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Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Friday 05th September 2025

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At the invitation of His Excellency President Xi Jinping of China, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, His Excellency Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, led a delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS) and the SCO CHS Plus meeting in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, 2025.

The SCO CHS Summit brought together Heads of State and Government from SCO member States, including Pakistan, Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The SCO CHS Plus meeting, was held in an expanded format, and included leaders from Mongolia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Türkiye, Egypt, the Maldives, Myanmar, Turkmenistan, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam, and Indonesia, as well as the Secretary-General of the United Nations and heads of various regional and international organizations.

At the SCO CHS Summit, Prime Minister Sharif presented Pakistan's perspectives on pressing regional and global issues, highlighting strategies to strengthen the SCO's role in fostering regional cooperation and stability.

To ensure a lasting peace in South Asia, the PM called for a comprehensive and structured dialogue to discuss all outstanding disputes. Condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including state terrorism, the Prime Minister underlined that Pakistan had rendered great sacrifices in combatting terrorism for the regional and global stability. He mentioned that Pakistan had irrefutable evidence of foreign involvement in the Jaffar Express train hostage incident and numerous other terror attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

The Prime Minister unequivocally denounced Israel's inhuman military offensive against Gaza and called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. He condemned attack on Iran, a fellow SCO Member State.

Reiterating the negative implications of instability in Afghanistan on the development of entire SCO region, Prime Minister Sharif called for engagement with Afghanistan in a meaningful manner.

The Prime Minister highly praised SCO's vision of regional connectivity and economic integration and underscored Pakistan's strategic geographical location as an ideal trade and transit hub for the entire SCO region. He noted China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a key initiative for achieving trans-regional economic and trade integration.

On the sidelines of these Summit, the Prime Minister had important bilateral meetings with the Presidents of SCO member States and other invited guests including the President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Iran Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rohmon, and the President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. Issues of mutual interest and matters relating to further strengthening political, economic and trade relations were discussed by the leaders.

During the meeting with the President of the Republic of Türkiye, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, both leaders reviewed the current state of Pakistan-Türkiye relations and expressed satisfaction over the growing momentum in bilateral ties. They noted with appreciation the steady increase in high-level exchanges and cooperation across a broad spectrum, including political, economic, defense, and security domains.

Prime Minister also held a meeting with H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Prime Minister congratulated President Aliyev on the signing of the historic peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, marking a significant step towards lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus. The two leaders reviewed full spectrum of bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, connectivity, defence, education, and people-to-people exchanges and expressed satisfaction at the growing momentum in Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations.

During the meeting with the President of Iran, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's deep commitment to its historic and brotherly ties with neighbouring Iran, underlining the strong foundations of the relationship rooted in shared history, cultural heritage, and faith. Both leaders reviewed the state of bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors and expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in Pakistan-Iran relations.

The PM also had a meeting with H.E. Emomali Rahmon, President of Republic of Tajikistan. Both leaders expressed their satisfaction on the ongoing cooperation between Pakistan and Tajikistan in all areas of mutual interest. The two leaders agreed to enhance collaboration in diverse fields including trade and investment, connectivity, energy, regional security, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

PM met with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. Recalling their last meeting in Astana in 2024, both leaders expressed great satisfaction on expanding cooperation and increasing momentum in bilateral relations over the course of past one year. Both leaders acknowledged that the relationship today is underpinned by mutual trust, respect and warmth between the two sides.

During the visit the Prime Minister met the President of China Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. During his meeting with President Xi, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan took great pride in China's achievements and would always stand ready to work together with China in this great journey for common prosperity.

The Prime Minister appreciated China's unflinching support to Pakistan's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and socio-economic development. He lauded the significance of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor as a flagship project of President Xi's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and reaffirmed the desire to continue working closely with China for the successful implementation of the next phase of upgraded CPEC, with its five new corridors. This would help both countries to build an even stronger Pakistan-China community with a shared future.

In his meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, PM expressed his deepest gratitude to the Chinese leadership and nation for their unflinching support to Pakistan. The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan's support for President Xi Jinping's landmark initiatives to strengthen multilateralism, including the Global Governance Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative as well as Global Civilization Initiative.

Prime Minister participated in the B2B Investment Conference, where more than 300 Pakistani and 500 Chinese companies were in attendance. He identified agriculture, mines and minerals, textile, industrial sector and IT as priority areas for mutually beneficial economic collaboration.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif also participated in China's 80th Victory Day anniversary parade celebrating China's victory in World War II. In the parade, he was joined by other world leaders as well.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar visited the Luban Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Exhibition Hall in Tianjin, where he was briefed on the operations of Luban Workshops and their existing cooperation with Pakistan.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister also had exchanges with the Chinese hosts on further deepening cooperation under the Luban Framework, with a focus on scaling up joint efforts in technical and vocational education in new and emerging industries.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, formally exchanged a Joint Communiqué, with the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Mr. Ararat Mirzoyan, thereby establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Marking a historic step forward, both the leaders affirmed their commitment to the principles and objectives of the United Nations Charter and discussed possible avenues of cooperation including economy, education, culture, and tourism.

The two leaders reaffirmed their desire to work closely with each other at bilateral and multilateral fora, to achieve their shared objectives of peace, progress, and prosperity for the peoples of their two countries.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received a call from EU High Representative/Vice President, Kaja Kallas. EU HR/VP conveyed condolences on the tragic loss of lives caused by the recent floods in Pakistan and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families. She also affirmed the EU's support for Pakistan's relief and recovery efforts.

The DPM/FM thanked her for the expression of solidarity and support, underscoring Pakistan's vulnerability as one of the countries most severely impacted by the climate crisis.

They expressed satisfaction at the growing momentum in Pakistan-EU engagements and reaffirmed their shared resolve to further strengthen cooperation across all areas of mutual interest, particularly climate action, building resilience, and sustainable recovery.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, called Acting Afghan FM Amir Khan Muttaqi to convey condolences on the tragic loss of lives, with thousands injured in recent earthquake in Afghanistan. He offered prayers for the victims and bereaved families, reaffirmed Pakistan's solidarity with the Afghan people, and assured readiness to extend all possible support as required by the Afghan side.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, received a call from German Foreign Minister. The two leaders affirmed their resolve to further strengthen mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation, and underscored the importance of high-level contacts. They also exchanged views on regional issues.

The 14th Round of Pakistan-Japan Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) were held in Islamabad on 04 September 2025. Pakistan side was led by Special Secretary (UN) Ambassador Nabeel Munir, while Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan AKAHORI Takeshi led the Japanese side.

The two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Japan bilateral relationship and reaffirmed the commitment to further enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, development, people to people exchanges and education among other topics.

The two sides also exchanged views on the regional peace and security situation in South Asia, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific.

Pakistan strongly condemns the deadly Israeli airstrikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, which claimed the lives of at least 21 individuals, including four journalists and a rescue worker. This unconscionable and heinous attack on a medical facility, as well as the continued targeting of civilians and journalists, represents a grave violation of international human rights and humanitarian law, as well as freedom of press.

Pakistan expresses its full support for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Syria, and calls on the international community to prevent Israel from undermining the peace and stability of the entire region.

A high-level delegation from the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) visited Pakistan from 24 to 28 August 2025, to review the country's progress as an Associate Member of CERN.

During the visit, a team of five top experts from CERN met with the Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) and toured various science and technology institutions. These included the National Centre for Physics (NCP), Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH), Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology (INMOL), National Institute for Laser and Optronics (NILOP), among other advanced facilities. The purpose of these visits was to assess Pakistan's progress in the field of science and technology.

I Thank you.
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(Mateen Haider, G News): Thank you, Mr. Spokesperson, so entire Pakistan is facing floods, particularly Punjab, and our leadership has called upon international community to express solidarity, although Pakistan did not seek any help. But the reality is, there have been many statements by former Indian army Generals, officials that India is deliberately releasing water from its water reservoirs, so that it may harm Pakistan. Keeping in view this particular admission that India is using this water as an aggression against Pakistan, deliberately releasing there is no proper information being shared with Pakistan. So, in this situation, the situation that Punjab, KP and other provinces are facing, there is loss of billions of rupees. So, is Pakistan considering these old things, particularly the release of extraordinary water from Indian side at any international forum?

(Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): Sir, after one sided suspension of Indus Water Treaty, India has started informing through foreign office. In what capacity they are doing this? Because it was obligatory in IWT that they must have to inform before releasing water. Need your insights.

(Amjad Ali, EFE Spanish News Agency): A day before yesterday, I was in Pasrur, and the Deputy Commissioner there was telling me that India informed Pakistan of releasing water on 26th and the area was already in half flood. So, what do you think? How much India is responsible for this scale, this much scale of devastation, damage and loss of lives?

Spokesperson: This is about the details of how much volume of water has been released and when it was released. I am not in a position to comment on whether the water was stored in a certain manner, to be released at a certain time. But regarding the sharing of information about which Mr. Mateen has asked the question: Indian side has indeed shared some information about the floods in different rivers through diplomatic channels. However, it is not as detailed as it was in the past. Besides, the established channel of Indus Water Commissioner has not been used. In that context, we reiterate that India should fully comply with all the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Two questions. Firstly, last week, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan and the German Foreign Minister spoke, and the German statement mentioned about, "the situation of Afghans in Pakistan". and that they take this matter very seriously, because, since it skipped the mention in the Pakistan statement, can you shed more light on this matter"? Number two, the Afghan Taliban's defense minister, two days ago, speaking to the BBC, has said, and I quote again, that "Pakistan security agencies are weak, and that they shift the blame for their own failures to stop the TTP and BLA's activities on Afghanistan". Your comments?

(Shrouq Tariq, AFP): The UN also urged Pakistan to stop the deportation of Afghans. UN Geneva, I don't remember the body exactly, but I can share the statement with you. What's your reaction on that?

Spokesperson: Regarding the telephonic conversation between the two ministers, we don't release the minutes of the meeting. As we said, there were a number of issues, on which views were exchanged. We pick up some of the elements which we shared in our social media post. So, one side mentioning or giving priority to one thing and other party to some other, this is not too big an issue. But what you highlighted is that the German side is saying that we take this matter seriously. We are actually encouraged by this. We hope that they take it seriously. There are large group of Afghans in Pakistan which the German side had committed to take them to Germany. A number of deadlines have passed.

So, this statement from the German Foreign Ministry, that we take this matter seriously is very encouraging, and we hope this sentiment will be translated into action and the German side will take the Afghans who have been here, whose cases have been processed or are at different stages of processing, back to Germany. We have long-standing relations with Germany. We are willing to work on the basis of good faith and diplomatic goodwill, which is in abundance between the two countries.

About Mullah Yaqoob's statement, it appears to be an exercise in irony. Whatever the statement issued from the other side, it cannot mask the seriousness of this issue, the enormity of the matter cannot be diminished by whatever number of statements you issue. I would want to reiterate that the sanctuaries enjoyed by terrorists, particularly the Fitna Al Khwarij in Afghanistan is a serious issue. It has been discussed with utmost seriousness at very senior levels of the state between the two countries. And it remains one issue which bedevils relations between two close neighbors, and which is the main impediment to the kind of relationship which should exist between our two countries, given the commonality of faith, culture, history, language. So, I would just reiterate that this remains a very serious issue which needs to be addressed by the Afghan side.

Regarding what the UN is saying, I'm not entirely familiar with the statement. But what we are doing in case of Afghans, no country has been as generous a host as Pakistan. It has been over 50 years almost now. What we are saying is that people who have no documentation, they will be sent back. And this is what Pakistan is doing like any other country would be doing, including in Europe and other countries. It is our territory, we decide who stays in and similarly, any Afghan who wants to come, he's more than welcome with a valid visa. We have a very liberal visa regime for Afghan people.

(Syeda Qurat ul Ain, Independent Urdu): So, recently the NCCIA has revealed that foreign nationals from Nepal, Sri Lanka and African countries, along with China, have been arrested, and they have been found to be involved in these cybercrime attacks or scams while being inside the country. So, has there been a communication from Pakistan to these countries or otherwise on the said issue?

Spokesperson: No, I am not aware of it, and again, I will refer you to Ministry of Interior for details, but I will also try to gather information. I haven't seen the reporting on this.

(Sumaira Khan, Samaa TV): Sir, I just wanted to know through a quick question that, did we establish, or the Afghan side establish any point of contact between the two countries, specifically after that alleged strike from Pakistan's side into Nangarhar, in general and there are also the names of Khost, Paktia, and Paktika. Because I'm not mentioning a specific area in Nangarhar as it is a big zone, so I would call it Nangarhar Zone.

Spokesperson: Okay, so you are referring to the allegations of Pakistan attacking inside Afghanistan. Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of its people. Our security forces and law enforcement agencies conduct targeted operations in border regions to safeguard our citizens from terrorist threats, particularly those posed by groups such as Fitna Al Khwarij. These operations are meticulously planned based on credible and actionable intelligence and executed with precision. Pakistan respects the sovereignty of Afghanistan and remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering dialogue and cooperation with our neighbor to address the shared challenge of terrorism. Pakistan has consistently prioritized diplomacy, even in the face of persistent threats emanating from terrorist hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. We urge the Afghan authorities to ensure that their territory is not used as a launchpad for terrorist activities against Pakistan. Groups like Fitna Al-Khwarij represent a common threat to the peace and stability of our region, necessitating collective action to counter their malign influence. We remain dedicated to resolving challenges through dialogue and constructive engagement. Pakistan believes that both nations share a mutual interest in combating terrorism and restoring stability. We believe that Afghanistan should be able to reclaim its sovereignty and security and terror groups like Fitna Al Khwarij need to be combated robustly.

Regarding point of contact, we have diplomatic relations. Embassies are functioning. There are multiple levels of contacts ongoing. This is an ongoing thing. There are regular exchanges between two neigbours. This is ongoing.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Sir recently, we have seen the reports of earthquake in Afghanistan. There is a large scale of destruction over there. Have we offered any disciplined relief to Afghanistan?

Spokesperson: Actually, some relief items have already been dispatched through overland route, and we are in touch. We will provide, as needed, more assistance to the Afghan brothers and sisters.

(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Sir, further elaboration of question of my colleague. UNHCR Chief has called on Pakistan to temporarily halt or pause the expulsion of Afghan refugees or Afghan nationals from Pakistan amid quake relief activities.

Spokesperson: First of all, regarding this notion of expulsion of Afghans, I would say we have an overall policy and it is not targeting Afghans. Any person who is illegally in Pakistan will be sent back. It doesn't matter where he or she is from. There is no targeting of Afghans.
This is the global norm, and this is our sovereign decision regarding who do we allow to enter or stay in our country. So, any person, who's illegal, we will repatriate that person. There were some other questions I received from my friends over the last two, three days about any change in visa policy or overall immigration rules relating to Afghans in the face of the earthquake. So, my answer to that is, Pakistan already has a liberalized visa regime for Afghan nationals. We are issuing large number of visas to Afghans under different categories, including visit, business, family, education and medical visas. For Afghanistan, we have a special visa category under which on arrival visa is granted for certain medical emergencies. So, what I want to emphasize, we already have a very liberalized visa regime in place.

(Shaukat Piracha, Aaj TV): Prime Minister of Pakistan said that China should supervise or monitor any dialogue in South Asia, was there any response from China, as per appeal made by Prime Minister. And my second question is, Pakistan attended SCO Summit, and Prime Minister also attended the Victory Day parade. President Trump has taunted at this. He termed it a conspiracy against the United States. An event where we were partner, and we attended it, how do you comment upon the taunt that President Trump has issued? Thank you.

Spokesperson: About your first question, as you would have noticed in the Foreign Ministry's press release of 01 September 2025 which highlighted that the Prime Minister, in his statement during the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting, stated that Pakistan preferred dialogue and diplomacy over confrontation. He called for a comprehensive and structured dialogue to discuss all outstanding issues for the sake of lasting peace in South Asia. All those countries which have an interest in the regional peace and stability would certainly be receptive to the Prime Minister's call.

About the US position on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, this better be addressed to the US spokesman. What I can emphasize is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization over the years has demonstrated its vitality, its utility, its critical role in creating stability and common prosperity in the entire Eurasia. We pursued our membership in this important organization with great diligence. We remain grateful to all our friends who facilitated our accession to Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and we remain committed to robustly engage in its work in line with the principles and objectives of this organization. And you have to keep in view that the principles and objectives of this organization, are in sync with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Shanghai Cooperation Organization is not a cohort working against any country or countries. It is a vehicle for common prosperity, peace and stability.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn): As you mentioned about the liberalized visa regime and you mentioned that the visa regime has not changed. But since April, 2000 Afghan students who are studying here on Allama Iqbal scholarships are waiting for visa extension. But some of the officials told that after the visit of Mohsin Naqvi to Kabul, this visa extension process has been halted. Are you confirming that the students are not getting visa extensions who are on scholarship in Pakistan? And if I add it has also been claimed that some of the Foreign Office official has been arrested in this visa scandal. And the second question is that Germany has blamed that 2200 Afghans who were waiting for sanctuary in Germany have been deported by Pakistan. What is your comment on this? Thank you.

Spokesperson: About the second question, I do not have the full details about numbers etc., but you as a journalist know very well deadlines which the German side agreed to. So, what I mean is we have done more than required on our part. But we hope, as Mr. Anas referred to in his questions the matter being taken seriously by Germany. We hope this seriousness will be translated into action, and that the German commitment with certain number of Afghans, will be expedited and we are willing to work with Germany because we have decades old relationship; on the basis of goodwill and mutual respect. We will see what we can do. But this cannot be an indefinite arrangement. Some countries including Germany, committed to take number of Afghans. We work with them but this cannot go on indefinitely. It is our sovereign right to decide who we allow into our country and for how long. We are willing to work with our friends with empathy and with mutual understanding. But it cannot be an open-ended arrangement.

About the specific case, sir, you referred, I will have to check about it.

(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): There is a reference in the SCO Communique about Pahalgam incident. I wish to know that how far is it in line with the position Pakistan has taken. And Indian Prime Minister while addressing the Council of the Head of the States of the SCO referred to the Jaffer Express incident. He tried to water down Jaffer Express and terrorism in Pakistan. I solicit your comments on that. And second is that during the Victory Day parade of China, they have shown their muscles and military power. There is a lot of anxiety and displeasure in New Delhi. I wish you know that, how do you view this disquiet of New Delhi, about this China's show of muscles and power. Thank you, sir.

Spokesperson: About SCO communiqué, the language about the Pahalgam incident is obviously there with our concurrence. It is in sync with our declaratory position. Secondly, our position and the overall SCO's position is well articulated on the Jaffar Express. I will just stop at that. About the disquiet in Delhi, I cannot comment. This is a matter between two countries. But what I can say is, it is for India to reconsider its overall approach and take the high road to peace.

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Shafqat Sahab, Prime Minister is going to attend UNGA session. Will there be any significant talks on the sidelines of the UNGA. Secondly, will there be any talks with the US President on the sidelines of UNGA?

Spokesperson: The program is still evolving. We will keep you posted and we will brief you on that.

(Khawaja Hamza Iqbal, Media Today): How is Pakistan balancing relations between major powers from shifting regional and global dynamics? Secondly, what key outcomes did Pakistan achieve at the recent SCO meeting in China, and how will they shape regional cooperation?

Spokesperson: About the balancing, I can refer you to the principles of the Foreign Policy, starting from the Article 40 of the Constitution. And basically, our overall diplomatic approach is based on good faith and goodwill. And all our diplomatic relations are anchored in the Charter of the United Nations, which provides the blueprint for friendly relations between the members of the United Nation and similarly, they are also rooted on the fundamental principles of international law. So, we will pursue our interest guided by the principles of the charter. This is our foreign policy. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as I mentioned earlier, is a very important regional multilateral body. It is bringing countries in Eurasian landmass together. It has a very critical role to play, and we are very satisfied with the outcome. The recent Heads of States meeting and then in the expanded format meeting were very successful. The key message was of multilateralism, common prosperity, peace, security and development.

(Allah Noor Wazir, Mashriq TV): A bomb blast in Quetta and a suicide attack in Bannu. Is India involved in these terrorist attacks? Were these terrorist attacks conducted under the supervision of India as Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also verified this fact that Bannu Suicide Attack was conducted with Indian involvement. If India is involved, then what plans Pakistan intends to execute to counter this?

Spokesperson: I can make a broad point, which we have been highlighting. India's involvement in fanning terrorism in Pakistan is well documented and well known. About the specifics of these attacks, I do not have full information. We have shared sufficient information with our friends in international community. India is definitely involved in planning terrorism. And again, I would want to highlight that when this matter was not given sufficient attention, India became emboldened to undertake a global assassination campaign, trying to kill people in US or Canada and all those places. So this remains India's overall approach to its bilateral relations particularly in the region, and is a serious threat to peace and security.

(Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): What are the latest updates on nascent Pakistan - Armenia relationship, about embassies and diplomatic staff? Secondly, considering that liberation of Nagorno Karabagh or success of Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos, victory of both was celebrated by Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Pakistan. Did Pakistan take Türkiye and Azerbaijan into confidence before initiating diplomatic relations with Armenia?

Spokesperson: About second part of your question, this was addressed by Deputy Prime Minister in his press briefing last week. He explained to you the consultations which went on and culminated in the forward movement on this. The DPM spoke to the Armenian Foreign Minister on telephone and formal diplomatic notes were exchanged in China on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit. And once diplomatic relations are established, then the two countries decide, what kind of diplomatic representation they would have, concurrent accreditation or resident embassies. This will come in due course.

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Recently, there was an Israeli bombing in Yemen, and there were reports that incumbent government's Prime Minister and five to six ministers were killed during Israeli raid bombing. How do we see it? Do we condemn it? And alongside Gaza and Syria, where we normally condemn the aggression of Israel, what is our stance on Israeli aggression against Yemen? Thank you.

Spokesperson: We have been making our position clear on the Israeli aggression against Yemen. We unequivocally condemn it, and this again demonstrates Israel's utter indifference to international law, humanitarian law, human rights law. Its indiscriminate and rogue actions have become a source of serious instability, chaos, and actually it is undertaking a genocide in Gaza. Overall, Israel remains a serious destabilizing factor. So, I would say: we univocally condemn the recent Israeli attack in Yemen. But I would also wish to highlight that Pakistan recognizes the Republic of Yemen and recognizes the Government headquartered in Aden with its chairman, Rashid al Alimi, as the President and Salem Saleh as the Prime Minister.

(Sardar Shaukat, Islamabad Today): Thank you Shafqat Sahab. I have two questions. Firstly, recent floods have devastated areas of KPK and Punjab. How much Pakistan received foreign aid especially from United Nations, European Union and friendly countries? Secondly, after successful visit to China, Prime Minister is going to New York. What plans will Pakistan undertake to keep a balance in relationships between China and the United States?

Spokesperson: I have already answered question of balance of diplomatic relationships. Pakistan as in the past and will continue to strive to maintain good relations according to its national interests and according to UN charter. Regarding your first question, we have not appealed for international aid but I will check and get back to you.

(Noor Aimen Zahra, 365 News): Thank you, Sir. As President Trump is not becoming the part of QUAD Summit to be held in Dehli. Is this a message for the QUAD members and the rest of the world that America is not serious anymore in the QUAD Alliance?

Spokesperson: Ma'am, I cannot comment on the US policy. This may be better addressed to the State Department.

(Raziq Mehmood Bhatti, Kashmir Express): Thank you, Sir. Yasin Malik's punishment has been converted to death sentence. What is Pakistan's strategy to tackle this unjust and inhumane act?

Spokesperson: This particular event is part of the larger Indian campaign of terror and indiscriminate killing and victimization of the Kashmiris which has been going on and Pakistan will continue to raise its voice, highlighting the Indian barbarity in Kashmir and the human rights violations. This is part of the larger pattern of unbridled killings and torture and denying the human rights to the Kashmiri people is part of that.

(Mohammed M.A. Elakkad, Sputnik): Thank you, Excellency. During the meeting of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shehbaz Sharif with the President Vladimir Putin, did Pakistan discuss its application for joining the BRICS in that meeting. And if so, what was the Russian response?

Spokesperson: Broadly speaking, strong relations with Russia remain, as we have been explaining in our various press briefings, a very important priority of our foreign policy. We are satisfied with the positive trajectory and momentum of bilateral relations, which are becoming multifaceted and deep rooted. And of course, when the two heads of state / government meet at the summit level, all issues come under discussion. Without going into specifics about the content of the bilateral meeting, what I can state is that Pakistan is serious in pursuing its membership of the BRICS, and Russia has been supporting Pakistan's application.

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