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Transcript of the Media Briefing by the Spokesperson Friday, 14 February 2025

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

I welcome you all at the weekly media briefing.

On the invitation of Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif, President of Türkiye, H.E Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Pakistan from 12-13 February 2025. President Erdogan was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers and senior officials, as well as corporate leaders.

President Erdogan also had friendly meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari. Together with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he addressed the Pakistan-Türkiye Business and Investment Forum, bringing together leading investors, companies and business people from both sides.

During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Erdogan
co-chaired the 7th Session of the Pakistan-Türkiye High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC). At the conclusion of the session, a Joint Declaration and a number of important agreements/MoUs were signed. The two leaders also addressed a joint press stakeout. Key points of the joint declaration at the end of the HLSCC included:

Both sides agreed to give further impetus to the existing bilateral cooperation between the two countries in all spheres including, inter alia, defense, trade, investment, banking, finance, education, health, energy, culture, tourism, transport and communication, agriculture, water, science and technology.

Joint Working Group have been renamed as Joint Standing Committees (JSCs). New JSCs, namely "Security, Defence and Intelligence JSC", "Health JSC" and "Science and Technology JSC", have been established under the HLSCC.

Both sides exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

The two sides underscored the need for resolution of all outstanding disputes between Pakistan and India, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people. In this regard, Pakistan expressed its deep appreciation for Türkiye's principled stance on the issue.

The two countries reiterated full and resolute support for the efforts towards the just, lasting, and sustainable settlement of the Cyprus issue. Pakistan reaffirmed its support to the Turkish Cypriots and Türkiye in this regard. Türkiye expresses its deep appreciation for Pakistan's principled stance on the issue.

Both sides reiterated their support for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and they further underscored that Afghanistan should not become a safe haven for terrorist groups. All necessary measures to counter terrorism need to be taken by interim Afghan authorities including against TTP and DAESH, which remain listed under the 1267 UNSC sanctions regime.

The two sides expressed their grave concern at the unprecedented loss of lives and property as well as displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians as a result of indiscriminate use of force by Israel.

At the invitation of Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif went on a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 10-11 February 2025 to participate in the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai.

Prime Minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation including; Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister for Finance, Minister of Information, Minister for Power, Minister for Economic Affairs; and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister.

During his visit, the Prime Minister delivered a keynote address at the WGS 2025, in which he emphasized the need for shared responsibility in the global transition to give a green economy and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to mobilize domestic resources and implement policy reforms.

On the sidelines of the WGS, the Prime Minister met the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Prime Minister of UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake; Prime Minster of Kuwait, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah; Chairwoman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. During these meetings, they discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation and explore opportunities to enhance partnership in areas of mutual interests including trade, investment, infrastructure, energy, etc. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, with a focus on recent developments in the Middle East, particularly the evolving situation in Gaza and emphasized full implementation of ceasefire in Gaza.

PM also held meetings with DP World's Group Chairman & CEO, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem; Managing Director (MD) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF); and US investors' delegation led by Mr. Gentry Beach.

The Prime Minister also visited the "Edge of Government" exhibition during the Summit in Dubai, where he was briefed on innovative governance solutions from around the world.

Pakistan strongly condemned in unequivocal terms the recent statement by Israeli Prime Minister suggesting that the Palestinian people should establish a state in Saudi Arabia.

The remarks by Israel are irresponsible, provocative and thoughtless, and are offending, undermining and disregarding the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and an independent state on their own historical and legitimate territory.

Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and any attempt to undermine Saudi Arabia's unwavering position and misrepresentation of its commitment to the Palestinian cause is deeply regrettable.
We consider the Pakistan-specific reference in the 'India-U.S. Joint Statement of 13 February 2025 as one-sided, misleading and contrary to diplomatic norms.
We are surprised that the reference has been added to the Joint Statement notwithstanding Pakistan's counterterrorism cooperation with the United States.
Such references cannot cover up India's sponsorship of terrorism, subversion and extrajudicial assassinations in the region and beyond; nor can they shift international attention from the stark reality of India being a safe haven for the perpetrators of hate crimes against Muslims and other minorities.

The 'Joint Statement' fails to address non-compliance of India with UNSC resolutions which is the key source of tension and instability in the region and to take cognizance of the grim human rights situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK). Regrettably, this is tantamount to abdication of international responsibility.

The international community recognizes Pakistan's efforts and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. As a country that has enormously suffered from terrorism, Pakistan would continue to contribute constructively to the regional and global efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.It remains committed to bring the fight against terrorism to its logical conclusion by eliminating this scourge from its soil. Pakistan also remains committed to continue with counter terrorism efforts to address the issue of terrorism including acts of terrorism perpetrated by foreign elements.

Pakistan is also deeply concerned over the planned transfer of advanced military technologies to India. Such steps accentuate military imbalances in the region and undermine strategic stability. They remain unhelpful in achieving the objective of a durable peace in South Asia.

We urge our international partners to take a holistic and objective view of the issues of peace and security in South Asia and refrain from endorsing positions that are one-sided and divorced from ground realities.

Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held telephonic conversations with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi; Foreign Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Badr Abdelatty; Foreign Minister of Türkiye, Hakan Fidan; Foreign Minister of Malaysia, Dato Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan; Foreign Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Deputy Prime Minister& Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

During the calls, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister termed the proposal to displace the people of Gaza deeply troubling and unjust. He also conveyed Pakistan's support for convening of an Extraordinary OIC meeting of Foreign Ministers to deliberate upon this issue.
The 2nd round of Pakistan-Qatar Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) was held on 10 February, 2025 in Doha. Foreign Secretary, Ms. Amna Baloch led the Pakistan delegation, while the Qatari side was headed by State Minister for Foreign Affairs, State of Qatar, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi.

The two sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations including; political, economic, consular and people-to-people contacts and exchanged views on regional and international issues; and reaffirmed commitment for continued collaboration and consultations.
The second round of Pakistan-Türkiye Counter-Terrorism Consultations were held in Islamabad on 10 February 2025. Pakistan delegation was led by Director General for Counter Terrorism at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Abdul Hameed and the Turkish side was headed by Director General for Intelligence and Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, Ambassador KenanYilmaz.

Both sides reviewed the global and regional terrorism landscape; exchanged views on threats posed by terrorist entities in the region and beyond; shared their best practices and reviewed the ongoing Pakistan-Türkiye cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism.

Let me also extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the victims and the families of the recent incident of boat that capsized near the port of Marsa Dela, North West of Zawiya city, Libya. Initial reports suggested that there were 63 Pakistanis on the boat and so far 16 dead bodies have been recovered. Pakistani nationality of the victims were established on the basis of their passports. There are 37 survivors including 1 in hospital and 33 in police custody. Reportedly, around 10 Pakistanis were missing in the accident. Three of the survivors are in Tripoli and being looked after by the Embassy.

The list containing details of the dead bodies so far identified as Pakistani nationals has already been shared with the media. Our Embassy in Tripoli is in the process of gathering further information and maintaining contact with the local authorities.

We have learnt with grave concern, that last week, two Kashmiri youth lost their lives in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) due to the high-handed approach of the Indian forces. There are reports that a 25-year-old man, committed suicide after severe torture by police in Kathua district. He recorded a video before his death maintaining that police officers coerced him into confessing links with militants, despite being innocent.

In another incident, a truck driver from Sopore district, Wasim Ahmed, was shot down by the Indian forces on Srinagar-Baramulla Highway when he allegedly did not stop at a check post. These incidents must be investigated and the culprits be held to account.

Announcement

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, will travel to New York to participate in the high-level meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on "Practicing Multilateralism: Reforming and Improving Global Governance", scheduled to be held from 18th February 2025.

The meeting has been convened by China under its rotating presidency of the Security Council for the month of February 2025. It will be chaired by H.E Wang Yi, the Foreign Minister of China.

On the sidelines of the UNSC meeting, DPM/FM is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts, as well as senior UN officials.

I thank you!

*

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Highlights of Indian PM's visit to USA have started to come in light. At one end, answering to a journalist's question, Indian PM stated that he believes in peace and prosperity and is against wars and on the other end, India is buying weapons worth billions of dollars including F-35. India also threatens Pakistan and Azad Kashmir directly and indirectly. What is Pakistan's view on these double standards?

And my second question related to this is that does Pakistan think it is being ignored by the USA at some level and undermining the sacrifices that Pakistan gave in fighting against terrorism and the efforts that Pakistan undertook for USA's withdrawal from Afghanistan?

Spokesperson: I have been commenting on India's overall approach, but specifically on the question of transfer of advanced military weapons, I'll repeat what I said in my opening statement. Pakistan is deeply concerned over the planned transfer of advanced military technologies to India. Such steps accentuate military imbalances in the region and undermine strategic stability. They remain unhelpful in achieving the objectives of a durable peace in South Asia.

On Pakistan-US relations, I'll repeat that they remain very important to us. It's a multi-dimensional relationship, rooted in history, with decades long history of cooperation. It's a very dense relationship and we remain committed to continuing to work with the new administration for the further consolidation and growth of Pakistan-US relations.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): You mentioned about the Libya incident, a report has been submitted to the Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as the Minister of Interior by our Mission in Libya, citing the reasons of the boat incident. Can you clarify what were the reasons of this boat incident in Libya?

Spokesperson: This has been a tragic incident. At this point in time investigations are underway. Our embassy is in close contact with the local authorities. Before any formal confirmation, the matter needs to be investigated and confirmed by the local authorities. At this point, any comment by me would be very speculative. I request your understanding, but our embassy remains in close contact, and they are working closely on different aspects of this tragedy including the reasons of the tragedy, the people who were affected, people injured, those in detention, and other related matters.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): Please tell us that the 16 people who have been identified dead in boat tragedy out of which 3 bodies are at the Embassy and the remaining were at hospitals, what measures have been taken to bring back and when will the dead bodies arrive?

Spokesperson: We will share with you this information as we have some concrete facts to share, or some decisions have been taken. We are in touch with Ministry of Interior and Overseas Pakistanis, and we are keeping the Prime Minister Office informed. So we will share with you as soon as we have some concrete information to share on this aspect.

(Raziq Mehmood Bhatti, Daily Kashmir Express): Two teenage Kashmiris were martyred in Rajori sector by Indian army. India accused one of them as being a Pakistani national. Did India share any details or is it just a blame by India?

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News HD): I want to know that freedom fighters and freedom loving Kashmiris who are against Indian occupation, their assets are being confiscated illegally by Indian armed forces at a grand scale. How do we see these actions legally?

Spokesperson: About Rajauri incident, no detail has been shared with us. The dark and terrible situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, is very well known to all of you. We have been highlighting it. We have been flagging it to the attention of the international community. It remains extremely brutal and barbaric. The Indian oppression, it leaves its bloody signature daily in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and then categorize the victims as terrorists.

About the confiscation of property, you know this is also another aspect, and you understand that how it is being played out. Indian authorities take over the property they can tell that the owner was or is a militant or a terrorist and this is part of the overall regime of oppression which is going on in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. We condemn it.

(Annas Mallick, Capital TV) First question is that US Ambassador made a startling comment in UN Security Council meeting saying that Pakistan is actively supporting and harboring the Islamic State for Khorasan in its territory for attacks against Afghanistan and the region at large. What does Pakistan has to say on that?

Number two, you just announced a visit of the Foreign Minister to the UN in New York. Is he also expected to meet the US counterpart? Because in the absence of a formal high-level engagement. Can you please confirm or deny such a meeting that might just be granted?

Spokesperson: I haven't seen this specific statement. I'll have to check and get back to you on the US Ambassador's statement, but on the ISKP, you know it remains a grave threat to the regional peace and stability. We have been working with the UN and with the international community to address the larger question of terrorism, and within that specifically Daesh and ISKP related issues.

About the Foreign Minister's program, we will share the details when all the meetings have been confirmed. So, at this point in time, I won't speculate on that.

(Faisal Kamal Pasha, WE News): Since 2015, the Foreign Office has been following a policy regarding the postings and transfers of officers to foreign missions under which those posted to major capitals are subsequently posted to capitals in the lesser category. There are reports that this policy has been either reviewed or being repealed. Could you please confirm this?

Spokesperson: First of all, in terms of foreign policy principles, all countries are important to us. There is no arbitrary category that one country is less important, and other is more important. All countries are important. That's the first point. We pursue friendship, and cooperation with all, in line with the established diplomatic principles and the Charter of the United Nations. The second point is about internal administrative processes. This is a routine activity because diplomats have to be transferred from one country to the other. So this is the usual internal administrative arrangements. I have no comments to offer on that.

(Aftab Jahan, News One): The process of Pakistani immigrants being deported from US is ongoing. It is reported that 131 immigrants were sent to Panama through American military ship carrying Pakistani immigrants as well. Do we have a specific data on how many Pakistani immigrants are present there and when will they return to Pakistan?

Spokesperson: About the Pakistani citizens who have been sent to Panama, I don't have this information, but I will check on this. On the return of illegal migrants, this is an ongoing process between Pakistan and US or any country. For example, if there is an illegal alien living in Pakistan, we send it to the country of his or her origin. Similarly, if there are Pakistanis who have overstayed their visa or who have entered illegally, there are processes in place. It is not just with the US, it is with many countries.

Secondly, this kind of coordination and cooperation with the US has been ongoing. The two countries are already in touch to move forward on this. But about that specific question, please, let me check.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Are there any restrictions for Pakistani citizens regarding UAE visa? The ICC Champions Trophy is approaching as well. Will these restrictions affect Pakistani journalists, fans as well as the officials traveling to UAE for the Champions Trophy?

Spokesperson: This question has been raised many times. I need to restate, that just to emphasize the deeper background of our long-standing relations with UAE, a very close friend and a robust partner of Pakistan. Through decades, they've been working with Pakistan and helping us in so many areas.

About the speculation regarding any ban imposed on the Pakistanis, what I can say is that there are 1.8 million Pakistanis living and working in the United Arab Emirates. They've been contributing to the development of UAE, and they are looked after, according to the local law. People come and go. Third point is that the visa is essentially a sovereign prerogative. But on the other side we can see that there are so many Pakistanis already traveling to UAE and all flights are booked. So, I won't, agree with that comment that there is a ban imposed, or there is a proscription for Pakistanis traveling to the UAE. On the specific question about ICC Trophy, we will also look into it. And I will also request you to get in touch with the Pakistan Cricket Board as well.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): American Congress member Joe Wilson's process of continuous tweets is ongoing. After tweeting free Imran Khan, he tweeted that Pakistan military regime must restore democracy. So what is Foreign Office's stance on this?

Spokesperson: I don't need to restate what I've been stating before, the importance of Pakistan-US relations. These relations, like all relations, are based on fundamental established principles of interstate relations, including the principles of UN charter, non-interference in internal affairs of each other. It is an opinion of one Congressman, I won't comment on that. Pakistan and USA remain engaged. The two governments are engaged at multiple levels. We remain committed to work with the new administration to further strengthen Pakistan-US relations. As far as question of democracy is concerned, it is an individual's opinion. Elections were held in Pakistan and there is a democratically elected government in the country.

(Maimoona Saleem, Khyber News): We have seen that there are growing diplomatic ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and there are also many terrorist incidents which are being perpetuated by an India and TTP alliance. For that purpose, Afghanistan territory is being used. How does Pakistan views evolving nature of its counter-terrorism efforts with Afghanistan, given the absence of cooperative and accommodative behavior of Taliban. What diplomatic engagement Pakistan is undertaking with key stakeholders in Afghanistan and other international partners to resolve this issue.

Spokesperson: Afghanistan is a neighbour of Pakistan. One of the key issues bedeviling our relations remains the sanctuaries enjoyed by terrorists belonging to the TTP on Afghan territory. This question we have been raising with Afghan Interim government, and continue to insist that this problem has to be resolved. We are tackling problem of terrorism on multiple domains. There is a kinetic action within our own borders, and then of course, there is the diplomatic track. We continue to remain engaged with Afghanistan, and also make them realize that the long-term potential of the region, the bilateral cooperation and what it can bring for the benefit or welfare of the two countries will remain unmet unless this problem is resolved. Of course, there are multiple mechanisms also between the two countries, and there is a multilateral layer to it, but this remains the key topic of our conversation with Afghan government, and we remain engaged with them, and we will continue to insist that this problem has to be settled and resolved.

(Naveed Ahmed Khan, Daily The Spokesman): Visit of Indonesian President to Pakistan, earlier expected in the first week of this month was postponed. When the new date of his visit will be confirmed?

Spokesperson: The formal date between the two countries has not been agreed, but the two countries are in touch, and Indonesia is a very valued partner of Pakistan. So, I wouldn't agree with this framing of the issue of postponement. Postponement takes place once you have agreed. The two sides are in conversation about this. If there is an agreement on mutually convenient dates, we will make the announcement.

(Naseem ul Ghani, K-21): You said in your opening remarks that emergency OIC Foreign Ministers Meeting on Gaza situation is under consideration. Deputy PM and FM contacted Foreign Ministers of different countries on this matter. Will Pakistan hold this conference?

Spokesperson: The issue about the dates of convening the OIC meeting and its venue remains under discussion. We have been supporting this idea and also, reaching out to other friendly countries in the Islamic world. That's what I can say at this point in time. But normally, when the emergency session takes place, it takes place at the seat of the organization. I will share it with you when there is concrete detail to be shared.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): When the Government of Pakistan works, efforts of all departments are put together and the concerns are equally shared by all the departments. IMF has been working with Pakistan, and they have signed a big package for the country, but now a political party, I'm talking of PTI, they have submitted a dossier, and their intent is to damage the package with the IMF. So how Foreign Office is concerned about this development.

Is there some hope of peace in Ukraine, as the United States and the Western governments, are trying to have a deal with Russia. As you are an expert of that area, how Pakistan views such hopes of peace in European continent.

Spokesperson: About the first question, I can make two points. One; I can express regret if anyone tries to undermine Pakistan's economic security or economic prosperity. But what I can just add is that our program and interaction with IMF is ongoing and recently, during the honorable Prime Minister's visit to UAE, he had a very fruitful and productive meeting with the managing director of the International Monetary Fund. I will refer you to the Ministry of Finance for any further details on the question.

Regarding the Ukraine issue, it remains a serious concern for all countries. We are also impacted by it, and it is a conflict which has been hugely tragic in its consequences. Even countries like Pakistan are impacted by the growing uncertainty it injects into the international system, and also the volatility of the commodity prices and their availability. So, we would welcome any initiative which moves towards a peaceful settlement of this problem. We think the only solution lies in diplomacy which takes care of the concerns of all parties involved and arrives at a mutually peaceful settlement of this tragic conflict.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): First, you said that the Indonesia visit was not agreed upon, but the Prime Minister, while addressing a cabinet briefing on the 9th of January, said that the Indonesian Prime Minister was due to visit later this month. So, my question is, was the Prime Minister ill-informed, or was he deliberately misleading his cabinet with the statement?

With regards to the UAE visas, the Interior Minister would disagree with you, because he addressed a press conference on the 11th of February in Karachi, acknowledging that there is a visa issue, further saying that he is in contact with the Foreign Ministry, and that in days, there will be "a good news". So, if you say that there is not a visa issue, if the Interior minister says there is an issue, where does the reality lie on?

Spokesperson: First of all, there is no ban on Pakistanis traveling to the UAE. That was the point I was explaining. Secondly, within the overall rubric of relations between Pakistan and UAE, an argument is being made as if there is a major kind of a negative tone to the overall relations; while in reality it remains very positive, very robust and multi-dimensional. I was trying to explain it before that if 1.8 million people are living there already, and flights are operating, then it means that there is no ban on Pakistanis. Of course, we are receiving complaints by some people who have problems like the visa takes longer to process and they are not getting visas. That I was linking it with the issue of sovereign prerogative of a country, whether it allows anyone to enter their territory or not. Problems being faced by businessmen and other related issues remain part of our regular interaction with the UAE authorities.

Second question about Indonesian President's visit, what I said was that there was no date agreed. So, if there was a hope then it was that when a broader time frame would be available, a date would be reached, when it would be convenient to both of us. So that's what I was alluding to.

(Syed Asif Ali, Din News): During this week, China started formal operation of a Donkey slaughterhouse in Gwadar. Under what agreement it is being operated and will those animals be slaughtered as well whose meat Pakistanis do not consume?

Spokesperson: About the specifics, I would again refer you to the Board of Investment and Ministry of Commerce on this. I don't have any specific details, but what I can say is that China remains our most important strategic partner. Our relationship is multi-dimensional, broad based, and economic cooperation remains a key aspect, and also inviting and encouraging Chinese investors to invest in Pakistan, remains an important priority for us.

(Islam Uddin Sajid, Anadolu Agency): As you told that Pakistan's top diplomat is visiting New York, so does he also plan to visit Washington and has Pakistan officially established contact with the new Trump administration, and what is Pakistan's expectation from the new administration of United States?

Spokesperson: Three parts to the question. Number one, I responded to Anas Saab that a lot of meetings are in the works. We will make an announcement once everything is settled. That's the first point.

Secondly, with the US, our interaction continues at multiple levels. It is an ongoing thing.

And the third, our expectations, I have been stating that we remain committed to pursuing and engaging the new administration to further solidify and strengthen Pakistan US relations which remain very important for us.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): You responded about TTP in Afghanistan. In the past, the Ashraf Ghani regime, whenever there were involvement of Pakistani citizens in Afghanistan in terrorism. So your Foreign Ministry always raised this issue through media and through international forums. So why there is a complete silence as two Afghan nationals were killed in the counter-terrorism operation in the last two weeks. One was the son of a governor (of a province in Afghanistan)?

And the second question is in the Morocco board incident, there were 13 dead bodies of Pakistani citizens, but only four have been transported yet, according to the press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. So, what about the remaining nine dead bodies?

Spokesperson: About the second question, I think all of them have been repatriated, but I will recheck and come back to you.

About the issue of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, we are raising it at all international forums, with our partners and with the Afghan government as well. We make official media statements. Any particular regime or a particular country may follow its own strategy, but we have our own. We are working on it. There's no one template to be followed. We think we are working according to our requirements. It remains a very serious concern for us.
 
(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): We tried to acquire details of Pakistanis prisoners in UAE since July 2023 but no information has been shared. What are the reasons behind it and why the government of UAE is not sharing details?

Spokesperson: I will get back to you when I will have the detailed information. I can say that Vienna Convention on consular relations governs how to approach a situation if citizen of one country is in prison in another country. A fundamental point to it is that if the prisoner does not intend to contact, then the host country may not share details with the embassy. We are facing this situation in some countries, that when we received news regarding a prisoner, we approached the local authorities but then the prisoner did not want to contact the embassy. But I will try to check about the details of our prisoners.

(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Can you confirm the exact death toll of Libyan boat tragedy and what was the death toll in Morocco maritime incident?

Spokesperson: As far as information regarding the incident in Libya is concerned, as you know, we have covered this. I had explained to you that we remain very careful and when we try to give you a final figure because the Embassy and the Foreign Ministry are dependent on local authorities. It is an evolving situation; it is a far-off place, from Tripoli. We have a list of 16 people who have died and their identity we have been able to confirm. We have already issued a list of the names and the details including CNIC number and the passport number. This is the list we have so far.

About the Morocco tragedy, we have already made the announcement, but I will check, and will convey it to you again. I'll have to recheck the exact figures. If I'm not wrong, it was 13, but I need to be sure about it.

(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): DG CMU, I think Shaheryar Khan, briefed the committee that all 63 passengers who were on board, died. In total, there were 73 passengers including 10 from Bangladesh, and Pakistanis affected hailed from Kurram agency and Bajour.

Spokesperson: One, from Peshawar as well, Orakzai also. But broadly the bigger number is from Kurram.

(Abdul Hadi Mayar, Hum Pashto 1 News): Afghanistan is our stepping board for connectivity with Central Asian Republics, but this cannot be realized unless peace is restored in Afghanistan. So, what steps we are taking in that direction?

Spokesperson: This is something which is very evident. And you know, for everyone, the route to common prosperity remains through peace, amity, friendship and cooperation. This is something which is win-win for Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the entire region. So, to be able to reach that point where we can fully harness the region's potential through connectivity, through commerce, through trade and through interaction. The major stumbling block remains the sanctuaries enjoyed by terrorists on the Afghan territory. This is also what we have been explaining to the Afghan side that this issue has to be resolved in order to for us to realize the full potential of this partnership and bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Separately about the working on the larger themes of connectivity in the region, we have very important and robust dialogues going with the Central Asian countries and with Iran. We are working on a train service to Türkiye and also to be able to connect to Russia and onward to Belarus. With China, we already have established CPEC. So, for this broader regional connectivity, we are engaged, but one element remains this Afghan route, for this Afghanistan has to address this problem of terrorism to be able to fully realize the potential of the region through connectivity and trade.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Indian Media has created chaos after Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder and Missile Technology, in the field of submarine technology and recent peace exercises and previously marvelous demonstration of JF-17 Thunder in Saudi Arabia. It is being reported by Indian media that they are concerned by Pakistan's short range and long-range capabilities. Please tell us is any country feeling threatened by Pakistan?

Spokesperson: I would very much doubt it about any country feeling threatened by our defence preparedness, except whatever the Indian media is saying. Our defense preparedness is essentially for defensive purposes. We don't have any aggressive designs. We don't pursue expansionist policy, the way one of our neighbors does. For propaganda purposes, whipping up, making out a threat, is a different issue. But objectively speaking, the whole world knows our entire preparedness is for defensive purposes. It remains focused on ensuring Pakistan's territorial integrity, sovereignty and defense of the territory.

(Munir Ahmed, AP): Initially, we also heard about the Morocco incident. Initially we also heard that a boat had capsized. Dozens of people died. But later the survivors when they were repatriated, they said that human traffickers had actually killed them. So, what do you have about this matter, whether it was an incident of both capsizing or the human traffickers killed, and how many people were killed? Because if we believe what the survivors have been saying, they say that 43 Pakistanis were killed in this incident. And also, there are legal routes and illegal routes. And we know it's like difficult to do something about the illegal ones, but hundreds of Pakistanis are getting visas from these African countries. And are there any contacts between Pakistan's Foreign Ministry and embassies in Islamabad, Pakistan, to at least check what is the purpose of those visits.

And also it would have been hugely helpful if someone would have updated about the repatriation of the bodies, because initially we heard that four bodies were repetitive, and then we never heard from anyone about the remaining nine bodies, and I believe that those bodies were also repatriated and they were buried. Exactly, how many people do you think were killed in the Moroccan incident? And again, was it incident of boat capsizing or the human traffickers split up quickly with hammers?

Spokesperson: Two aspects of your question. First is about the reasons, and the second is exact number of deaths. The first question is that there is sensitivity involved because the accident, the tragedy, happened in a particular domain, area of control of a friendly country. So, we would defer to them. We can't speculate on it. We remain grateful to the government of Morocco and people of Morocco for their kind assistance and cooperation. The second point is about the numbers. I will recheck. I don't have the figures before me, but I can get back to you.

I'll have to check the figures and to get back to you on this. It remains a huge tragedy and this is not just impacting Pakistan, but there are several countries affected by this - the illegal human smuggling, illegal migration, all it takes a huge toll on the societies, and on the families. We work with our partners to address this, but it remains very challenging. We remain engaged with our partners to address this very serious challenge.

Thank you, sir.