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Transcript of the Weekly Media Briefing by the Spokesperson on Friday, 16th May 2025

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

As you are aware, the past few weeks have seen heightened tensions between Pakistan and India. These tensions escalated into active hostilities following India's aggression against Pakistan on 7 May 2025. It is deeply regrettable that India's actions set a dangerous precedent for unilateral aggression, pushing the entire region to the brink of a disaster. Our armed forces were fully prepared and responded decisively, shooting down six Indian Air Force fighter aircraft. The Pakistan Air Force acted strictly in accordance with its mandate: to target Indian aircraft that either violated Pakistan's airspace or discharged their payload against Pakistani territory.

In light of India's unrelenting aggression, Pakistan was compelled to exercise its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Accordingly, in the early hours of 10 May 2025, we launched Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.

Our response was measured, proportionate, and strictly targeted military installations. Pakistan's decisive success in neutralising Indian fighter jets, drones, and military targets is now an undeniable and widely recognized fact—one that cannot be obscured by misinformation or propaganda.

The objective of our action was clear: to demonstrate Pakistan's resolve, capability, and inherent right to defend its territory and people.

Pakistan's effective counterstrikes have reinforced the credibility of its deterrence and dispelled any illusions of India's conventional superiority or its ambitions to impose hegemony in the region.

While India propagates the notion of establishing a "new normal" in bilateral relations, our restrained response has reaffirmed that the only acceptable norm is respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The recent announcement of a Pakistan-India ceasefire is a positive development. We urge India to adhere faithfully to its implementation.

We once again appreciate the constructive role played by friendly countries in facilitating the ceasefire. We also reiterate our support for President Trump's announcement on engaging with Pakistan and India to seek a resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Let me clarify: the ceasefire was achieved through facilitation of several friendly nations. Against this backdrop, India's portrayal of Pakistan as acting out of "despair and frustration" is entirely baseless. The facts speak for themselves.

I would like to highlight that the Directors General of Military Operations of Pakistan and India have maintained periodic contact since 10 May 2025. Both sides have agreed on a structured mechanism for phased de-escalation.

As a goodwill gesture, Pakistan handed over an Indian Border Security Force (BSF) constable on 14 May 2025. In return, India released a sepoy of the Pakistan Rangers.

At a time when the international community is actively promoting regional peace and stability, India's rhetoric reflects a persistent tendency to distort facts, justify aggression, and cast unwarranted aspersions on Pakistan's nuclear assets. In contrast, Pakistan, as a responsible state, remains committed to the ceasefire and to taking necessary steps toward de-escalation and regional stability.

Given India's belligerent posture, we call upon our international partners to ensure that India honours its commitments and refrains from further aggression. Should India resume hostilities, Pakistan will have no choice but to respond.

In this era, peace is the true strength. The world is not served by theatrical militarism and grandstanding but by mature leadership, regional cooperation, and respect for international norms.

Pakistan is a sovereign nation with resilient institutions, a committed populace, and a globally recognized role in maintaining peace and security. Our commitment to peace must never be mistaken for weakness. Any future aggression will also be met with full resolve. We hope India will prioritize regional stability and the well-being of its citizens over narrow, politically motivated jingoism.

In conclusion, Pakistan firmly believes in peaceful coexistence. We prioritise dialogue and diplomacy over conflict and confrontation. We have consistently advocated for meaningful engagement and result-oriented dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir. A just and peaceful settlement of these disputes remains indispensable for lasting peace in South Asia.

I thank you

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(Adeel Bashir, Roze News): President Donald Trump said that both Pakistan and India icons should go out for a dinner. Can this statement overcome the mistrust between the two countries?

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Is Pakistani Prime Minister ready to go out on a dinner with Indian Prime Minister in Narendra Modi?

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Sir, some positive statements from the President Donald Trump can be seen regarding the developing situations between the two countries however, they are being consistently ignored by India. Your comments?

Spokesperson: You would have seen a press release of 11th may in which we welcomed President Trump's statement. I wish to reiterate our support for the US announcement for working with Pakistan and India for the settlement of Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): The conduct of the Indian media during this Indian aggression was reckless, and they did not report according to the ethics of the journalism. However, one report suggests that some Indian Plane hit a certain place in Pakistan where they damaged Pakistan's nuclear facilities. And consequently, there are some reports in which India has claimed that there is a radiation leak in that area. Would you like to comment on that?

(Sardar Amer Hussain Alamgir, Daily Maddar): Pakistan has attacked on nuclear facilities in India as well, there are also some rumors about radiations leaking. Your comments?

Spokesperson: What I can say iabout radiation leakage in Pakistan s that these reports are absurd and preposterous. This is part of disinformation and fake news peddled by Indian media, which has distinguished itself recently with blatant lies and fabrication. As a responsible nuclear weapon state, Pakistan categorically rejects this irresponsible reporting with the contempt it deserves. India will be well advised to check such manufactured falsehoods and stop the fall of its media to new low.

(Kahlid Mehmood, Express News): Sir, is there any deadline decided for ceasefire? Secondly, after Pahalgam incident, our staff was reduced, both countries did that and what are updates on Indus Water Treaty and what about visa? Where would all these talks be held?

(Ali Jaffar, APP): Sir, my question to you is that the response of Indian side, especially the statements of their foreign minister, Mr. Jaishankar, they don't want to talk on Indus Water Treaty or even Kashmir dispute despite our assurances. Don't you think it presumes that they want to maintain the status quo, keep the forces of both the countries on guard, and no political negotiations at all, and this status quo will again create another chaotic situation in the region? How will Pakistan respond to this situation?

Spokesperson: I will answer Indus Water Treaty question separately. I will come to the ceasefire. The Directors General of Military Operations of Pakistan and India have remained in contact since 10th May 2025, from time to time. Both sides have agreed on a mechanism for stage-wise de-escalation in the coming days. We believe that communication and coordination is the best way forward in this regard.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Two quick questions. First again, going back to the Indus Waters Treaty, the Indian External Affairs Minister has said that it holds the treaty in abeyance and that there will be no talks on the Indus Waters treaty, and that they won't be responding to the letter that Pakistan wrote as well. How does Pakistan have to respond to that? Secondly, China has renamed the disputed territory of Arunachal Pradesh. What does Pakistan have to say about that?

Spokesperson: We have noted this development regarding China renaming of some areas within Arunachal Pradesh. Pakistan reiterates its consistent support for China on issues of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

On the Indus Water Treaty, we have already stated that India is weaponizing water, which it must not do. Holding the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance is unilateral and illegal. The announcement shows India's disregard for the sanctity of the international treaties and strikes at a fundamental pillar of regional cooperation. It is equivalent to an attack on the people of Pakistan and its economy. India must immediately restore the normal functioning of the treaty, as it contains no provision on holding it in abeyance. Pakistan will take all appropriate steps to safeguard its due share of water.

(Zain Zaman, Agency France-Presses): Sir, after calling international community to scrutinize Pakistan's nukes, the Defense Minister of India, Mr. Rajnath Singh has a few hours back, called on IMF to reconsider Pakistan's bailout package?

Spokesperson: Sir, you must have followed the developments related to IMF. The Fund's board has already approved Pakistan's package, which was under discussion. India was the only country which tried to stop it and failed. Again, India trying to politicize an institution like IMF speaks about its desperation and frustration.

(Shaukat Piracha, Aaj TV): How fragile or solid is the ceasefire in your assessment? The DG MOs have spoken three to four times, and the Deputy Prime Minister yesterday informed that this will be up to 18th of May, so why don't the DG MOs agree that this ceasefire is now permanent, as it has been in the past? My second question is that the British Foreign Secretary was here today so what particular message is he carrying for Pakistan? And what message have you shared with him to carry to India when he visits India later in his second run of his visit?

Spokesperson: Sir, I will not comment or characterize, how the ceasefire is holding, in terms of its fragility or otherwise. What I can convey to you is that the ceasefire is holding right now. The Directors General Military Operation have been engaged periodically and they have agreed on a mechanism for stage wise de-escalation in the coming days, and we believe that communication and coordination is the best way forward in this regard.

Regarding the British Foreign Secretary's visit, the visit is still ongoing and there are certain meetings already taking place as we speak. We will be issuing a press release once the visit concludes. But broadly what I can convey is that Britain remains a very important partner and friend of Pakistan. We have decades old, multi layered relations which are really solid. Britain remains an important player on the global stage and in South Asia. It played a very positive role in the international efforts to deescalate the recent crisis between Pakistan and India. The detailed press release will be issued once the visit is over and you will get the full information.

(Aijaz Ahmed, GNN News): Sir, Pakistan's FM has said that there will be composite dialogue and his Indian counterpart has said that there will be talks on terrorism only. Additionally, he said that they have a list which would be handed over to Pakistan and Pakistan would have to hand over those terrorists who are in that list and they won't talk on anything less than that. What is Pakistan's take on this? Would Pakistan agree to handover those people?

Spokesperson: This is too speculative at this point in time, but what I can reiterate is that Pakistan does not shy away from discussions on terrorism. We are a victim of terrorism and we know India's role in planning and promoting terrorism inside Pakistan and globally. It also tried to orchestrate assassinations in several other countries. So, whenever the discussion on terrorism takes place, we are not going to shy away from that as we want the problem of terrorism to be contained. Again, I would want to highlight that we have enough material, dossiers and evidence available about India's complicity in promoting and planning terrorism in Pakistan.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): When are two countries expected to come to table for discussion and what could be the venue? Secondly, Modi in his statement said that if we hold talks with Pakistan, we will only talk on Azad Jammu and Kashmir and terrorism. Your comments on that?

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Sir, Indian Prime Minister Modi in his statement said that whenever we will talk, we will discuss Pakistani occupied Kashmir. How do we see this statement? And would this discussion be on whole Kashmir? Need your guidance on this.

(Rashida Sial, Abb Takk): Sir, is there any possibility of talks regarding Indus Water Treaty? Secondly, we have seen that both countries issued Persona Non Grata to some diplomats and sent them back. What is the size of our diplomatic Mission in Delhi? Are we thinking of reducing it?

Spokesperson: I have already answered about the terrorism part that we are a victim of terrorism. We have enough evidence of India's involvement in terrorism, in promoting terrorism in Pakistan and also globally, and countries which have been affected by the Indian sponsored terrorism and extra judicial killings are discussing it with India. We are open to discuss the issue of terrorism and whenever a comprehensive dialogue takes place, Kashmir will be on the agenda of such a dialogue. But the discussions about the venue, agenda and dates, at this point are slightly premature. As our focus is on stabilizing the situation, consolidate the ceasefire and move towards de-escalation.

(Tahir Khan, NNI News Agency): There are two reports about Afghanistan amidst tensions between India and Pakistan. Although Pakistan's stated position is that it does not comment on the bilateral relations of other countries. However, in yesterday's statement of Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, we can see that there was condemnation of Pahalgam incident and India has been adjudged as an important country. I think during this recent situation, Mr. Muttaqi and Mr. Ishaq Dar had no contact. They established a contact before when he came back. However, Acting Afghan FM established contact with India and Indian External Affairs Minister was very satisfied.

Second report alleges that the Afghan Deputy Defense Minister Ibrahim has secretly visited India, but officially there is neither a denial nor a confirmation from India. Is Pakistan concerned about the alleged secret visit amid tensions between Pakistan and India?

Spokesperson: The first part of your question contains my answer. It is the policy of Pakistan not to comment on bilateral relations of other countries. Afghanistan is a sovereign, independent country. We do not comment on what kind of relations it wants to pursue with other countries. It is Afghanistan's sovereign right. At the same time, we urge our Afghan friends that no matter what kind of relations they have with a third country, their territory should not be used against Pakistan. How many ministers visit from India to Afghanistan or from Afghanistan to India, this is a bilateral matter between Afghanistan and India, and we respect Afghanistan as a neighbor, and as a sovereign, independent state.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Regarding Afghanistan, during this crisis, there was a media report aired on multiple news outlets, that a missile fell inside Afghanistan, and it was reported that it was an Indian missile. I wanted to know that did Afghan side contact Pakistan or Pakistan contacted Afghanistan on that particular development? Any information on that?

Spokesperson: Sir, about actual operational matters, I will refer you to ISPR and about specific question I will also check through our system and other departments and get back if I get any update.

(Almas Hiader Naqvi, Daily Dunya): Sir, as you have said that both sides have agreed to have a structured mechanism for de-escalation. So, would you like to comment about or elaborate further on what would be the stages and how it would take place?

Spokesperson: Sir, I have just explained to you the broad direction, as the things are moving forward. We remain committed to the ceasefire and to restore stability in the region and then move forward towards resolution of the disputes.

(Syeda Qurat ul Ain, Independent Urdu): Ministry of Foreign Affairs has shared some details with the parliament yesterday, stating that around 44 Pakistanis have been convicted in terrorist activities, including conspiracy to attack US officials and other charges. So according to this document, since all of these people have been convicted, and it also includes those attacking the US officials, can you share an update on whether Asif merchant is included in that list, or what is the update on his case? Moreover, the list does not mention the number of Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails. The last figure that you had shared was around 770 Pakistani prisoners were languishing in Indian jails. So do you have that number as well?

Spokesperson: I will have to check. About the first question, I have not seen that response, or the document. I will have to check both questions and will get back to you.

(Sumaira Khan, Samaa News): Sir, my first question is regarding President World Bank, Ajay Banga remarks. They are very categorical, but people are confused, seeing two different versions of Ajay Banga remarks, because Indian side is trying to portray that he has probably busted Pakistan's propaganda on IWT, Pakistan is on losers end. But from the Pakistani side, we are seeing totally a different narrative and the extracts of Ajay Banga's statement on IWT being mediator or not. Second part of my question is that if you have any details on, in obviously the privileged diplomatic conversation is something else, but whatever you can share in your best capability that within the realm of talks with Afghanistan, on the recent clashes, what exactly had been discussed with Afghanistan? Because we heard that on the, I think it was May 9, when Pakistan was attacked simultaneously, some missiles were fired into the territory of Afghanistan as well. So what exactly we are mutually discussing on that attack on Pakistan and Afghanistan? Thank you.

Spokesperson: About the first question, what I can tell you is that the President World Bank Statement is on record. You can listen to it. It is very clear in terms of explaining what IWT is and what is the World Bank's role. And second, I have already responded to Aizaz Sahab. This is about the details I will have to check with the Afghanistan desk, but about the specific operational matters, I will refer you to the ISPR.

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International) Pakistan has convincingly communicated this message from the diplomatic and military battle ground that Kashmir remains a dispute between India and Pakistan. However, we have witnessed during the wars of 1947, 1965, 1971 and 1999 that after the battle ceasefires takes place but the Kashmir issue remains unresolved. The statements emerging from the Indian side suggest that they have clearly stipulated their objectives in these forthcoming negotiations. So has the MFA Pakistan also prepared its own SOP for upcoming negotiations with India?

Spokesperson: Thank you for your kind words about Pakistan's diplomacy. It was a whole national effort, and I must say that it is not just the military and the diplomatic domain, but also the media in Pakistan, has been responsible and credible compared to the complete meltdown on the other side, that is what I wanted to say.

About the Kashmir issue and the negotiations, our position has remained consistent, and I can reiterate our full diplomatic position, once again. Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory, as acknowledged by multiple UN Security Council resolutions. Numerous UNSC resolutions, particularly resolution 47 and subsequent ones affirmed the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to determine their own future through a free and impartial plebiscite under the UN auspices. Pakistan consistently upholds the inalienable right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to self determination in accordance with the UN Charter and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Pakistan underscores the importance of acknowledging and respecting the legitimate political aspirations of the Kashmiri people who have suffered prolonged denial of their fundamental freedoms. The Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a potential nuclear flashpoint in South Asia, posing a serious threat to regional and global peace and security. In this backdrop, responsible management and resolution of dispute is critical for regional stability.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Thank you, Spokesperson. Following the Phalgam attack, Modi has leveled baseless allegation against Pakistan. But on the other side, 26 innocent people lost their lives. We call it false flag operation but we condemn and also ask for investigation of the case. So why there is a contradiction in our policy? We call it false flag operation and then we are asking investigation. So don't you think this damages our case?

Spokesperson: The Foreign Ministry or Minister's statement has nowhere said that this is a false flag operation. What we have drawn attention to is analysts pointing to it. And we have also pointed out in ISPR briefing and some of the other briefings regarding the Indian case of blaming Pakistan. The speed with which the whole system concluded that Pakistan was involved and the minutes within which FIR was registered and the text of the FIR itself is what we have been drawing attention to. If you look at the Indians they have damaged their own case. The hasty manner they tried to act as a judge, jury and executioner, is breathtaking. This is the contradiction which we are actually highlighting. There is no contradiction in our policy. We have extended our condolences notwithstanding the fact India has never extended condolences to any terrorist attack happening in Pakistan and then without Pakistan's consent the UN Security Council statement couldn't have been issued. It was Pakistan on board which agreed to the condemnation of this attack. So I don't see any contradiction in our policy.

(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): There is report that India is likely to boost its defence budget and 50,000 CRs is to be allocated in defence. This proposal is to be presented in the Parliament in upcoming budget. What is your response?

Spokesperson: For us, it remains a source of concern. It's a driver of instability in the region and it gels with the hegemonic impulse which defines and permeates the Indian strategic policy or Indian South Asia Policy. But we are ready we have demonstrated our capability to defend ourselves. We don't have any expansionist designs and our armed forces stand ready. We are in a position, we've demonstrated conventionally also. We are not going to allow India to be able to use conventional forces in a manner to intimidate or to harm Pakistan's fundamental interest. And also what I alluded towards India's overall hegemonic impulse, I want to draw your attention to the fact that India doesn't have good relations with any of its neigbours and it's not just Pakistan. They have troublesome relations with the entire region. It is for the Indian decision makers and Indian polity to think and to forge a new, new path of peace, which should be a truly win-win proposition for the entire region, not just for India, but for everyone.

(Shahmeer Baloch, The Guardian): As the Foreign Minister mentioned, about the constructive role of British Foreign Secretary and the British government for de- escalation, could you please tell us more about the current visit? Could you please confirm or deny the British Foreign Secretary visit for playing the role to bring Pakistan and India on the table, and is London a third party venue on the table to be for India and Pakistan bilateral dialogues?

Spokesperson: I have answered this question about the third part of your question. These debates about the venue are premature at this point in time. I wouldn't enter into any speculation on this. On the British foreign Secretary's visit, let me recap. UK is a very important partner and friend of Pakistan. We welcomed its positive role as part of concerted international efforts to de-escalate the situation. Regarding the details of the visit, we will be issuing the press release as soon as the visit concludes.

(Ghazala Noureen, Suno TV): Sir, recently Indian Defence Minister gave comments on Pakistan's nuclear weapons on which you issued a detailed statement and yesterday, it was reported in Indian and Pakistani media that IAEA has declared Pakistan's nuclear weapons as safe. What are you comments on this? Thank you.

Spokesperson: About the first part of the question, the statement is self explanatory. The statement is not only preposterous, but exhibits a fundamental misunderstanding about the role of the IAEA and what role it is supposed to play. Actually, our statement is self explanatory.

(Noor-e-Aimen Zahra, Talon News,): Thank you, Sir. As India is again and again denying an independent probe on the Phalgam incident, so what is Pakistan's stance on it?

Spokesperson: Frankly, this was offered at a very high level, senior most level. The Prime Minister made the proposal that instead of this rushing to judgment - which was breathtaking, actually even by Indian standards, in minutes, were casting aspersions on Pakistan and holding Pakistan accountable there was an effort to help situation deescalate. If India has any doubts we can go for an impartial investigation, transparent, international investigation, which India did not accept, rejected it. We can express our regrets over that.

(Zeeshan Syed, Neo TV): Sir, I have two questions. It has been six days since Pakistan - India ceasefire was enacted and Russia welcomed it today. Did Russia played any role in the ceasefire?

Secondly, on one hand we faced Pakistan - India tensions and on the other hand, Pakistan, China and Afghanistan held a trilateral meeting and then within one week, three important meeting were held. In these meetings, what important matters were discussed? Can you provide us with details?

Spokesperson: About the second part of the question. As part of Trilateral cooperation between Afghanistan, China and Pakistan, the Special Representative of Pakistan on Afghanistan, Ambassador Mohammed Sadiq and China's Special Representative traveled to Afghanistan. It was a good opportunity for three sides to exchange views on and prioritize regional peace, development and security. The visit has helped to sustain momentum generated by the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar to Kabul on 19th April 2025.

Regarding Russian involvement in ceasefire, Russia is again a very important partner and a friend of Pakistan. Russia has commented on the crisis. You must have seen the public statements. I won't get into the detail of how many countries or which countries were involved, but many countries were involved. International community in its entirety wanted situation to stabilize and de-escalate. And we have noted Russian statements calling for restraint and de-escalation and we welcome their statement.

(Imran Waseem, Aik News): Sir, when Pahalgam incident happened, under the UN Charter, it was the right thing for the incident to be investigated through cooperation with Pakistan. Pakistan offered cooperation to investigate the matter but India refused. Keeping in view the UN Charter which India violated, does intend to take this matter to the UN?

Secondly, PM announced yesterday that Indian military officials were involved in the Jaffar Express incident. Did Pakistan arrest anyone and to whom the PM referred to?

Spokesperson: Regarding your first question, actually you have taken my words when I said earlier that they blamed Pakistan for something very serious and horrendous. We offered to cooperate through an international, transparent, impartial investigation. India rejected it, and then what they did in Pakistan is violation of all UN Charter principles and the fundamental principles of international law, but we had to respond under the article 51 of the UN Charter. India's case does not have any locus standi in legal terms.

About the Jaffar express, I can just go back to my earlier statement about India's involvement in acts of terrorism in Pakistan, and perhaps it felt emboldened by perpetrating and planning terrorism in Pakistan and then it decided to go global. So basically, about the specifics or the operational matters, and of the criminal justice matters, I will have to check. I do not have information on that because that is Interior Ministry and the Defense Ministry. I will have to check with that.

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Recently, former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Aizaz Chaudhary, who is a big name in Pakistan MFA, in an interview stated that Iranian soil is used against Pakistan and recently, we captured another Indian Intelligence agent like Kalbushan Yadav whose name was perhaps Chaturvedi? Do you confirm these reports?

Spokesperson: I talked to Aizaz Sahab and he denied this. That is what I will say. About Kalbhusan Yadav, it is part of record. It is there for everyone to see.

(Muhammad Adnan, Nikkei Asia): Thank you, Mr. Spokesperson. So after the diplomatic support that Türkiye and Azerbaijan provided to Pakistan, some politicians in India, the RSS affiliates, they have demanded their government that India should break off diplomatic relations with Türkiye and Azerbaijan. And a lot of people in India, they are canceling their tourism and visits to Türkiye and Azerbaijan because of their support provided to Pakistan. So what's your comment on this behavior?

Spokesperson: It is for something for India to decide. I can say that, it is part of the overall jingoism and deep frustration in India. Türkiye and Azerbaijan, both remain our very close friends and partners, long standing relations, and it is not just through the interstate mechanism, but it is in the heart of Pakistani people. But also I would just want to add one thing, because Pakistan stood for peace, de-escalations and today the international community overall supports our position.

(Rashida Sial, Abb Takk): Sir, the way President Trump mediated the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, a conspiracy theory is circulating which is that the way Trump is stated to increase trade, he is on a visit to Gulf Countries, he stated to accept Israel in Saudi Arabia, it is speculated that Pakistan was also demanded to accept Israel through the back door diplomacy. Please clarify on this.

Secondly, two days ago, Indian Foreign Secretary admitted that an investigation on Phalgam incident is ongoing. Then under what pretext, Pakistan was attacked by India?

Spokesperson: About the first question, as you said it is a conspiracy theory, so I will not comment on that.

But about what President Trump said, our statement and what I have earlier said explains our position. But about the point you raised, I think it was the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesman. So that further reinforces our point what I have been saying and the Foreign Ministry has been saying this from the beginning. The haste in which the whole narrative was built, that decision or the judgment was made that Pakistan was blamed, and now very responsible official of the Indian Government is saying that investigations are ongoing. So that demonstrates the contradiction in the Indian position, actually, and it is almost like a fallacy, basically. This is regrettable and deeply condemnable. And it almost, if you are logically speaking, it is creating a false pretext for aggression. It tantamounts to that.

(Saqib Ali Rathore, Daily Kashmir Times): Sir, Ajay Banga stated that World Bank has no authority to interfere and mediate in conflicts. But request can be submitted by both parties. Did Pakistan submit an application on IWT?

My second question is when talking about negotiations, Modi has put forward two conditions. Will Pakistan put forward the condition of involving people of IIOJK in the process of negotiations?

Spokesperson: Regarding second question, I have already answered it and what I can say is that our position, which I have read out, remains about the settlement of Kashmir issue according to the UN Security Council resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmir people.

About the first question, the broad policy, the Foreign Ministry has already articulated on behalf of the government but about the specifics, I would refer you to Ministry of Water Resources.

(Aftab Jahan, News One): Developments are taking place in Pak - Afghan relations. In this context, will the process of repatriation of illegal immigration slow down? Will this decision be reconsidered and will they not be sent back to Afghanistan?

Spokesperson: Again on Illegal Foreigners repatriation was started in November 2023, and has since been implemented smoothly. During the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister to Kabul on 19th April, we announced certain measures like establishing 24/7 hotline to address any case of harassment and creating a committee to help address claims to the legal properties. We also remain in touch with Afghan brothers at multiple levels to further facilitate this process.

(Khalid Mahmood, Express News): Shafqat Sahab, ever since ceasefire was enforced between India and Pakistan, India has started a new arms race and conducting new defence deals with Israel and the US. What are your comments on this.

Secondly, Israeli drones were used in Pakistan. Will Pakistan raise this issue on any international forum?

Spokesperson: I have addressed this in responding to a question about the Indian defense budget. What I can say is that overall, India is pursuing aggressive, or rather hegemonic policy in the region, and its defense budget reflects that. We remain concerned about the acquisition and procurement of advanced weaponry by India which creates security imbalance in the region. At the same time, we remain mindful of the threat. We are prepared and we are ready, and our forces remain ready to deal with the challenges.

(Sardar Shoukat Mahmood Khan, Islamabad Today): Thank you, Sir. My question after the ceasefire, the bilateral meeting which is going to take place between Pakistan and India, will there be any breakthroughs or are the results going to be the same like last time? President Trump's statement regarding Kashmir, will Pakistan suggest something regarding mediation to the USA?

Spokesperson: About President Trump's statement, I have explained, there is a press release. We welcome that.

Discussion about, the modality, the nature, the timing of dialogue, as I mentioned, is premature at this stage. And the third point which you referred was, if the negotiations have not been productive in the past, so would it be result oriented this time. Professional diplomats are optimists; we are optimistic people. The government remains optimistic. Any engagement we pursue is with good faith and optimism. So we hope that South Asia can rise to its potential and overcome the challenges which bedevil peace and security in the region and in good faith, we will pursue that.

Thank you.

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