Transcript Question & Answers: Press Briefing
There are no opening remarks to make. If you have any question, you can ask please.
Question
Pakistan finally participated in much talked about Chicago summit and as it was not Pakistani expectation which were materialized in the summit. Pakistan got nothing to say. What are the major irritants in putting the Pak-US relations on Pakistan’s expectations at backtrack?
Answer
Let me make it very clear that we did not go with any expectation. We went there because we were invited by NATO because NATO feels that Pakistan has an important role to play in ensuring enduring peace and stability in Afghanistan. We went there because we believe that long term stability and security in Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s interest. We went there because we believe in partnership approach and we feel that we want to play a role of a facilitator and an enabler because as I said at the end of the day peace and stability in Afghanistan is in our national interest. So, we were there because of Afghanistan. Regarding relations with the United States, let me inform you that the negotiations are continuing on all issues, and decisions will be made in accordance with the recommendations of the parliament and in the best national interest.
Question
Regarding the court’s decision about the Shakil Afridi case, what do you think how much it will complicate relations between Pakistan and the United States as the US has been continuously calling for the release of Shakil Afridi?
Answer
As far as Mr. Shakil Afridi’s case is concerned, it will be decided in accordance with Pakistani laws and by the Pakistani courts, and I think we need to respect each other’s legal processes and the judgements by the courts.
Question
A follow up question, that the US will be making further presentations for his release. What would be Pakistan’s reaction to that?
Answer
I don’t want to speculate as to what they would say and how we would respond. Let us see.
Question
As we have talked about, the negotiations are going on between Pakistan and the US, and drone attacks are one of the aspects. We have witnessed another drone this morning. That means there is severe deadlock between the two countries including the opening of GLOC and other issues. Do you think there is any hope for the normalization of relations between the two countries?
Answer
First of all let me give you my response on the drone attacks. We strongly condemn these drone attacks. We regard them a violation of our territorial integrity. They are in contravention of international law. They are illegal, counter productive and totally unacceptable. Regarding the other issues, as I said earlier, all these issues are being negotiated with a view to come up with a mutually acceptable solution. Let me also add here that the US is an important country and it is an important relationship for Pakistan and there is a mutual desire to normalize this relationship.
Question
According to the wiki leaks, there is a mutual agreement between Pakistan and the US regarding the drone attacks that the US will continue with the drone attacks and Pakistan will keep on condemning them. The Pakistan opposition leaders have expressed the same opinion in many of their statements as it has been expressed I the wiki leaks. Your comments on it?
Answer
We don’t comment on wiki leaks. Regarding the drone attacks, our position is very clear.
Question
There is an allegation on Pakistan from the US senators that Pakistan is demanding extortion money in return for resumption of NATO supplies. The Amnesty International in its report has shown its reservations at the current situation in Pakistan. Your comments please?
Answer
I have not seen any such statement by any US official. We are here dealing with the US government only.
Question
US President Barack Obama in his speech at Chicago summit left Pakistan out of the list of countries which he thanked for catering for the NATO supplies in Afghanistan. Second question. What it does mean when President Zardari remained absent from photo session of the final day of Chicgo summit. Don’t you think that the relations are further deteriorated between the two countries? Your comments please?
Answer
Regarding you first question, I think President Obama would be the best person to respond to this question as to why he did what he did. Regarding your second question, I honestly do not know as to why President Zardari was not in the photo session. I will check and get back to you.
Question
According to the print media reports, some of the NATO containers have already crossed the border to reach Afghanistan and some are ready to cross the border. I want to ask what is the exact situation regarding NATO supplies.
Answer
I think you are referring to those four containers which contained diplomatic stuff. It has nothing to do with the GLOC or NATO supplies.
Question
My question is about the upcoming Tokyo conference on Afghanistan in July which is to collect funds for the development in Afghanistan. Our Foreign Minister is in Japan. So, is Pakistan going to pledge any funds for Afghanistan or this issue will be discussed in Foreign Ministers’ meeting with the officials in Japan?
Answer
Foreign Minister is in Japan on a bilateral visit. I have not yet seen any report about what has been discussed between the two Foreign Ministers but obviously, all issues of bilateral importance and mutual interest would be discussed in the meetings. Regarding the future pledge, I think it is a little too early to comment.
Question
We very often read the statements about drone attacks. What is you information that which air base is being used to carry out these drone attacks, and which neighbouring country’s territory is being used?
Answer
I am not aware as to which air base or neighbouring country’s territory is being used.
Question
Recently, Saudi Arabia has declared Bahrain as its part. What is Pakistan’s stance on it? The Indian army chief has issued a statement in Jammu today that 500 intruders are ready to cross the border into the Indian occupied Kashmir. I need the official statement from you?
Answer
Regarding your first question, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are two brotherly countries and it is for them to decide as to what kind of arrangement they want to have. Regarding your second question, if the Indian side has any information about the intruders they are most welcome to share it with us because this blame game does not work any more. We would respond if they share any real time intelligence with us.
Question
If you think that drone attacks are in violation with the international law, why don’t you take up this issue with United Nations Security Council or any other international forum like the International Court of Justice?
Answer
We are trying to resolve this issue bilaterally but we have all our options open. Pakistan and the US are two friendly countries and they both understand the importance of this relationship. There is a mutual desire to resolve all issues through dialogue and all available channels.
Question
The visiting Indian Home Secretary made a statement this morning that India is not satisfied with the pace of court proceedings in Pakistan against the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks. They have asked Pakistan to do more and kindly can you share with us any thing substantial on this matter?
Answer
I think the Indian Home Secretary would have ample opportunity to discuss this matter with his Pakistani counterpart, and I leave it to the Secretary, Ministry of Interior, to respond to it. All the issues, the two sides will have, will come under discussion in the upcoming negotiations between India and Pakistan including counter-terrorism, visas and issue of fishermen and prisoners in each others’ jails. We hope for a constructive discussion.
Question
There has been a statement by US officials regarding Shakil Afridi punishment that he has been actually helping CIA and not spying for Pakistan. Don’t you think it is interference in Pakistan’s internal judicial process and domestic matters.
Answer
We need to respect each other’s judicial system and processes.
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