Transcript of the Weekly Press Briefing by the Spokesperson, Friday, April 18, 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 Acting Afghan Foreign Minister, Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, will lead a high-level delegation to Kabul tomorrow. During the day-long visit, he will call on the Afghan Acting Prime Minister; meet Afghan Acting Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs; and hold delegation-level talks with Acting Foreign Minister.
The talks will cover entire agenda of Pak-Afghan relationship, focusing on ways and means to deepen cooperation in all areas of mutual interests, including security, trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties.
The Deputy Prime Minister's visit is a reflection of Pakistan's commitment to enhance sustained engagement with the brotherly country of Afghanistan.
At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Péter Szijjártó, paid an official visit to Pakistan on 17 April 2025.
Accompanied by a high-level business delegation, Minister Szijjártó's visit — his second to Pakistan — underscored the enduring and robust partnership between the two nations.
In addition to their private meeting, the two Ministers held delegation-level talks. During the discussions, both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing collaboration in key areas, including trade and investment, energy security, agricultural development, scientific research, and cultural exchange.
During the visit, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and an Agreement were signed in the areas of Culture (2025-2027), Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, and the Abolition of Visas for Diplomatic Passport holders.
The visiting Minister called on the Prime Minister and met with the Minister of Commerce. Together with the Commerce Minister, he inaugurated the Pakistan-Hungary Business Forum.
The visit coincided with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Hungary.
Pakistan and Bangladesh convened the Sixth Round of Foreign Secretary-Level Bilateral Consultations in Dhaka on 17 April 2025, following a hiatus of 15 years. The talks, led by Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch and Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Md. Jashim Uddin, were held in a cordial atmosphere and reflected a shared resolve to revitalize bilateral engagement.
The two sides held a comprehensive exchange on political, economic, cultural, educational, and strategic cooperation, underpinned by shared history, cultural affinities, and the common aspirations of their peoples. Satisfaction was expressed at recent high-level contacts in New York, Cairo, Samoa, and Jeddah, which have helped reenergize the bilateral relationship.
Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum through regular institutional dialogue, early finalization of pending agreements, and enhanced cooperation in trade, agriculture, education, and connectivity. Pakistan offered academic opportunities in its agricultural universities, while Bangladesh offered technical training in fisheries and maritime studies. The Bangladeshi side also acknowledged scholarship offers from private universities in Pakistan and underscored the need for deeper cooperation in the education sector.
The mortal remains of eight Pakistani nationals, tragically killed in a terrorist attack in Mehrestan, Iran, were repatriated to Bahawalpur, Pakistan aboard a PAF C-130 aircraft on Wednesday night. Pakistan's Consul in Zahidan was also present on the flight.
Upon arrival, the Bahawalpur Administration took custody of the remains and ensured their prompt delivery to the bereaved families.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received a telephone call from the Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, wherein the latter while offering condolences on the tragic death of 8 Pakistanis in Iran assured full cooperation in bringing the perpetrators to justice and repatriating the mortal remains of the victims.
The Iran FM also briefed the DPM/FM regarding the 12th April talks between Iran and the US in Oman, which the DPM/FM appreciated and encouraged.
Pakistan welcomes the talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America that were held on 12 April 2025 in Muscat under the good offices of Oman.
Pakistan considers that dialogue and diplomacy will promote peace and stability in the region and advance the objectives of resolution of differences and disputes on the basis of negotiations and mutual respect. We encourage the parties to continue to follow this path.
Pakistan commends the Sultanate of Oman for its valuable role in facilitating and hosting these talks.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received the UN Under Secretary Generals Jean-Pierre Lacroix (DPO) & Atul Khare (DOS) on the sidelines of the UN Peacekeeping Preparatory Meeting, co-hosted by Pakistan & Republic of Korea in Islamabad.
DPM/FM reiterated Pakistan's longstanding commitment to UN peacekeeping and recalled Pakistan's proud legacy in the peacekeeping arena.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government of the United Kingdom, Lord Wajid Khan. They discussed issues of mutual interest.
DPM/FM reiterated Pakistan's commitment to a strong, broad-based, multifaceted Pakistan-UK partnership and appreciated the British Pakistani community's role in fostering goodwill between the two countries.
At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Nurlan Yermekbayev, is currently visiting Pakistan. He is heading a delegation comprising of officials from the SCO Secretariat in Beijing.
The Secretary General held meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister. He will also meet Minister of Commerce and Foreign Secretary. He will visit National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).
The visit of the Secretary General of the SCO provides an opportunity for Pakistan to engage with the SCO Secretariat while highlighting its perspective and priorities for making SCO mechanisms more effective in advancing shared regional security and economic goals.
On April 15, the Fifth Round of the Pakistan-China Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation was held in Beijing. The dialogue was co-chaired by Additional Secretary (Asia-Pacific) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, and Director General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Hong Liang.
The two sides agreed to hold the Sixth Round of the Pakistan-China Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation in Pakistan at an appropriate time next year.
The 15th round of Pakistan-Russia Consultative Group on Strategic Stability was held in Islamabad on 16 April 2025. Additional Foreign Secretary (Arms Control & Disarmament), Tahir Andrabi and Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, S.A. Ryabkov, led the respective delegations.
The two sides held detailed discussion on international security, regional and global stability and various aspects of arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation.
The second round of Pakistan-Jordan Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) were held on 10 April 2025 in Amman. Pakistan side was led by Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch, Jordanian delegation was led by Ambassador MajedT. ALQATARNEH, Secretary-General for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Foreign Secretary expressed deep appreciation for Jordan's efforts to ensure stability, peace and security across the Middle East and its strong resolve in combating terrorism. She praised the role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in hosting refugees from Palestine, Syria and other neighboring countries.
DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar delivered a Keynote Address at the conclusion of UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Preparatory Meeting, held in Islamabad.
He stressed the need for a renewed commitment to multilateralism, integrating technological solutions to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers and to hold accountable perpetrators of attacks against the UN peacekeepers. He also paid tribute to Pakistan's illustrious and proud UN peacekeeping legacy.
Pakistan strongly condemns the bombing of the Baptist Hospital in Gaza by Israeli occupation forces. This attack, part of a pattern of targeting medical facilities, constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. That it occurred on Palm Sunday, a sacred occasion for Christians, underscores Israel's blatant disregard for religious sanctity and civilian lives.
Pakistan demands an immediate end to Israel's ongoing atrocities, which have resulted in the indiscriminate killing of innocent and unarmed Palestinians, including women and children, and the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure.
Israel's relentless assaults have crippled Gaza's healthcare system, depriving critically ill patients of vital medical care. Coupled with the blockade on humanitarian aid, these actions reflect a deliberate strategy to prolong suffering and entrench conflict.
Pakistan calls for an immediate halt to the hostilities by Israeli occupying forces and reiterates its support for the two-State solution, with a viable, independent and sovereign State of Palestine on pre-June 1967 borders with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
Pakistan urges the international community to take decisive action to hold Israel accountable and protect Palestinian civilians from further violence.
We wish to set the record straight regarding remarks made by the Spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs regarding Jammu and Kashmir, yesterday. India's arbitrary designation of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir as its so-called Union Territory is null and void, ipso facto.
Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory whose final status is to be determined in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Rather than making baseless claims, India should vacate the large territories of Jammu and Kashmir under its forcible occupation for the last 77 years.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will undertake an official visit to Pakistan from 20-21 April 2025.
The high-level visit reflects the deep-rooted, fraternal relations between Pakistan and the UAE, and underscores the two countries' shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.
At the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda, Ambassador Olivier J. P Nduhungirehe is visiting Pakistan from 21-22 April 2025. During the visit, Foreign Minister Nduhungirehe will be holding talks with the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister.
Apart from calling on the Prime Minister and the Chairman Senate, the Foreign Minister of Republic of Rwanda will also have meetings with some key Federal Ministers. Foreign Minister Nduhungirehe will also officially inaugurate the High Commission of the Republic of Rwanda in Islamabad.
I thank you.
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(Tahir Khan, NNI News Agency): You just announced Foreign Minister's visit to Kabul. My question is that is there any possibility of signing any agreement between the two countries. Because I have heard that progress took place on something after the visit of the Special Envoy to Kabul and also the Afghan Commerce Minister's visit to Pakistan. The second part of this question is about the JCC meeting. We have seen only two tweets from the Special Envoy. So, are there any details that you can share? Is there any possibility of signing of an agreement?
(Mateen Haider, GTV): As you mentioned that Pakistani FM will be meeting his Afghan counterpart and several other Afghan officials. Can you please share that whether the details of the Afghan nationals who cross over Pakistan through Pak-Afghan border and indulged in terrorist activities will be shared with the Afghan side and will Pakistan demand them to be handed over?
(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): According to media reports investigations have revealed that an Afghan commander has been found involved in planning the attack on PAF Masroor Airbase Karachi. Moreover, Indian secret Agency has also been found involved in the attack. Your comments on this.
Spokesperson: First of all, this is part of our efforts to develop good positive relations with Afghanistan. As in my previous briefings, I have been emphasizing the kind of relations Pakistan desires between two neighbouring countries, which are bound together with so many layers of complementarities and commonalities. That's the kind of relationship. We want, good friendly neighbourly relations as it should be. You are aware of our concerns which have been articulated very clearly. The key concern remains centered on security. So when we say that the entire range of bilateral agenda will be covered, security would be covered and would be addressed there. Secondly about agreements, I do not have any details right now. It is a very important and significant visit and it reiterates our commitment to develop friendly, good neighbourly relations with Afghanistan. This is in line with the priority that we have given to this relationship. You rightly mentioned the visit of the Special Representative and then JCC meetings followed by the visit of Afghan Commerce Minister. These are all part of the process and efforts on both sides to improve relations and entire agenda of the bilateral relations will be covered during the visit.
About your specific question, I cannot comment on the operational issues but what I can say is that the question of sanctuaries and terrorism has been raised multiple times and we will keep raising it. We want to find an amicable solution to this challenge.
(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin while addressing a press conference in Dhaka, following the talks between Pakistan and Bangladesh clearly raised historically unsettled issues with Pakistan including formal public apology for atrocities allegedly committed by Pakistani troops in 1971 during Bangladesh war of independent as well as 4.3 billion dollars in terms of pending dues. What are your comments on this?
(Salman Ali Awan, Bol News): The four issues highlighted by Bangladeshi FS, what is Pakistan's stance on them and will they be discussed in the upcoming Foreign Minister's visit to Bangladesh?
(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Digital forces are actively propagating anti-Pakistan narrative on rapprochement with Bangladesh. What are your comments and there are reports of visit of Deputy Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Dhaka?
Spokesperson: What I can say as Naveed Sahab rightly mentioned here is torrent of fake news or sensational news by forces which I do not need to point out which are trying to undermine the growing reproachment between Pakistan and Bangladesh. But for record let me say: the Foreign Secretary level consultations took place in a very cordial and constructive atmosphere. The conduct of these consultations after a gap of 15 years is a testimony to the existing goodwill and cordiality between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Such misleading reports must not undermine the significance of this important development in bilateral relations. Some outstanding issues were indeed discussed during the consultations. However, both sides stated their respective positions on them in an environment of mutual understanding and respect.
Naveed Sahab's question about Deputy Prime Minister's visit, we will keep you informed as soon as dates are finalized and everything is put in place.
(Khalid Mahmood, Express News): Sir, as we know that Afghan Minister visited Pakistan, has Pakistan discussed about American weapons left in Afghanistan? Secondly, Ishaq Dar will be visiting Afghanistan tomorrow, will he discuss the same issue there?
Spokesperson: If you are referring sir to the Afghan Commerce Minister visit, I'll refer you to the Commerce Ministry and I just want to say it's a very important positive development in the Pakistan Afghan relations and both sides will discuss the entire agenda of bilateral relations.
(Aijaz Ahmed, GNN News): My question is regarding the recently held minerals forum and Pakistan U.S. relations. It is being said that amid trade war between China and America, major developments are going on which include America participating in the mineral summit which has apparently offended China. Pakistan has to take one side, what is our policy in this regard?
Spokesperson: Sir, about the details of this minerals forum, the technical details and information about related discussions, I'll refer you to the Ministry of Petroleum. China is our strategic partner, all-weather friend, it's a decades old strategic partnership between the two neighboring countries which is characterized by strong trust, mutual respect, and it is based on the UN charter principles. We also historically have strong relations with the U.S. and this is part of our efforts to have good relations with all countries of the world. There's no question of a binary choice. We follow policy of friendship that serves our interests well and defend our country. We believe that Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum provided a level playing field for investors across the globe to invest in minerals sector in Pakistan. More than 2000 participants attended the minerals forum, including 300 international delegates from the United States, China, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Finland and Denmark. During the forum, several Chinese companies along with others attended the forum and expressed their interests in investments in mineral sectors.
(Mazhar Iqbal, Daily Sindh Post): Sir, if you are in position to brief us something about the diplomatic efforts going on there at the United States particularly to tackle reports of a law against some important personalities in Pakistan.
Spokesperson: I have earlier responded to this question in the past two to three briefings. We are interacting with the US government. The Deputy Prime Minister had two high-level telephone exchanges with the U.S. National Security Adviser and Secretary of State. Their conversations were very amiable, very amicable and forward looking. We look forward to further strengthening of Pakistan U.S. relations, which are decades old, and strengthened by the presence of a large Pakistani diaspora, which has done so well there. About individual Congressman's views or any statement, they issue, I don't comment on that.
(Namra Sohail, PTV News): Sir, Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, has said that Pakistan is now trapped in its own web of terrorism, referring to security incidents in KPK and the Balochistan. So, what do you have to say about that?
And secondly, Prime Minister Modi has called Muslim youth Puncture makers in a recent statement, what are your comments regarding these views of the highest office holder of a country which calls itself a secular state. Thank you.
Spokesperson: About the second question, I find it extremely regrettable. All those involved in manual labour should be respected. However, mentioning an entire community in a derogatory manner, for us is yet another manifestation and proof of growing bigotry in India. That's what I can say.
And about the other question, Indian External Affairs Minister said a lot of things while addressing a university, including that there was no need to spend precious time over Pakistan and about terrorism and everything. It is lamentable that the Indian leadership at different levels continues to invoke Pakistan in their public discourse. The phenomena show an incredible obsession with Pakistan. The Indian External Affairs Minister's saying that he did not want to spend his precious time on Pakistan is particularly ironical as he keeps on discussing Pakistan every now and then. We also take strong exception to the Indian leaders continued diatribe in the context of terrorism. India's false narrative of victimhood cannot divert international attention from its own dismal human rights record and its involvement in terrorism and targeted assassinations in foreign territories.
(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): I think most of the questions on the Afghan visit have been answered. The visit of the Foreign Minister, the KP government, because this is a recurring question that has been asked from you, they have been saying that they've sent TORs terms of reference of engagement with the Afghan government to the Foreign Office. Is there someone from the KP government accompanying the Foreign Minister tomorrow for his visit? And will the matter of these US weapons that have been sold, allegedly sold, rather, as per BBC report, would that be taken up during the visit tomorrow, with the Afghan side? Thank you.
Spokesperson: About composition, let me check, because the visit has been finalized, and I do not have all the details, but let me check. My own understanding is that it is a functional visit with a heavy agenda, so all the relevant departments, technical experts are there. But I am not aware of whether anyone from KPK government is part of the delegation, or if there is a requirement for that.
About your specific question, what I can say at this point, as the curtain raiser also mentions all the issues on the bilateral agenda will be discussed in a very open manner. We look forward to it. The visit is a very important positive development in Pakistan-Afghan relations, and we hope it will pave the way for greater understanding and nurturing and rekindling of friendship and deepen relations between the two countries.
(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): I have two questions. It is being reported in International media that during Foreign Secretary's visit to Bangladesh, it was demanded that Pakistan will apologize to Bangladesh for alleged atrocities committed in 1971 war and that it will pay back some debt.
My second question is regarding US weapons left in Afghanistan. According to a recent report published by Afghan Taliban half of US weapons have disappeared. Disappearance of weapons was the biggest concern of Pakistan. Don't you think it is too late?
(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): According to Washington Post's claim, American weapons were used in Jaffer Express attack. Your comments.
Spokesperson: Three questions are linked. All the issues on the bilateral agenda will be discussed during the Foreign Minister's visit.
About Mr. Mohmand's question, you have supporters here! I had had addressed that question and I will repeat it: some outstanding issues were indeed discussed during the consultations; however, both sides stated their respective positions on them in an environment of mutual understanding and respect.
(Khalid Mahmood, Express News): Shafqat Sahab, Saudi Arabia has banned Pakistanis for five to six months. What are your comments on this? What are the latest updates?
Secondly, 65,000 Hajis are facing problems. Did Pakistan take up this matter on high level with Saudi Arabia?
Spokesperson: Regarding your second question, Ministry of Religious Affairs is dealing with it. But I will still check. On both parts of your question, I will try to get the factual situation. I have seen a media report, that there is a list of 14 countries that they have temporarily stopped issuing visas for long term. It is not just Pakistan, but let me check the full details of that.
(Anwar Abbas, 24 News HD): I have two questions. Regarding Asif Merchant, it has been 1.5 years that America has neither provided information about Asif Merchant nor provided consular access to Asif Merchant. Will we take this matter to an International Court as it is the violation of Vienna Convention?
Secondly, has any evidence been found regarding India's involvement in Jaffar Express incident? Any details?
Spokesperson: About the Jaffar Express question, the operational matters and investigations are going on. I had explained in my first press conference after this tragic incident, that we have clear technical evidence that the perpetrators of this attack were in touch with their handlers in Afghanistan. But I had also emphasized that we have had proof of Indian deep involvement in fanning and promoting terrorism in Balochistan.
About Asif Merchant case, US side has not shared any data on Asif Merchant so far. We are awaiting response from the US Justice Department on this issue.
(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Several times we have been giving statements, the government have been issuing statements regarding BLA and TTP. You yourself have been issuing statements. So, what is the latest information? Where is Mufti Noor Wali Masood, right now? Where is Bashir Zeb, what is the information? What is their location? If you may share.
Spokesperson: This is a specific question of operational nature. I will try to get information and get back.
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