister and Chief of Army Staff on 13 and 14 January 2025.

Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized disputed territory, whose final status is to be determined in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. In this context, India has no legal or moral grounds to assert fictitious claims over the territories of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

I thank you!
* 
1. (Mateen Haider, G News): Sir, the latest development is Gaza ceasefire. Although a short statement was issued this morning and you also repeated that statement. In the statement, it is said that Pakistan hopes that it will lead to permanent ceasefire and that it should be implemented. So, what do you think is the mechanism for implementation of the deal? And do you think that in the days to come, this ceasefire will be implemented in letter and spirit and will ensure that there is no further bombardment on the Gaza Valley?

Spokesperson: At this point in time, we can hope for the best. We have seen the news of the two sides reaching a ceasefire, a truce, through the mediation and efforts of a number of countries involved. We take this development positively and as I noted and we hope that this would lead to a permanent ceasefire, which could alleviate the unprecedented sufferings which have befallen the people of Palestine and Gaza. At this point this is what I can say. So let it play out and we will be able to see how it evolves in the coming days.

2. (Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Sir there is an ongoing backdoor diplomacy between Pakistan and Tajikistan, from the military side, especially with regards to destabilising Afghan government. Secondly, what is the position of Wakhan? There is trolling on the media that Pakistan has occupied Wakhan. Is there any truth to this?

Spokesperson: Tajikistan is a very close friend and partner of Pakistan. We have long standing relations with Tajikistan and exchange of visits and consultations across the governments is a normal feature of this relation. And any speculation regarding Pakistan and Tajikistan working to destabilize or something I would reject. And our relationship, like with all friendly countries is based on the principles of UN Charter.

Regarding the second part i.e. Wakhan corridor, what I can say is that I have seen this endless speculation. Wakhan is a part of Afghan territory. Afghanistan is a neighbor of Pakistan. We recognize its sovereignty and territorial integrity. There is no question of Pakistan having designs on one of its neighbors, the question doesn't arise. So I would deem this assertion too speculative and totally erroneous.

3. (Saqib Ali, Daily Kashmir Times): Sir as Pakistan is hosting the Champion's trophy, the UAE visas are banned for Pakistani people. If the visas are not resumed, how will thousands of spectators go to the UAE? Are there any updates regarding resumption of visas?

Spokesperson: This, I'll have to check and I'll get back to you.

4. (Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Sir, a Congressman has moved a bill in the US Congress to revoke Pakistan's major non-NATO ally status. Donald Trump is taking oath on 20th and John Kirby yesterday clarified that Pakistan is a partner, not an ally. And on the other side, Pakistan's Ambassador in the US, Rizwan Sheikh, has started searching for or hiring lobbyist, but for what purpose? I want to know from you.

Spokesperson: I'll answer the last part first. I don't have the specifics right now, but I can just make a broad point about it. About hiring of lobbyists: it's a normal practice in the US. There is nothing unusual about it. It's a common practice. Most countries hire lobbyists. This is a routine activity.

Your second question was about Donald Trump inauguration. What I can say at this point is that it is a fact that Pakistan is not part of any treaty alliance with the United States. It is also a fact that Pakistan has been designated a major non-NATO ally since 2004. But it is also a fact that Pakistan's contribution to maintaining peace and security in the region and the fight against terrorism is far too great to be encapsulated in technical and legal labels. That's what all I can say.

5.(Azaz Syed, Geo News):First of all, congratulations for first ever press briefing to the media guys. My question is related to Afghanistan, we have seen that after the recent strikes there was no engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan. We also hosted Education Conference as you have mentioned in the start of your briefing, and we saw that there was no presence from the Afghan side. I want to know what is the level of engagement with Afghanistan, particularly after the strikes or after the bitter exchange of statements from both the sides.

Spokesperson: Afghanistan is a neighbor of Pakistan. We have long standing relations. It's an important neighbor. And both countries understand the importance of this equation and importance of good relations between two neighbors. And we wish Afghanistan the best, and we want to nurture and develop strong, vibrant relations, the way it should be between two neighbors. One of the key problems right now is the sanctuaries which the terrorist group TTP enjoys on the Afghan soil. The two sides are in contact on this situation. About the specifics of the diplomatic contacts, Embassies in the two countries are working. We have a Charge d' Affaires in Kabul and an Afghan senior diplomat is also heading their Embassy here. Diplomatic contacts are ongoing and like between neighboring countries, there are multi layered engagements which are ongoing, often not reported in the media. But this remains an important relationship, and we are continuing to work to improve and solidify and stabilize this vital relationship.

6. (Tahir Khan, NNI News Agency): My question is, is there any follow up of Mr. Muhammad Sadiq's visit to Afghanistan? Because I have heard there was some understanding on certain issues, like the visit of political leaders and officials; some movement regarding trade and transit trade. So, is there any follow up after that meeting? Because when Ambassador Sadiq was there, there were some strikes, and maybe some people would be surprised that when there was strike in March last year, the Foreign Office was very quick to admit and issue a very long statement about the strikes. But this type of things are very quiet, so if you can please clarify what is the logic?

Spokesperson: Ambassador Sadiq is our Special Representative, a very distinguished senior diplomat and also Special Assistant to the Prime Minister.
At the cost of sounding repetitive, these are multi layered contacts. I do not need to go into detail, but what I can tell you is that the diplomatic contacts between the two sides are ongoing.

About the second part of your question, I'll repeat what my predecessor earlier mentioned, that Pakistan, its armed forces and security agencies continue to work on bordering Pakistan-Afghan territory to thwart any security threats to the territory of Pakistan. That's what all I can say at this point in time.

7. (Adeel Bashir, Roze News): Yes, political and diplomatic engagements on western side is very important for Pakistan, but we have seen that few days ago, Foreign Secretary of India met with Afghan Foreign Minister. How do you see this development, would be best in developing Afghanistan?

Spokesperson: Afghanistan is a sovereign country. We have never aspired nor we have tried nor do we intend to aspire to have a veto on what kind of relations it wants to have with other countries. It is their sovereign right, the kind of relationship it wants to develop with other countries. And as I have mentioned earlier, Afghanistan is an important neighbor of Pakistan. We have long historical relations, we would continue to work to bring the relationship to its full potential the way it should be between the two neighbours. Terrorism sanctuaries enjoyed by the terrorists remains one key problem between the two countries. We will continue to engage with Afghan authorities that they have to address this genuine concern from Pakistan.

8. (Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Thank you so much for a couple of questions. I'm just sticking to three right now.

Firstly, since you mentioned about the Gaza ceasefire, in the agreement there is a clause with regards to the reapplication of humanitarian aid. As of 30th October 2024, Pakistan has sent 11 aid consignments. Will Pakistan be partnering up with Qatar to send more aid to Gaza now that the ceasefire comes into place from the 19th January 2025?
Secondly, with regards to Bangladesh, the Foreign Minister two weeks ago, when he was gracefully making the announcement of you being the new spokesperson, had said that he is due to visit Bangladesh after his Malaysia visit. A recent Bangladeshi military delegation is also in town. It's the second in history that a bilateral visit is taking place. Can you shed more light on that?

Thirdly, regarding yesterday's comments by the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that the relationship between Pakistan and Russia is currently at the best of the trajectories, and it is improving by the hour, since you've been the ambassador there very recently as well, can you shed more light on this relation?

Spokesperson: As you have mentioned, 11 consignments of aid were sent by Pakistan. I do not have the specifics about the future plan, but the Middle East division is working on it. As the humanitarian convoys will hopefully be able to enter Gaza, the Government of Pakistan will work to send more assistance to our brothers and sisters in Gaza.

Bangladesh's military delegations' visit is an important visit and Bangladesh, as you are aware, is a very important country for us, and we aspire to have very strong, vibrant, good relations. And the exchange of military delegations and defence cooperation is part of the overall regular exchanges between two states. For specifics in this regard, I would request you to refer to ISPR. About the Foreign Minister's visit, the two sides are engaged on working out mutually convenient dates. The two sides are in touch.

We have seen the statement by the Foreign Minister of Russia delivered in a press conference, and we welcome it. As you are aware, Russia remains a very important country for Pakistan for a range of reasons. And the two countries have really worked hard to put the relationship on a solid and stable foundation, the relations are improving and last year you saw important visits. First was by the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia who visited Islamabad, then the Prime Minister of Russia attended the SCO Heads of Government meeting and had very extensive bilateral engagement with the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. We also had Pakistan-Russia, Intergovernmental Commission in Russia. The two sides are working closely on a broad agenda to further cement and promote this vital relationship, which we believe, not only serves the national interest of the two countries but also contribute to regional stability.

9. (Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Sir, we condemned Israel upon occupying territories in Syria in previous two briefings as well. Do we also condemn Türkiye, as it has also occupied some territories of Syria with oppression and without consent?

Spokesperson: You know, Pakistan has consistently supported efforts aimed at finding a comprehensive solution to the Syrian crisis, one that upholds Syria's unity. Pakistan supports all efforts which meets the aspirations of the Syrian people for security, stability and development.

10. (Raziq Bhatti, Daily Kashmir Express): Sir, India has claimed and made an allegation that the Hurriyat leaders who are working in Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir (IIOJK) for the movement of independence of IIOJK are Pakistanis and we do not tolerate Pakistan's interference. 10 lacs of military personnel have taken the control already. Your comments on this.

Spokesperson: You can see, the fictions Indians try to create. We completely reject that. Essentially when your position lacks legitimacy, these kinds of contortions become necessary. And Kashmir remains a disputed territory, and it remains on the agenda of the UN Security Council. It has to be settled in line with the resolutions of United Nations and in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, that's what I can say.

11. (Aamir Saeed Abbasi, Nuqta News): New American President Donald Trump is going to take oath on 20th January 2025. Any Pakistani official has been invited on his oath taking ceremony? And there are media reports that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is going to join? Is he going to join in his official or private capacity?

12.(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV):Sir, please confirm that if any Pakistani official has been invited or not? Secondly, they have sent the invitation to India, what is your response on this, if they have not sent invitation to Pakistan?

Spokesperson: Our Ambassador is going to represent, as in the past, the Government of Pakistan at the inauguration of the new President. Secondly, we have seen media reports of former Foreign Minister and Member National Assembly, Mr. Bilawal Bhutto, receiving an invitation. This invitation has not been routed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so his spokesman will be in a better position to comment on that. About who has been invited or who has not been invited, we are not in a position to comment on that. As in the past, our Ambassador will be there representing the Government of Pakistan.

13. (Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Excellency, enlightening to listen to your first press briefing sir. I have a couple of questions.

Number one, you must have seen the statement by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs regarding alleged strikes by Pakistan inside Afghanistan and if I quote the statement, it says that "it's an old practice of Pakistan to blame its neighbors for its own internal failures". How do you respond to this Indian contention?

Secondly, obviously our Ambassador will be representing Pakistan but since when you speak next week, by then, the US President Donald Trump would have been inaugurated. So, what is the precise policy perspective of Pakistan vis-a-vis the United States of America?

Thirdly, with regards to Afghanistan, Lisa Curtis was seen meeting with the Special Representative and SAPM Mohammed Sadiq Khan, are Americans carrying some proposals as Lisa Curtis was one of the co-authors of South Asia strategy of President Donald Trump during his first tenure?

Spokesperson: Regarding the first question, we have seen the statement by the spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on 6th January 2025. For a country that has been called out globally for running a criminal syndicate targeting nationals of other countries, where arrest warrants have been issued against government officials for their involvement in killing civilians, and has orchestrated acts of terrorism in Pakistan, resulting in the loss of precious lives, including women and children. It is beyond belief, beyond duplicitous for India to make such claims. No low, however, is too low for India. Instead of pointing fingers at others, India must put an end to state sponsored terrorism aimed at destabilizing its neighbors and international community at large, and refrain from its destructive policies threatening regional peace and security.

Secondly, on Pakistan-US relations and the new President, what I can tell you is that American people have spoken. A new President has been elected who is soon going to take oath. Pakistan-US relations have a very long history, and the relations remain rich and dense. We would continue to work with the new administration to further solidify and strengthen this vital relationship.

Finally, regarding Lisa Curtis visit, I will have to check on specifics, but what I can say is, again, that these are a part of a routine visits by scholars, think tanks, and experts and this is a constant exchange which is ongoing, but I'll just check if we have any specifics to share with you and I'll get back to you.

14. (Zeeshan Syed, Neo TV): Sir, she is called the daughter of Pakistan, this is the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, it's being heard in the Islamabad High Court. A letter was sent to the Biden Administration from the Prime Minister of Pakistan and its reply is still awaited. Is there any progress from the Foreign Office or the Ambassador of Pakistan or has it been asked that why we still have not got any response?

15. (Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Sir, Ms. Fouzia Siddiqui couldn't meet our Ambassador as she told the Islamabad High Court. Why this meeting could not be held and is there any chance of such meeting in the future?

16. (Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Sir, during the hearing of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's case, it was conveyed by the Foreign Office that the Foreign Secretary was in China when she was in Islamabad, and she held meetings on which the statement was issued as well. Your comments.

Spokesperson: There has been no decision on the mercy petition of Doctor Aafia Siddiqui till yet. As you would know, the Prime Minister of Pakistan has written to the US President for favorable consideration of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's mercy petition on humanitarian grounds. The Government of Pakistan also sent a delegation to the US to garner support in this regard and the Government of Pakistan continues to provide all support and assistance to Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, as well as to her sister and pro bono lawyer, including during their recent visits to the United States.

Secondly, regarding High Court, the Foreign Secretary's calendar is public. On 10th she was in Beijing. But in any case, you rest assured, this is something you know that we will handle legal matters professionally and as per the law.

17. (Saima Shabbir, Arab News): My question is regarding the Saudi Arabia's mining Minister, he said that during this ongoing future Minerals Forum at Riyadh, the mining company Manara minerals is looking for investing in Pakistan's Reko Diq mine, saying that Saudi development fund could contribute over 100 million dollars to Pakistan's mining infrastructure. How Foreign Office of Pakistan sees this development? Moreover, if you can kindly tell me that is there any kind of information with Foreign Office that how this investment is going to be materialized?

Spokesperson: Frankly, I don't have specifics response to this question. I'll check and get back to you on the Reko Diq, because there's a very technical, specific question I want to be absolutely accurate on that before I get back.

18. (Mateen Haider, G News): Sir, if you have available data, how many illegal Afghans have been deported from Pakistan, number one, and it has been a major issue. There have been 1000s of Afghans who were waiting for repatriation to other countries. So would you like to give some data that what is the number of those Afghans who have been repatriated to different countries, including Europe, United Kingdom, US and other countries.

And second, there have been reports that Saudi Crown Prince is expected to visit Pakistan next month. Any official information on diplomatic channels? Any such preparations are in progress?

Spokesperson: About the first question, I will have to check the exact numbers and get back to you. Our policy about the repatriation process is very clear, and it is for anyone without any proof of residence, any documents, and this is not just about Afghans, but it's about any illegal foreigner who is living in Pakistan. That is what any state would be doing. But the numbers I can check and get back to you.

About the visits, I do not have any information. And in any case, the dates are formally announced once the two sides have agreed for a VVIP visit. So, for that, we will have to wait whenever there is a decision. This is a very important and very healthy relationship, the exchange of visits between the two sides keeps taking place, but I don't have any comments to offer on this particular question at this point in time.

19. (Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Sir, Indian Prime Minister has inaugurated a tunnel in a disputed area of Laddakh. What is Pakistan's stance on it? Secondly, regarding the recent statements of Indian Army Chief and their Defence Minister, what is the importance of their statements in the light of the resolutions regarding occupied Kashmir which are already in the United Nations Security Council.

Spokesperson: On the second part of your question, I want to bring your attention to the press statement already released by the Foreign Office which explains our position. On your first question, I'll repeat our same historic and legal position, that this is a disputed territory and the dispute should be resolved as per the resolutions of the United Nations and the will of Kashmiri people.

20. (Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Sir, last week Afghan Charge d' Affaires in Pakistan expressed concern for the rest of 800 Afghan nationals who have PORs or Afghan citizen card. They were residing in Pakistan legally but they were arrested.

Spokesperson: What I can tell you is about the broad policy, we haven't seen any Afghans, who are legal and have POR cards, being arrested. Our policy, again, to restate, it is not just about Afghans, any foreigner living in Pakistan illegally, our law would apply to that.

21. (Almas Haider Naqvi, Daily Dunya): Shafqat Sahab, first of all, welcome to the first briefing. My question is about the reports that Iran and Russia are going to sign a strategic agreement tomorrow. So, since such agreement contains some elements of defense and security clauses as well, how Pakistan sees this development?

Spokesperson: You know, as a policy, we do not comment on relations between two sovereign countries. This is what I can say on this. Thank you.

22. (Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Shafqat Sahab, Prime Minister held a meeting on human smuggling yesterday in which he instructed Foreign Office to take necessary measures for the release of Pakistani nationals in foreign jails. Thousands of Pakistanis are in jail in Saudi Arabia, UAE and Europe. What actions have been taken by our Pakistani Missions for their release?

Spokesperson: Our Missions abroad are active on this matter and every mission has complete data. One complexity does arise when dealing with this situation and it is that if a Pakistani citizen is jailed for an alleged crime then we are reliant on that state for provision of data under international conventions. We track the reports and we are in contact with our national and we try to facilitate them as much as we can. It is a continuous process in which our territorial divisions, our Missions abroad and Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis are involved. Prime Minister and Government of Pakistan are trying to tackle this issue on priority basis. I can say with confidence that it is an important priority for our Ministry and I will reiterate that complete data is compiled and everyone is contacted and our Missions abroad strive to the utmost to facilitate overseas Pakistanis in this regard.

23. (Mudasser Iqbal, The Destination): Shafqat Sahab, first of all, welcome. We have very good relations with the UAE but for few months, we are facing visa issues. Business visas are not getting approved. They have decreased the demand of Pakistani labor. Pakistanis in UAE are upset. Similarly, there are long ques outside our Embassies in Islamabad and mafias are actively stealing people in the name of dates. What and how Foreign Office is addressing the issue of appointment dates and visas? If you will, comment.

Spokesperson: The question regarding UAE, what I can tell you is UAE is a very close friend of Pakistan. We have decades old relationship. Discussions are ongoing and there is no restriction on Pakistanis. Pakistanis are arriving and departing from UAE. I will inform you further when I have complete details. Secondly, what you mentioned about the agents. It is a problem and the Government is seized of the matter. The role of the Foreign Office in this regard is limited within the country. The information that we receive is shared with Ministry of Interior and FIA who are active on this matter as well but it is a problem linked to human smuggling. Prime Minister has taken serious notice of the issue. I reiterate that Ministry of Interior and FIA are active on this issue and for further information, the Ministry of Interior and FIA are the focal points.

24. (Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Thank you. Terrorist activities have increased in KPK and Balochistan and the way weapons bearing people are moving in the streets, does Pakistan think Afghanistan is responsible for it and my second question is does Pakistan has reservations for TTP safe havens in Afghanistan only or does Pakistan has reservations for other terrorist groups that are in Afghanistan? Thirdly, how the border fence has benefitted Pakistan and lastly, it is reported that people belonging to North Waziristan, who moved to Afghanistan during Operation Zarb-e-Azab, were targeted in the airstrikes conducted in Afghanistan. Can you confirm the veracity of these reports and does Pakistan has any plan to rehabilitate these people who were displaced due to Operation Zarb e Azab?

25. (Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Shafqat Ali Khan Sahab, did America put forward any demand or contacted Pakistan that it is interested to take military action against certain terror groups in Afghanistan? Thank You.

Spokesperson: These are very speculative questions and I don't have anything to say on this. On the first part of the question, terrorism is a complex problem. Pakistan has suffered for decades, but at the same time, the nation and the people and the state remains resolute in defeating this problem, and we will continue to work for the elimination of the scourge of terrorism. And the second part about the TTP: TTP is indeed a serious problem. We have seen an uptick in the attacks within the Pakistani territory. And about the fencing of the border, what I can say is no fence is 100% secure. Once you fence the border, it does not mean the whole problem will go away. But fence is one component of a broader strategy.

26. (Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Thank you so much. Sticking to the issue of human smuggling because there are a lot of questions that have been asked. A Pakistani diplomat posted in Berlin has written a letter on the 29th of November 2024 to the Prime Minister, notifying of the Ambassador's misconduct, of holding back a staff member and alleging and notifying, with regards to the German Foreign Office taking up the matter in the alleged case of what is presumed to be a case of human smuggling, given that the officer, the staff in Question has held back and is not returning, and so on so forth. What is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs doing in that particular matter? Thank you.

27.(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Sir, would you mind to confirm that following the letter by the said Officer, Foreign Office, instead of announcing or ordering any investigation into that has called that officer back to Pakistan immediately. Would you mind sharing whether the investigation would take place on the basis of the allegations made by the officer in that letter?

Spokesperson: Yes. Thank you. Frankly, such one-sided allegations are unfortunate. In terms of policy, I can state that we have established channels and procedures to deal with such complaints, and the Ministry's own channels and these procedures are in play. They work efficiently and our Ambassador there is a distinguished diplomat with decades of service, and she continues to work very well there. I won't speculate any further than that.

28. (Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Thank you so much. Earlier, there were some allegations that Pakistani weapons were used in Ukraine. At around two weeks ago, the Russian Ambassador in Islamabad in a briefing while responding to a question, mentioned it on this we are in contact with Pakistan's political and military leadership. So there are any context, any development. And the second question is that the Army Chief, General Asim Munir sat with political leadership and there were discussions regarding security and specifically Afghanistan, future relations with Afghanistan. Were Foreign Office representatives also invited and attended the meeting or not?

Spokesperson: The second part of the question is, there are so many meetings the Foreign Office may not be present in all of them, I don't have any specific information on that. Pakistan is not providing any weapons to Ukraine. This is I can categorically state to you. I haven't seen the Russian Ambassador statement you are referring to, but what I can tell you is that Pakistan and Russia, we have multi-layered cooperation and multi-layered dialogue on the diplomatic track, on the military track. There are a range of issues we keep discussing.

What I mean is we have multi-layered dialogue with Russia. It's on the diplomatic track and the defense track. And there are range of issues. It's a very broad agenda which is expanding because of the growth of relations on both tracks. The dialogue agenda is expanding and it is an ongoing process. But the first question, just to repeat, we are not providing weapons or arms to Ukraine.

29. (Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): People are raising concerns regarding climate change. Today, the most powerful country itself is a victim of it. Especially Pakistan has been victim of climate change on tremendous scale. What is Pakistan's reaction to these developments?

Spokesperson: Climate change is a global issue. It is not concerning only one country, and it is something which concerns the entire future of human civilization. Pakistan as one of the most affected countries by the climate change and remains actively involved in efforts to tackle this enormous challenge. And this burden of climate change, is going to accentuate and worsen in the days to come. Pakistan remains active on the global forums, and the Prime Minister led our delegation to the COP conference in Baku, and we continue to cooperate with the international community. We remain active on the multilateral processes. In the domestic context also it is an important priority of the Government.

30. (Saqib Ali, Daily Kashmir Times): Sir, you just stated that you are trying utmost to facilitate Pakistani citizens jailed in foreign countries. Do you have the data of how many Kashmiri citizens are in Indian jails due to abduction on this side of the border or those who mistakenly crossed LoC and how many of them were given consular access?

Spokesperson: I will provide these specifics after consulting our South Asia Division.

31. (Naveed Ahmed Khan, Daily the Spokesman): Sir, my question is Pakistani Embassy in North Korea is closed for quite a time. What is the reason behind it?

Spokesperson: I will check and get back to you on this question.