• Military

• WMD Menu                           

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Friday, 04th July 2025

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is being held in Khankendi, Republic of Azerbaijan today. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, is leading the Pakistan delegation to the Summit. The theme of the Summit is "New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future."

During the Summit, the Prime Minister will share Pakistan's perspective on key regional and global challenges, reaffirm Pakistan's commitment to the ECO Vision 2025, and advocate for enhanced intra-regional trade, transport connectivity, energy cooperation, and sustainable development. He will also hold bilateral meetings with other ECO leaders on the sidelines of the Summit to discuss matters of mutual interest.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, held telephonic conversation with the Foreign Minister of Turkiye, Hakan Fidan.

The leaders discussed bilateral & multilateral cooperation, recent regional developments, and the forthcoming ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) scheduled to be held on 10-11 July in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Pakistan has assumed the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of July 2025. Pakistan undertakes this responsibility with a deep sense of purpose, humility and conviction. Our approach will continue to remain anchored in the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respect for international law, and a steadfast commitment to multilateralism.

As a country that has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy, Pakistan brings to the Security Council an objective, principled and balanced perspective shaped by its foreign policy, past experience at the Council and its long-standing contributions to the maintenance of international peace and security including through UN peacekeeping and peace-building efforts.

In preparing the Council's Programme of Work for July, Pakistan has pursued a transparent, balanced and consultative approach. We are mindful of the multiple, interlocking challenges to international peace and security across Middle East, South Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and other regions. The immense human cost of these crises demands a Security Council that is responsive, credible, and effective.

During its Presidency, Pakistan will promote substantive and action-oriented deliberations. Inclusive engagement will be ensured and constructive dialogue fostered across all agenda items. Pakistan remains committed to serving as a bridge between the Security Council and the broader UN membership, guided by the belief that maintenance of international peace and security is a shared responsibility.

The Presidency will convene two high-level signature events during July: an open debate on "Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes", to be held on 22 July; and a briefing on "Cooperation between the United Nations and Regional and Sub-Regional Organizations: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)", scheduled for 24 July. Both meetings will be chaired by Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, who will also preside over quarterly open debate on the Question of Palestine on 23 July 2025.

Pakistan looks forward to working closely with all Council members to promote timely and united action, in line with the Council's Charter responsibilities and the expectations of the international community.

The Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, Ambassador Kamran Akhtar, has been elected as President of the 53rd session of the Industrial Development Board. This is the first time Pakistan has been honoured with this prestigious position. The Director General of UNIDO, while congratulating Ambassador Kamran Akhtar, praised Pakistan's commitment and contribution to the organization. Ambassador Kamran Akhtar, in his statement, thanked all UNIDO Member States for their trust and expressed his commitment towards further enhancing the Organization's role in industrial development, particularly in developing countries, LDCs, and SIDS.

In a Supplemental Award announced on 27 June 2025, the Court of Arbitration hearing the Pakistan-India dispute over Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects has found that its competence remains intact, and that it has a continuing responsibility to advance these proceedings in a timely, efficient, and fair manner.

The Court of Arbitration decided to announce this Supplemental Award in the wake of India's illegal and unilateral announcement to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. Pakistan welcomes this Supplemental Award.

The Award vindicates Pakistan's position that the Indus Waters Treaty remains valid and operational, and that India has no right to take a unilateral action about it. We urge India to immediately resume the normal functioning of the Indus Waters Treaty, and fulfill its treaty obligations, wholly and faithfully.

The Fifth Round of Pakistan-China Consultations on Multilateral Issues was held on 26th June 2025 in Beijing.

Special Secretary (UN), Ambassador Nabeel Munir led Pakistan's delegation while the Chinese side was led by Director General of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Ambassador Shen Bo.

During the consultations, the two sides exchanged views on a broad spectrum of issues pertaining to the United Nations, in particular matters related to regional and international peace and security on the agenda of the UN Security Council and expressed satisfaction at the strong convergence of views on all issues of mutual concern. They further reiterated their commitment to continue working together for strengthening multilateral institutions, especially the United Nations.

Separately, the Special Secretary (UN), Ambassador Nabeel Munir also held a meeting with the Vice Foreign Minister, Miao Deyu, on the sideline of the consultations. Recalling the unparalleled Pakistan-China strategic partnership, the two sides expressed the desire to continue working together to take the historic relations between the two countries to new heights.

On 1st July 2025, Pakistan and India exchanged, through diplomatic channels, the lists of prisoners in each other's custody. The exchange of lists took place in pursuance of the Agreement on Consular Access, 2008. The Agreement requires both sides to share the lists of prisoners in each other's custody on 1st January and 1st July, every year.

The Government of Pakistan handed over a list of 246 Indian or believed-to-be-Indian prisoners (53 civilian prisoners and 193 fishermen) to the representative of the Indian High Commission, Islamabad. Simultaneously, the Government of India shared a list of 463 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners (382 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen) to our diplomat from the High Commission of Pakistan, New Delhi.

The Government of Pakistan has called for immediate release and repatriation of all those Pakistani prisoners and fishermen, who have completed their respective sentence and whose national status stands confirmed. A request for special consular access has also been made for all believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, including the physically- and mentally challenged prisoners for expeditious confirmation of their national status.

The Government of India has been urged to provide consular access to all those prisoners to whom consular access is still awaited. The Indian side has also been urged to ensure safety, security, and well-being of all Pakistani prisoners in Indian custody.
The Government of Pakistan remains committed to addressing humanitarian matters as a priority. It will continue its endeavors to ensure early return of all Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails.

From time to time, we have been inviting the international community's attention towards the plight of the Kashmiri political prisoners, languishing in various jails in India and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). These prisoners include a prominent Kashmiri leader, Mr. Shabbir Ahmed Shah, who has spent more than half of his 72 years' life in different jails. He has been incarcerated in New Delhi's Tihar jail for past eight years. While he has already been suffering from different ailments, Mr. Shah has now been diagnosed with a prostate cancer. Evidently, this serious disease cannot be treated in the environment of a prison. However, an Indian court has recently denied bail to Mr. Shabbir Ahmed Shah. His family is also unable to suitably attend him during these difficult moments. We urge the Indian authorities to immediately release Mr. Shabbir Ahmed Shah in view of his medical condition.

I Thank you!

(Adnan Aamir, Nikkei Asia): My question is related to the supplemental award issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which endorsed Pakistan's position on IWT. But in response, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has rejected this award, and they say that they do not recognize this court. What is your response to their denial? What will be the future course of action of Pakistan on the same?

(Mateen Haider, GTV): Since my colleague said that there is denial mode from the Indian government. Has Pakistan formally written a letter reminding India of this supplemental award by the Permanent Court of Arbitration on Indus water treaty? Another dimension is, since monsoon season is here, we are expecting high floods. Do you think that India will still be in a position to inform Pakistan regarding possible release of any water in any of the rivers that come from India?

Spokesperson: We have repeatedly reiterated that India's action of placing the IWT in abeyance is totally illegal and has no standing in terms of international law. This supplemental award further strips Indian position of any residue of legitimacy it may have claimed. It reiterates Pakistan's viewpoint that the Treaty remains in operatio. At political level Treaty remains the cornerstone of the management of a critical resource which is water, between the two countries. It has withstood the test of so many ups and downs throughout the decades. If there is a dispute, the two sides have tried to resolve it through the dispute settlement mechanism in the treaty. The supplemental award, again vindicates Pakistan's position in a very clear fashion. What India is claiming is an illegality upon another illegality.

Mateen Sahb regarding your question, it relates to a technical issue, I will have to check because primarily the technical ministry dealing with this is the Ministry of Water.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Two questions, first, we have seen reports with regards to the succession of Dalai Lama, or reincarnation of Dalai Lama, in sections of media. What is Pakistan's position on the matter?

Second, Pakistan Hockey team is due to travel to India for the Asia Cup Hockey Game scheduled to be held in August. Will the government or has the government come up to any decision with regards to providing permission to our team to travel to India for the game because your office was used last time when the Pakistani cricket team was traveling to India for the World Cup, then back in 2023 October. So, if you can, please enlighten on that.

Spokesperson: Sir, about the second question, I would need to check. With regards to your first question, I will reiterate our fundamental position on this important issue. Pakistan upholds its consistent support to China on all matters relating to its core interests. Matters related to Tibet are purely China's internal affairs. We firmly oppose any attempt to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China.

(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): First, Russia has accorded recognition to the Afghan Afghan government. How does Pakistan see this development? Since Russia is the first country which has recognized the Afghan government, what impact do you foresee of this new relationship on the regional situation?

Second, the Indian state of Uttarakhand is known for its Muslim shrines, but unfortunately, the BJP government of Uttarakhand has demolished 538 Mazaars in the state. Yesterday, they demolished 5 more Mazaars. I would like to have your comments on this.

Spokesperson: We have seen the news about Russian recognition of the government in Kabul. Russia is an important country in the region. It has legitimate security interests in this part of the world and is also friends with all countries in the region. Pakistan enjoys very warm and cordial relations with Russia. Both countries are maintaining the positive trajectory and further expanding the cordial relations. Russia- Afghanistan relations are a matter between two sovereign states. We have taken note of Russian recognition.

About the second question, we obviously condemn such actions. This is part of a trend of growing Islamophobia in India by targeting of Muslim people, Muslim faith, Muslim culture, Muslim places of worship. This is another demonstration of the virulence with which the current dispensation in India is pursuing its anti-Muslim agenda.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): First, when is the Turkish Foreign Minister visiting Pakistan? Second, our Air Chief visited America which was a very first visit of any of our Air Chiefs to the U.S. in the last ten years. Are there any defence deals being discussed between between Pakistan and America? Need your comments on this.

Spokesperson: Sir, with regards to the visit of Turkish Foreign Minister, we will share the information when the details are finalized.

About the second question, sir you pointed out that perhaps the Air Chief's visit has taken place after a gap of 10 years, but at the same time, the gap did not represent a hiatus in Pakistan-US Defence relations. Historically, Pakistan-US Defence cooperation has been strong, and continues to be strong. Regular exchange of defense delegations and visits by high military officials continues. And we see this visit in that light.

(Shaukat Piracha, Aaj TV): The External Affairs Minister of India, Dr S. J. Shankar, in an interview, finally came to the point and attributed something to the Vice President of United States, JD Vance. Dr. Shankar said that JD Vance told him that Pakistan was going to launch a massive attack against India and that led to an agreement on ceasefire. What kind of attack Pakistan was going to launch against India?

Secondly, you just talked about consular access agreement of 2008 and the exchange of list of prisoners of war. After the recent war, at least the two countries are according respect to the agreement. Because after holding Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, there was no clarity whether India would abide by other agreements or not. Moreover, they have also agreed to host the Pakistani Hockey team for the Asia Cup. Do you think these small steps are leading to some kind of normalization between the two countries?

Spokesperson: It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the reported contents of the conversation between the US and Indian leaders. However, the world knows that India blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam attack without any credible investigation or verifiable evidence. Subsequently, it committed aggression against Pakistan, responding to which, we exercised our right to self-defense, as enshrined in the UN Charter. As for the other assertions made by Indian External Affairs Minister, we have made it amply clear that India cannot be allowed to make arbitrary decisions about attacking other countries. No state can allow another state to violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity at will. In the face of any aggression, Pakistan shall always defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity with full vigor. There should be no doubt about that. Besides, the Indian assertions about the so-called nuclear blackmail, which you did not mention in your question, but the Indian External Affairs Ministers has been mentioning repeatedly, reveals the profound insecurity and frustration of India about Pakistan's effective capabilities to defend itself. Pakistan's conventional capabilities are adequate to deter India without the self-imposed "nuclear blackmail" that New Delhi suffers from.

Secondly, we stay committed and will continue to live up to terms of the 2008 agreement. We are satisfied that the exchange of lists, as per the terms stipulated in the agreement has taken place. We have also requested and urged the Indian side to expedite the grant of special consular access and to resolve the problem and move forward.

About your question regarding normalization of relations between Pakistan and India, Pakistan always remains desirous of normal neigbourly relations with India. We want to pursue the track of diplomacy. Pakistan's commitment is well known and very clear on that.

Lastly, about the participation of our Hockey team in Asia Cup, as I mentioned earlier, I will check and get back to you on the facts.

(Tahir Khan, NNI News Agency): The Deputy Prime Minister announced on May 30th that Pakistan has decided to upgrade diplomatic ties with the interim Afghan government. Today is July 4 and we have not seen anything on that front. Is there any follow up on that? how long would it take?

Second question is about those Afghans who have POR cards. One year extension already expired on June 30th and there are a lot of concerns as we have seen some social media reports that some arrests have also been made in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and those arrested have been shifted to Haji Camp. Do you have information whether there will an extension granted or not?

Spokesperson: Sir POR Cards did expire on the 30th of June 2025 and right now the matter is being deliberated within the government. Foreign Ministry is in touch with the concerned Ministries, which primarily are SAFRON, and the Ministry of Interior. We are in touch with them and will share with you once policy is enunciated by the government.

About the first question, it has been decided to upgrade the relations, and the processes are underway. Our decision is clear in that regard. As soon as further steps are taken, we will share with you sir.

(Naveed Siddiqui, Daily Dateline): Sir, Indian Defense Ministry has approved about $12.31 billion to further strengthen its missile and combat capabilities and it reflects the military buildup by India. What are your comments on this prevailing scenario?

Spokesperson: Sir, we have been repeatedly flagging our concerns about this rapid military buildup by India. The past Indian strategic behavior demonstrates, irrespective of their declaratory position, that this military buildup is primarily configured for use against Pakistan. We obviously look at it with great alarm and continue to highlight to the international community the debilitating and destabilizing impact of such massive acquisition of weapons and arms by India. At the same time, Pakistan remains ready and prepared to deal with any eventuality or any threat.

About the first question, it has been decided to upgrade the relations, and the processes are underway. Our decision is clear in that regard. As soon as further steps are taken, we will share with you sir.

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Shafqat Sahab, for the last two days, there is a discussion on Abraham Accord. Political leadership is discussing to accept the Abraham Accord and yesterday a politician said that if Türkiye and Saudi Arabia accept it then Pakistan will also recognize it. Is there a discussion going on at diplomatic level on this matter?

Spokesperson: I won't comment on different scenarios which are being discussed. The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, unambiguously conveyed and stated Pakistan's position, which was also articulated by him in the OIC Ministerial Meeting in Istanbul, and that is the two-state solution, full statehood to Palestine. And there is no change in that. It should be clear.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Sir, world has witnessed what happened in China between the Defence Ministers of Pakistan and India, but we also know that the National Security Advisers of both countries were also present there. What is the status of interactions between the two? We know that military DGMOs of both the countries are in touch, but are our National Security Advisers in touch with each other?

Spokesperson: As a member of SCO, Pakistan is committed to its purposes and objectives, and looks at SCO as a very important organization with huge potential. We participate actively in all deliberations of the SCO. The meeting of the National Security Advisors (NSAs) of SCO States was also an important component of the overall calendar of the meetings of SCO, and our National Security Advisor did attend that meeting. However, there was no meeting between the NSAs of the two countries.

(Allah Noor Wazir, Mashriq TV): There was a bomb blast in Bajour, two suicide attacks in the North Waziristan in one day. Is Afghan soil still being used against Pakistan for terrorism or is it the Indian sponsored terrorism? Your comments.

Spokesperson: Our bilateral relations with Afghanistan, as we have been emphasizing, are very important to both countries. We give a lot of emphasis to this important relationship and want to build and promote it further. Counter-terrorism remains a sticking point which we have been flagging with the Afghan friends because the terrorists committing terrorist violence in Pakistan have sanctuaries in Afghanistan. And of course, India is involved in patronizing terrorism against Pakistan.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Thank you so much. There are reports that Pakistan, China and Bangladesh are working on the alternative of SAARC. If this is true, what are the success chances of that alternative? Because India has such a huge land mass.

Secondly, three Pakistan Army officers went to Bangladesh and then to the state of Rohingya where Muslim issue is always a hot spot. What was the purpose of this visit? Is Pakistan's policy about Rohingya Muslims changing? Thank you.

Spokesperson: Pakistan remains committed to the principles and objectives of the SAARC charter. It has actively been participating in different SAARC activities. It desires SAARC to function as an important forum for regional cooperation. In this backdrop, I would characterize the reports of creation of an alternative to SAARC as speculative. Linked to this is why SAARC is not functioning, and the reasons are obvious and known. It is our neighbor to the East, India, which has been working to stymie any further progress of SAARC.

About cooperation among Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh, let me reiterate that China is a very important country that enjoys friendly relations with most of the South Asian countries. China pursues an agenda of peace, development, common prosperity, in that sense, these three countries are working together. There is nothing out of the ordinary about these mini-lateral processes which we hope will gather strength, and will contribute to the development of all three countries.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Sir, will Pakistan recognize the Afghan Interim Government in future? Secondly, America and Israel are claiming success against Iran in the latest attacks. But the media of both countries does not agree with these claims. What is Pakistan's observation on this?

Spokesperson: About the first question, I have already responded. Whenever Pakistan's position evolves on this matter, we will share it with you.

About the Israeli and American attacks on Iran, our position is again very clear and from my level up to the leadership level there is no ambiguity about it. I am not in a position to comment on media speculation about what happened or what did not happen. But what is clear to us is that Iran is our friend, our brother, and our neighbor. We have clearly condemned aggression committed against Iran.

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): My colleague asked a question related to SAARC , and as India is refusing to acknowledge America's mediatory role in de-escalation of Indo-Pak tensions, and has been stating that it will solve its issues, including the Kashmir issue, with Pakistan bilaterally, will Pakistan utilize its own secretariat for utilization of SAARC platform?

Spokesperson: As far as SAARC is concerned, for the next summit whenever it takes place, Pakistan will be the host. Interestingly all members of SAARC except for one country are in favour of convening the summit. It is only one country which is blocking it, is under self-imposed isolation in the region and only they can comment on it. But what we can share with you are the facts that most members of the SAARC support the convening of the meeting. We are ready to host the meeting. We remain committed to SAARC, its purposes and its charter, and one country blocking it can speak for itself. If they want to draw any benefit from being isolated in their own region, this is for them to explain. But Pakistan remains committed to SAARC, and we are ready to host the summit whenever all the requirements are met.

(Adeel Bashir, Roze News): India is ready to launch a $234 million military incentives program for civil and military drone makers to reduce their reliance on imported components and counter rival program. It seems nuclear armed neighbours are now locked in a drones arms race. What is your take on it?

Spokesperson: About the larger question of Indian defense buildup, I have addressed it, and I explained to you why we remain alarmed and concerned about it. Any program for its indigenous manufacturing also leads to the same conclusion that it is reflective of India's aggressive and hegemonic impulse. We draw international community's attention to this growing militarization and growing arms buildup and how it imperils our security. Again I will repeat myself, contrary to whatever India says, its overall focus remains on Pakistan. Its arms buildup is configured to be used against Pakistan. However, we also maintain our readiness and are ready to be able to deal with any threat which arises.

(Shahzad Hassan Mirza, Royal News): Sir, first of all I want to commend that what the Foreign Ministry and Foreign Minister has done in the months of May and June on diplomatic front is quite remarkable.
Secondly, is Pakistan forming a military alliance with China, Russia, Türkiye, Bangladesh and Afghanistan because there are reports that India, with the help of Israel, can again conduct military misadventure against Pakistan?

Spokesperson: All the countries you named are Pakistan's friends. We want to further develop our friendship with these countries. Like all countries, we want to have good relations with other countries. But at this point in time, there are no plans for the military alliance.

(Mateen Haider, GTV): Thank you. Mr. Spokesperson. The reports must be in your knowledge regarding the proposed ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, as made by the Americans. It is yet to be implemented. Since Pakistan strongly advocated the peace and ceasefire in Gaza, how Pakistan sees some of the conditions mentioned in the proposed ceasefire? And do you think with these, some of the tough conditions for Hamas, this ceasefire is possible? What are your comments? Thank you.

Spokesperson: Broadly, I can reiterate our principled position again. Pakistan's position on the issue of Palestine is clear. The Government and people of Pakistan stand in complete solidarity with the Palestinian people in their just and legitimate struggle for self-determination, as well as for the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state, based on pre 1967 borders, with the Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital. Our support for the Palestinian cause is rooted in the principles of international law, justice and opposition to occupation. We believe that any ceasefire or peace arrangement in Gaza must lead to an end of occupation and siege and not undermine Palestinian rights. Pakistan has been and will remain an active voice in all international forum including the Global Alliance for implementation of two state solution to advocate for a just, comprehensive and lasting resolution of the Palestinian issue, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. The land of Palestine belongs to the Palestinian people. The road to peace lies not through normalization and the duress, but through justice, freedom and dignity for the Palestinian people.

(Aamir Abbasi, Nukta News): Sir, my question is that Pakistan's Defense Minister, in his recent interview, stated that Pakistan, with the help of Muslim countries and China, played an important role in de-escalation between Israel and Iran. How Pakistan played an important role in de-escalation between Iran and Israel?

Spokesperson: I will refer this question to Ministry of Defense.

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News): Our American friends helped in mediation between Pakistan and India during the recent conflict. It was decided that the dialogue will be resumed between Pakistan and India however it is possible. Will we request the US to help us move forward with the negotiations between India and Pakistan?

Spokesperson: Pakistan prefers dialogue and diplomacy over conflict and confrontation. The successive US statements are also quite clear. Now it is India's choice whether it treads the path of belligerence, bellicosity, or take steps for dialogue and reconciliation.

Thank you.
***