Transcript of the Media Briefing by the Spokesperson Friday, 28 February 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
At the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, visited Pakistan on 27 February 2025. It was his first official visit to the country. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers and senior officials, as well as prominent business leaders. During the visit five MoUs were signed in the fields of banking, railways, mining and infrastructural development.
On the invitation of President Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid a state visit to Azerbaijan, from 24-25 February 2025. During their detailed interaction, the two sides expressed the desire to further strengthen collaboration across multiple sectors including trade and investment and to explore joint investment projects in the areas of energy, infrastructure, investment and connectivity. The visit concluded with the signing of various agreements and MOUs between the two countries to promote cooperation in different areas.
At the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid an official visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan from 25 to 26 February 2025. The visit underscored the deep-rooted, historic, and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan and reaffirmed the commitment of the leadership of both countries to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. During the visit, both parties shared their perspectives on improving collaboration across various sectors, such as trade, connectivity, culture, and exchanges between people. The discussions emphasized the advancement of regional connectivity via the trans-Afghan railway and trade corridors, aligning with the mutual goal of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the area.
On the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, held a bilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi on 21 February 2025. During the meeting, the two leaders engaged in comprehensive discussions to enhance bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, energy, defense, and people-to-people contacts. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, travelled 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", held on 18th February 2025. The ministerial meeting was convened by China during its rotating presidency of the Security Council.
In his remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister emphasized the need for international cooperation and commitment to multilateralism; and called for upholding principles of the UN Charter, including self-determination, the non-use of force, respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister expressed deep concerns over the grave situation in Occupied Palestine & Gaza and the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
On the sidelines of the UNSC meeting, DPM/FM met with the Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi; United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres; Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Eng. Waleed Abdul Karim El-Khereiji; and Foreign Minister and Minister of Trade of Hungary, Peter Szijjártó. During the meetings, both sides exchanged views on multifaceted areas of cooperation. Global and regional issues of shared interest were also discussed.
DPM/FM also addressed the Permanent Representatives of the members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting. During his engagement and interaction with the Pakistan Community in New York, DPM/FM highlighted Pakistan's progress in combating terrorism, strengthening economic stability, and fostering a secure and business-friendly environment.
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, visited Pakistan on 12-13 February 2025. During the visit, DG IAEA called on the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister. Director General Grossi also met with the Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and the Chairman of the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA). He participated in the International Conference organized by Pakistan-chapter of Women in Nuclear Field (WIN-Pakistan), visited the Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Oncology Lahore (INMOL) and an under-construction Chashma Power Plant unit 5 (C-5).
The 2nd Round of Pakistan-United Kingdom Counter Terrorism Dialogue took place in London from 17-18 February 2025. Pakistan delegation was led by Director General for Counter-Terrorism, Ambassador Abdul Hameed, and the United Kingdom's side was headed by Joint Director for National Security, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Kitty Jenkins.
Both sides exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan, global and regional landscape and on the security, threats posed by terrorist entities. The talks included the exchange of best practices in the areas of; law enforcement, security, criminal justice, rule of law, countering financing for terrorism and capacity building.
Pakistan and the European Union held their ninth Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Brussels, on 20 February 2025. The respective delegations were led by Director General for Counter Terrorism, Ambassador Abdul Hameed, and Director for Security and Defence Policy at the European External Action Service, Maciej Stadejek.
The 4th Round of Pakistan-Japan Counter-Terrorism Consultations was convened in Tokyo on 26 February 2025. The Pakistan delegation was led by Additional Secretary (UN), Ambassador Nabeel Munir, while the Japanese side was led by Ambassador in charge of International Cooperation for Countering Terrorism and International Organized Crime of Japan, Minami Hiroyuki. During the discussion, the two sides assessed evolving terrorist threats at national and regional level and reiterated their resolve to combat terrorism in all forms and manifestations.
I thank you!
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(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): President Donald Trump stated that he would not have let go of the control of Bagram air base in Afghanistan if he was in place of Joe Biden. He also admitted that the US left behind arms worth billions of dollars in Afghanistan. America has admitted itself and as Pakistan has time and again raised its concerns that the Afghan soil is being used against Pakistan and those weapons are being used in such terrorist activities, due to which Pakistan has suffered the loss of wealth and life. Since, USA has now admitted about the weapons, will Pakistan put its demands regarding this matter to America?
Spokesperson: What happens between Afghanistan and the United States is a matter between two sovereign countries. The kind of relations or interaction they want to pursue is up to them. On the question of the weapons left behind, we have been raising our concerns about the fact that these sophisticated weapons are finding their way into the hands of terrorists who are carrying out terrorist activities in Pakistan.
We have impressed upon this issue before the international community and the Afghan authorities. Lastly, at the cost of sounding repetitive, what I can emphasize is that Pakistan desires friendly, cooperative relations with Afghanistan the way it should be between two neighbors which are tied together through the bonds of history, culture, language and so many complementarities. But the key stumbling block in the way of the progress, is the question of sanctuaries enjoyed by terrorists on the Afghan territory. This is a problem we have been emphasizing to the Afghan authorities that needs to be addressed squarely and clearly, and we would continue to pursue various channels of communication with the Afghan authorities to take care of this problem.
(Kiran Butt, The Khorasan Diary): My question to you is related to Maulana Fazal-Ur-Rehman's statement in National Assembly on 18th February, in which he stated that, "Before JUIF's delegation went to Afghanistan, we received a briefing from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under which agenda for our Afghanistan meetings was set. And we do not have any idea as to why are we complicating things with Afghanistan". And when Maulana Fazal-Ur-Rehman was in Kabul, we repeatedly asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the visit and they said that this was his personal visit and it has no connection with the state. I have three questions related to this matter. First, if Ministry of Foreign Affairs gives briefing to every individual who visits Kabul? Second, what was the agenda set for Maulana Fazal-Ur-Rehman's visit by Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Third, if he is saying that he does not know who derailed the situation from Pakistan, so where is he pointing towards? Either the policy given by Ministry of Foreign Affairs to him was not correct or the agenda set before he left for Afghanistan is not being executed?
Spokesperson: I have not read the statement. I need to read the statement to be fully able to give the official position on it. Secondly, everyone going to Afghanistan doesn't get a briefing from the Foreign Ministry. I'll have to check the facts at the same time. Malauna Fazal-Ur-Rehman is an eminent politician and very important political figure in Pakistan. If he requests a briefing from the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, this is a normal practice. A briefing can be arranged for him to explain Pakistan's perspective. At the same time, if a member of National Assembly or Chairman of the Standing Committee is traveling abroad at their own and request a briefing, it does not mean that it has been arranged by the Foreign Ministry. Our job is to explain our perspective, the challenges, and how do we approach the relations with that particular country or a particular issue. With regards to Afghanistan, as I have been saying that the two countries which are neighbours and tied together by bonds of history, culture, language should have strong fraternal relations to unlock the full potential of their relations. The stumbling block in the relations is the problem of terrorism. The sanctuaries enjoyed by the terrorist elements inside Afghanistan remain the key point. Unless this issue is resolved, the full potential of these relations cannot be harnessed.
(Rizwan Abbasi, Daily Ausaf): Recently, illegal Pakistani nationals have been deported from Europe through special flights. What does Pakistani Missions in those European countries have to say about this? And is there any chance of deporting of Pakistani nationals from foreign countries in future? What steps are being taken by the Government on diplomatic level regarding this issue?
Spokesperson: There is a EURA readmission agreement signed between the Government of Pakistan and the European Union. If any Pakistani national is found to be staying illegally in any of these countries, there is a procedure involved for deportation. Only after that process those individuals are deported back to Pakistan. There is nothing out of the ordinary. If any country's citizen is found staying in another country illegally, of course that is against the law, and that his country takes its citizens back. In case of European Union, it's a very structured arrangement.
(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): President Trump's Administration released around $397 Million of frozen amount, which is for F-16 aircrafts. Should this necessarily mean that the Trump administration has firmly opened up for Pakistan and this is normalization of relations between the two countries? As was also stated by the American Charge d' Affaires when she met the Prime Minister and conveyed a message that the new administration wants good relations with Pakistan.
Spokesperson: F-16 oversight program is a regular feature of Pakistan-US Defense collaboration under the "end user agreement" and Pakistan welcomes its continuation. With regards to the broader direction of Pakistan US relations, as I've been emphasizing, these are decades old relations and are robust and strong. Our desire is to continue with this important relationship. The two sides are already engaged through diplomatic channels. Pakistan remains committed to carrying this relationship forward.
(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): Day before yesterday, during a briefing in the Parliament, it was shared that around 600 trucks are stranded at the border of Iran resulting in loss of $ 2.2 Millions per day. Secondly, there are some trucks stranded at the Torkham border as well. What are the causes of trucks being stranded at the border as both are our bordering countries?
(Tahir Khan, NNI News Agency): Regarding Torkham issue, Afghan side has issued three statements since it was closed last Friday. There is no such statement issued by our side. Secondly, you mentioned that we want good relations with Afghanistan but the Torkham is now a routine matter. During Imran Khan's period, there was a decision that the border decisions would be taken up at the Prime Minister level. But now it is being observed that even a Captain is closing the border. Was it in your knowledge that the border is being closed or a Major or a Captain is ordering the border closure on its own?
(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Sir, there is a loss of millions of dollars occurring here as well but it has been heard that the border post was being constructed in Afghanistan by the Taliban Force in retaliation of Pakistan erecting a sign board at Pakistan terminal. Is it true sir?
Spokesperson: Thank you for highlighting the issue of border closure. Regarding trucks stuck at the Pakistan-Iran border, I will need to check details on this. Broadly speaking, border management is often a complex issue and there are multiple agencies involved from both countries. There are customs, immigration, security, and layers of government departments interacting with each other. At times there could be some misunderstanding like lack of proper documentation. But that doesn't mean there is a rupture of the commercial interaction between the two countries. About the Torkham border, essentially the problem is that the Afghan side is trying to construct a border post on our side unilaterally and we have urged them to resolve such issues through bilateral mechanism, such as Joint Coordination Committee Meeting, instead of resorting to unilateral actions. We are hopeful that the matter would be resolved through dialogue. With regards to the issue of decision making, I cannot comment on the details of the decision making, but border cannot be closed by an individual on his whim. As I explained earlier that there are bilateral mechanisms for such matters. If a situation is aggravated due to some development on the other side, till that matter is resolved the border can be closed. There was no statement from our side last week, because I was away from Islamabad.
(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): It is not in isolation. I have been there. How come we do not know that there is our limitation. If you say that they want to construct a post inside our border, how come it started because we have erected fencing and then this border is functioning for a long time. Why every time there is a problem, the trade, which is necessarily in Pakistan's favors the first victim is Pakistan's exports to Afghanistan?
Spokesperson: It is not completely in our hands. There is nothing we gain by closing the border. There are operational considerations which lead to the closure of border. It's a very long border and if they are constructing something which they are not supposed to, there is a consultative mechanism through which such issues can be resolved. And Afghanistan is shying away from those. It doesn't make sense for us to unnecessarily close the borders. There are operational constraints which force us to take such actions but we remain optimistic that we will resolve these issues to be able to restart the trade through the Torkham border.
(Mateen Haider, G News): Two important developments relating to Afghanistan. Both the US President and Secretary of Defense have announced to retake the leftover weapons from Afghanistan. Pakistan used to voice its concerns regularly over these leftover weapons, which were being used by TTP and other terrorists against Pakistan. How does Pakistan see this development? Secondly, they have also announced to investigate withdrawal decision by the US administration i.e. withdrawal of the American troops is also going to be investigated. So, do you think at any stage United States can approach Pakistan in connection with the investigation?
Spokesperson: On the first question, I have already addressed it that we have been raising our concerns that these sophisticated weapons are being used by terrorists for attacks inside Pakistan. International community should help to deal with this problem. About whether an investigation will be launched, or why US withdrew from Afghanistan. It's something internal to the USA. I can't comment on that.
(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): First, around eight Pakistanis have been deported from the United States, according to the official correspondence between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior. What was the exact number of deportees? There were reports that Special plane C130 landed at Nur Khan air base yesterday, what are the updates on that? How many Pakistanis will be deported from the United States?
Secondly, regarding Nadir Karim Khan, a Pakistani businessman who is currently imprisoned in India. BBC, while quoting the police officials of India claimed that they have contacted Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistan High Commission in India about the release of Nadir Karim Khan and Nadir Karim Khan himself has also claimed that they have approached the Pakistani High Commission, but as of now there has been no relief. He has already completed his sentence about four months ago. So, what are the updates on Nadir Karim Khan case?
(Anwar Abbas, 24 News HD): Sir, can you tell us about the identity of 8 deported Pakistani nationals who were brought back to Islamabad in the American plane C-17?
Spokesperson: We can confirm that eight Pakistani nationals, who were staying illegally in the US have indeed returned yesterday. About the details of their identity, I would refer you to Ministry of Interior and FIA. About the broader policy, any Pakistani who is staying illegally abroad, we try to facilitate their return, but there are certain procedures in place. If a person is found to be staying illegally, first we confirm his/her nationality. Once the nationality is confirmed, we accept back our national. About Mr. Nadir Kareem Khan, I'll need to check. I'll convey to you the details as soon as I get them.
(Aijaz Ahmad, GNN): Prime Minister of Pakistan conducted many visits including visits to Uzbekistan, UAE and Qatar. Similarly, few days back a Saudi delegation also visited with Saudi investors. What is the concrete outcome of these visits? How much investment is expected to come out of these visits to Pakistan?
Spokesperson: About the investment decisions and details, I would refer you to SIFC. Secondly, commercial delegation exchanges is a normal practice and businessmen and commercial delegations of different countries keep visiting each other. Markets and commercial opportunities evolve. Thus, such exchanges are an ongoing process. About the concrete decisions or the agreements which have been signed, I will refer you to SIFC.
(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): US lawmakers have written a letter to US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio to put pressure on Pakistan to fully restore democracy and release Imran Khan. Your comments?
Spokesperson: As I mentioned earlier, our relations with the United States are an important priority of our foreign policy. These relations are very strong, dense, and multi-dimensional. We intend to pursue our engagement with the new US administration and interactions between the two countries continue. About the full restoration of democracy, Pakistan is a democracy. About three members of the Congress writing to Mr. Rubio, what I can say is that one of the foundational elements of interstate relations is non-interference in internal affairs of each other.
(Saqib Ali Rathore, Daily Kashmir Times): Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations in Geneva, Ksitish Tyagi has criticized Pakistan. Quoting his statement, "Pakistan is a failed state whose statements at international platforms perpetuate hypocrisy". He further said, "It is unfortunate that Pakistan is using OIC as its mouthpiece and spreading the falsehood of its military terrorist complex and the time of this council is being wasted by a failed sate". Your comments?
Spokesperson: These words cannot hide India's brutality, its own record of human rights within India, its barbarity in Kashmir, and its mistreatment of minorities. India is a country which has been the epicenter of a global assassination campaign launched by the Indian state itself.
(Khalid Mahmood, Express News): Some reports have surfaced claiming that the Saudi government has imposed visa restrictions on Pakistan. Is this true? What is your reaction to this?
Spokesperson: I am not aware of any restrictions imposed, but what I can tell you is that there is a large Pakistani diaspora living and working in the Saudi Arabia. They have been looked after very well, and our relations overall with Saudi Arabia remain very friendly. It's one of our closest friends and partners. But any specifics, I can try to check. I'm not aware of any specific information about restrictions imposed on Pakistan by Saudi Arabia.
(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Sir, as there were discussions regarding recovery of American leftover arms in Afghanistan. As in the past Pakistan has been providing assistance to America in eradicating terrorism, now as Pakistan-US relations are witnessing a new chapter, will Pakistan support the US in the near future regarding this issue despite being a major target of terrorism from Afghanistan?
Spokesperson: The question of weapons left behind by the US remains a serious concern for us for one particular reason, that those weapons are being used by the terrorists for attacks inside Pakistan. Your other question, at this point, is a speculative question and I cannot answer that at this point in time.
(Qurat ul Ain Shirazi, Independent Urdu): I have already asked this question before. There have been reports regarding Pakistani illegal migrants in America about their return to Pakistan. So, what is the update on that? Because I did ask Ministry of Interior about it, and they asked me to talk to you.
"Is this the only batch of Pakistanis that have come back?"
Spokesperson: I have addressed this question, but I'll just restate it. We can confirm that eight Pakistani nationals who were staying illegally in the United States have indeed returned, yesterday.
One of our friends asked a question about the identity of the names and details, on which I said that this information is available with Ministry of Interior and FIA basically, because they process it. And finally, as a matter of policy, any Pakistani who is, for example, found staying illegally, and his or her nationality is confirmed, we take them back and there is no ambiguity on that.
At this point, the two sides are in discussion with each other, but this is the first batch which has arrived. I am just making a broad point about principle. Just like if we find a foreigner who is staying illegally here, there are laws of the country, he or she can be imprisoned for that, and then we contact his or her country to take them back. So that's the procedure we would follow for our nationals, also, when someone is staying illegally abroad, we will accept them back.
(Tahir Khan, NNI News Agency): Recently, Foreign Minister gave interview to a Turkish TV channel and for the first time confirmed conducting two airstrikes in Afghanistan. He did not mention the specifics but it is assumed that it was also conducted in December. It has been 2.5 months now. Pakistan's Special Representative on Afghanistan Ambassador Sadiq Khan was there when this strike was conducted. Has any contact been established with the Afghan authorities to ensure confidence level enhancement after the strikes. This is my first question.
Second question is that today is 28th February and Taliban and the US signed Doha agreement on 29th April, 2022. Pakistan demands the Afghan Taliban or the Afghan Interim government to honor the clauses of Doha agreement as Pakistan is facing terrorism issue. But I have seen the statement of Afghan Government Spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid stating several times that this agreement is between the US and Afghanistan. He said this in response to Pakistan's remarks on reminding Taliban about the obligations under the Doha agreement. So, my second question is that whether Pakistan is satisfied with the implementation of clause of elimination of terrorism as mentioned in Doha agreement?
Spokesperson: About the Deputy Prime Minister statement, I don't need to explain his statement, which is quite self-explanatory. That would be my remark on that. The second point is, essentially there are multiple dimensions of our relations with Afghanistan. First of all, about interaction between the two sides, it continues. We have diplomatic representative in each other's countries. They are interacting. There are channels of communications that are working. That's the second part.
The third part, when you look at the core problem again, I'll repeat that the core problem remains terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, and we are utterly dissatisfied with this state of affairs. So, this is something we want to emphasize and impress upon our Afghan partners, that this is a problem which has to be resolved, and has to be addressed.
(Shaukat Piracha, Aaj News): In the same interview, the Deputy Prime Minister also talked about repatriation of all those Afghans who were to get resettlement in the Western countries, but due to President Trump's announcement, it has stalled now. So how many Afghans are there at the moment in Pakistan, for the resettlement which has been refused, and when Pakistan will get them back to Afghanistan.
Spokesperson: About this question on numbers, I don't have the exact numbers. I need to check on that. Broadly speaking, what I can say is that there has been an understanding with several countries that there are certain categories or number of Afghan nationals which they want to resettle in their countries, so we allowed them to stay. If that country, for example, is not going to take them back and if any of them don't have regular visas or the full resident status, they would be deemed illegal, and that the regime governing the illegal persons in the country will guide our policy on those Afghans. But I don't have specific numbers.
So far, our arrangement with the US was up to September. With different countries, we had different timelines. We have been emphasizing upon our friends that at times the process of resettlement has been excruciatingly slow. This needs to be paced up. But the US has suspended the process, so we are waiting for further clarification on that point.
(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): Sir, how many foreigners participated in the event of ICC Champions Trophy if you can share the details?
Spokesperson: I'm sorry I don't have exact numbers, but I can try to find out. Better to approach Ministry of Interior.
(Imran Wasim, Aik News): When world cup was held in India, Pakistanis faced obstacles getting their visas approved. In short, they did not issue visas. Champions Trophy is being held in Pakistan and Indian cricket team did not come to Pakistan. Despite that, Indian journalists were seen in Lahore. What is this policy that Indian government does not issue visas for Pakistani journalists to attend the ICC events and we issue visas to Indian journalists despite their cricket team not being present here?
Spokesperson: I will check with Interior Ministry as visa is the Interior Ministry's prerogative. I'll check and get back to you on this.
(Aizaz Syed, Geo News): On the event of ICC Champions Trophy, how many Indian journalists were given visas and for what tenure they were given visas?
Spokesperson: I need to check. I will inform you after checking.
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