Office of the Spokesman

Press Release- 3 May

We have learnt with deep concern that a Pakistani prisoner, Sanaullah, who was serving life imprisonment in a jail in Indian Occupied Kashmir, was attacked this morning and as a result has received grievous injuries. Upon receipt of this information, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has sought immediate consular access to visit Sanaullah who is presently in hospital in Jammu and in a critical condition.

This obvious retaliation to the death of Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh is condemnable and we call upon the Government of India to take all measures to ensure that Sanaullah receives the best medical treatment available, investigate the matter thoroughly and punish the perpetrators of this atrocity. We would also remind the Government of India of its responsibility in ensuring the safety and security of all Pakistani prisoners lodged in Indian jails.

Press Briefing by Spokesman on 03^rd May 2013

Opening Statement:

As you are aware, the Government of Pakistan has expressed its deep concern that a Pakistani prisoner, Sanaullah, who was serving life imprisonment in a jail in Indian Occupied Kashmir, was attacked this morning and as a result has received grievous injuries. Upon receipt of this information, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi has sought immediate consular access to visit Sanaullah who is presently in hospital in Jammu and in a critical condition.

We have called upon the Government of India to take all measures to ensure that Sanaullah receives the best medical treatment available, investigate the matter thoroughly and punish the perpetrators of this atrocity.

We have also reminded the Government of India of its responsibility in ensuring the safety and security of all Pakistani prisoners lodged in the Indian jails.

I would further like to inform you that the Foreign Secretary spoke to the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad today to ask for evacuation of Mr. Sanaullah to Pakistan for treatment in our hospital. Our High Commissioner in New Delhi is also making a similar request to the Indian authorities there.

We have also called in the Indian Deputy High Commissioner to the Foreign Ministry and lodged a protest at the attack on Pakistani prisoner and requested immediate consular access and his best possible medical treatment. We have also asked for his evacuation to Pakistan for treatment in Pakistan and to be close to his family members. We have also called for the two governments to make maximum use of the existing mechanisms to address the issue of safety and security of prisoners.

  Question

Pakistan provided consular access to Indians immediately after Sarabjit incident, why there is a delay in case of Sanaullah? There is also a judicial committee on prisoners between the two countries, has the matter been taken to it?

Answer

Consular access has been agreed in principle. We are waiting for further details about the venue where consular access would be granted.

As for your second question, the judicial committee is a regular mechanism and certainly matter would be taken to it.

Question

It seems that the attack on Sanaullah is in retaliation to Sarabjit incident. There is apprehension that this alarming situation has a potential to derail relations between the two countries. How do you respond to it?

Answer

Sarabjit was injured as a result of the scuffle between the prisoners. On the other hand, Sanaullah seems to be victim of a direct assault coming in the wake of the death of Sarabjit Singh.

On the larger issue, we are convinced that Pakistan and India must have good neighborly relations. Such incidents are unfortunate but must not derail the dialogue process which should remain uninterrupted.

Question

Under the Armed Forces Special Act, innocent Kashmiris are being tortured. What is your take on it?

 Answer

Pakistan has always extended political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people. We have also called for protecting the human rights of the Kashmiris and stressed the need to stop the high handedness of the security authorities in the Indian Occupied Kashmir. We believe that the voice for right to self determination cannot be suppressed by the use of force.

 Question

It seems that the same script is being repeated as happened at Kot lakhpat jail. Pakistan cooperated well in case of Sarabjit. What is the level of cooperation from Indian side?

Answer

As you all are aware, right after the injuries Sarabjit was taken to one of the best hospitals in Lahore and a full medical board treated him. Indian High Commission was provided immediate consular access and later regular consular access. The family of Sarabjit Singh was also issued visas instantly and offered a room in the hospital. We also facilitated in the quickest possible time the repatriation of the dead body. The Indian Foreign Secretary had called the Pakistani Foreign Secretary yesterday to appreciate all the steps that Pakistan had taken.  I hope that we would receive similar positive response from the Indian side in the case of Mr. Sanaullah.

Question

After attack on Sarbajit and in retaliation, Pakistani prisoners have been attacked. Has Government of Pakistan issued any travel advisory to the people of Pakistan visiting India in the wake of hostile statements coming from Indian politician and members of parliament? Do you demand from Indian government to provide security to visiting Pakistanis?

Answer

It is our expectation that security will be provided to all Pakistanis visiting India. On the travel advisory I would need to check with our relevant colleagues.

With regard to provocative statements from Indian leaders, Pakistan continues to pursue a policy of restraint and responsibility. We have asked the Indian government to ensure that Mr. Sanaullah gets the best medical treatment available, the matter is investigated, and he is evacuated to Pakistan. On the larger issue of security of prisoners, we believe that we need to effectively utilize the existing mechanisms, namely Judicial committee on prisoners, Consular Agreement, and Home / Interior Secretary level talks.

Question

Sarbajit was convicted on charges of spying and involvement in terror attack in Faisalabad in 1992. He was later on sentenced to death. Now when he is dead the government of Indian Punjab and the central government of India has announced reward for this family. It appears to us as if he is being rewarded for killing innocent Pakistanis. Have you taken up this matter with the Indian government?

Answer

Sarbajit Singh was involved in act of terrorism in Pakistan resulting in the loss of many innocent Pakistanis. He was later on tried and convicted as per the law of Pakistan. Due legal process took its course. In our view, he is what was pronounced in our courts.

Question

Don’t you think that reward given to Sarbajit family is setting a precedent for other Indians to come and kill innocent Pakistanis?

Answer

We will be talking to the Indian government on all aspects including the ones that you are mentioning, through appropriate forums and channels.

Question

How many Indian prisoners are in Pakistani jails and vice versa? The spokesperson of the Indian Government have mentioned that there are 250 fisherman in Pakistani jails and there are other detained Indian in Pakistani jails and they have shown concerns on that.

Answer

There are approximately 500 to 600 Indian prisoners (fishermen and civil) in Pakistani jails and the approximately the same number of Pakistani prisoners (fishermen and civil) in Indian jails. These are our estimates as exact figures are not available.

Question

Do you think that Pak-India relations are on razor edge? There have been number of issues in the recent past including LoC violations, then Sarbajit and now Sanaullah issue?

Answer

We have always stressed the need for two countries to maintain a sustainable, uninterrupted, and uninterruptable structured dialogue. We have a Composite Dialogue process between the two countries and we think that it should not be stopped or slowed down. We also feel that the issues you have mentioned can be adequately addressed as part of the Composite Dialogue process. In our view, the two countries should take every step within our means to normalize and improve our relations for the betterment of the people of two countries and peace in the region.

Question

On the western borders how badly have these recent clashes affected Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.

Answer

As you are aware yesterday we had protested on an unprovoked firing incident that took place on May 1, 2013 at 2145 hours from the Afghan posts on the Pakistani Gursal post. Pakistan security forces exercised maximum restraint and two sides are in touch through military channels.

The Pakistani post in Gursal is part of our efforts to have effective border management. We believe that a better border management can help interdict cross border undesirable activity. We expect that Afghan authorities would also cooperate with us in effective border management

Question

Do you have any information when Sanaullah was captured and when he was convicted and for how long has he served his term? Do you know the charges?

Answer

Mr. Sanaullah was convicted in India in 1996. Our High Commission in New Delhi was granted consular access after ten years in January 2006. I understand he was serving life imprisonment. I do not have details of charges against him.

Question

There is a general impression that Indian government is dominating Pakistan and Pakistani government is on defensive. Is it policy of government of Pakistan? Especially in the wake of heroic treatment given to Sarbajit after his death?

Answer

Sarabjit was a convicted terrorist. We have shown restraint and responsibility because we want good neighbourly relations with India in the larger interest of peace for the two countries and our region.

Question

My question relates to the recent attacks from Afghan side. As you know our border with Afghanistan is porous. Is there any planning to seal borders due to the upcoming elections?

Answer

The security during the elections is being handled by Ministry of Interior and by Pakistan Army. I understand that both would be in a better position to answer these questions.

Question

My question also relates to the Pakistan-Afghan border, there are reports that Pakistan army conveyed its reservations that security situation on the Afghan side is not desirable and Afghanistan should stop infiltration from their side. Are you sure that we have not asked the Afghan side as we used to do in the past?

My second question relates to Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, there are reports that Indian government wants to join this project. Have we received any formal request from the Indian side?

Answer

As already indicated, we have stressed to the Afghan side the need for effective border management to check cross border infiltration.

On Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, we have seen the reports. We would examine and respond as and when we are approached.

Question

Would you give us latest figures how many election observers have arrived so far in Pakistan?

Answer

A total of 355 foreign election observers would observe elections. They are from 12 countries and 3 organizations (European Union, National Democratic Institute and Commonwealth).

Question

We have seen that in India-Pakistan relations the response is always tit for tat. Like in the case of Sarbajit and Sanaullah. What steps government of Pakistan is taking to prevent such incidents in future?

Answer

I have already replied this question in detail. It is our view that the Composite Dialogue between India and Pakistan should continue without interruptions in order to address all bilateral issues and improve relations between the two countries.

Question

You have issued three press releases on Sarbajit Singh but you have not used the word spy or terrorist. Why Foreign Office shown restraint on that?

Secondly, there is no agreement on transfer of prisoners between India and Pakistan, do you think such agreement can be beneficial for both the countries?

Answer

On your first question, we have been very clear. Sarbajit Singh committed an act of terrorism, violated our law and was imprisoned after due legal process. He was a convicted terrorist.

On your second question, we already have three mechanisms between India and Pakistan in place to discuss issues relating to prisoners as well as other mutually acceptable proposals.

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Press Briefing by Spokesman on 26^th April 2013 

Main discussion on Vote for overseas Pak,  Brussels meeting, Zaireen stranded in Iraq, North Korean diplomats and dispute between India and China.

Question

Would you please share the names of the countries that have allowed overseas Pakistanis to vote abroad?

Answer

The matter is under consideration in the Supreme Court. As soon as a decision is taken by the Government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our concerned missions abroad will extend all possible facilitation for conduct of polling for overseas Pakistanis.

As for countries where polling could be held, the Election Commission has identified nine countries for polling. The Ministry has received concurrence of the host governments of seven countries and is awaiting the concurrence of the remaining two. We have received concurrence from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Australia, Canada and UK. Concurrence is awaited from United States* and UAE. (*The US has also just given its concurrence).

Question

i)     Recently high level trilateral core group on Afghanistan met in Brussels but little information was shared with media. Could you please share the details and decisions taken during the meeting?

 ii)            During the meeting, it was seen that General Kayani was leading the Pakistani delegation and Foreign Secretary was missing from the picture. What does it reflect? Moreover, Pakistani delegation was scheduled to meet President Karzai at the sideline of the meeting but which could not take place due to some differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan, could you please tell what those differences were?

 iii)            Technically speaking Chief of Army Staff works under Federal Secretary. How could Foreign Secretary remain under Army Chief in the delegation?

Answer

The meeting in Brussels was a continuation of the high level contacts between Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United States. The meeting agreed that a sustainable reconciliation process was essential for the achievement of peace and stability in Afghanistan. During the meeting it was also agreed to pursue political, security, and economic cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan. As you are aware, Pakistan has always affirmed its support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan and we will continue to do so.

As for the level of participation, this was a meeting of the trilateral core group in which attendance has been at varying levels in the past. The important point for us is that our delegation firmly put across our perspective that Pakistan would like to see a peaceful, stable and united Afghanistan for the sake of peace in the region.

As for atmospherics, the meeting was held in a positive and constructive atmosphere. This was also mentioned in our press release.

Question

Would you please clarify the situation of Zaireen stranded in Iraq? What is the number of the Zaireen?

Answer

We have learnt that the Iraqi government has presently stopped entry of Zaireen to Iraq for elections and security reasons. The Foreign Office had issued an advisory in this regard. As for any stranded Pakistani Zaireen, we have instructed Pakistani Embassy in Baghdad to extend due assistance to anyone stranded at the border. Our Embassy has also taken up the matter with the M/o Interior and M/o Foreign Affairs in Baghdad and the Foreign Ministry here has taken up the matter with the Iraqi Embassy in Islamabad. All intending Pakistani Zaireen are again advised to check with the Embassy of Iraq before departure even if they hold valid visas.

As for the numbers, I do not have a confirmed figure because there are varying reports.

Question

There are some reports in local media that North Korean diplomats have been selling illegal goods in Pakistan. Could you please confirm these reports?

Answer

I have seen these reports and requested Protocol Division to check and ascertain facts from the concerned Embassy. As soon as I get a response from my protocol colleagues I would be able to say more about it.

Question

Recently aircraft crashed in Afghanistan and Taliban have kidnapped some foreigners including Russian and Turkish. Has the Turkish Embassy accessed Foreign Office for release of their citizen?

Answer

Yes we have seen reports about the kidnapping. We have no information about their whereabouts. I do not have information whether the Turkish Embassy has contacted us. I would however like to add that we condemn all acts of terrorism and would like to cooperate with all concerned, as required.  

Question

There are some reports in British and Pakistani newspapers regarding conviction of four British Muslims in connection to acts of terrorism.  It is reported that three out of them are Pakistani origins and there are allegations that who got training from Pakistan.  What are you comments?

Answer

We believe that any terrorist committing any terrorist activity must be brought to justice. As for your question regarding terrorist camps, there are no such camps in Pakistan.

Question

The press has reported bilateral dispute between India and China. What are your comments on it?

Answer

We do not comment on the bilateral issues between other countries.

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Libyan Consulate to restart functioning in Karachi soon

ISLAMABAD

The Libyan Embassy in Islamabad has decided to reestablish its Consulate in Karachi, as it has felt immense need of the citizens and people living in the city’s vicinity.

The embassy has taken this decision in the largest interest and upon repeated requests of Pakistani brothers while keeping in view the hardships and difficulties they faced in applying for Libyan visa and traveling to Islamabad in this regard, a news release issued by Embassy of Libya, Islamabad, said.

It said functioning of the Libyan Consulate, situated at 1/5F, Street 14, Shahrah-e-Iran, New Clifton, will restart without any further delay.

Violation of contracts by Libyan firms

Embassy takes serious notice of Pakistanis complaints

ISLAMABAD

The Head of Mission of Embassy of Libya in Islamabad has taken serious notice of the complaints received from Pakistani brothers over a few companies’ apparent failure to implement the contracts signed with the Pakistani manpower.

According to a press release, the Head of Mission has imposed a ban on all recruitments carried out by the said companies till further decision. Henceforth, the Libyan Consulate Section, Islamabad will not receive any Pakistani passport for recruitment on behalf of the 56 companies.

The embassy advises the Pakistani brothers, who want to go to Libya, either to contact Visa Section, Embassy of Libya, F-10/3, Islamabad, directly for new visas as well as extension in previously issued visas, or contact through the companies accredited with the Government of Pakistan.

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Press Release

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism visited Pakistan to study the civilian impact of the use of drones

Mr. Ben Emmerson, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, visited Pakistan from 11 – 13 March 2013. A part of his work as the UN Special Rapporteur is to study the civilian impact of the use of drones. At present, he is working on his annual report to the General Assembly, which focuses on the civilian impact of the use of drones.

During the visit, the Special Rapporteur called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Human Rights, the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production, the Foreign Secretary, besides holding talks with senior government officials. In order to ascertain first hand information on drone strikes and its impact on civilians, the Special Rapporteur also met with tribal Maliks and victims of drone strikes in Islamabad.

During interaction with the Special Rapporteur, Pakistan reiterated its known position that drone strikes are counter-productive, against international law and a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Mr. Emerson will present his report on the issue of drones during the 68^th session of the General Assembly in October 2013.

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Press Release

Spokesman’s response regarding cancellation of India-Pakistan Hockey Tournament and delays in implementation of the Visa Agreement

In response to a query regarding media reports about cancellation of India-Pakistan Hockey Tournament and delays in implementation of the Visa Agreement, the Spokesman said that sports, cultural events and people-to-people contacts build trust and confidence between the two countries.

Pakistan believes that in the larger interest of maintaining peace between Pakistan and India, sustained and uninterrupted implementation of confidence building process including sports events is required.

The Spokesman further stated that the Government of Pakistan remains fully committed to the peace process and composite dialogue between Pakistan and India, including enhanced people-to-people contacts and friendly exchanges.

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Press Release

Pakistan Rejects Remarks by Senior Indian Functionaries

Pakistan strongly rejects the remarks made by Indian Home Secretary R. K. Singh alleging that “prime facie evidence suggests that the militants who attacked the members of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were from across the border, they were probably from Pakistan”.  Pakistan also rejects the statement made by Defence Minister A. K. Antony in the Rajya Sabha accusing the Special Services Group of Pakistan Army of beheading two Indian soldiers on the Line of Control on January 08, 2013.

We feel that this trend of making irresponsible statements and knee-jerk reactions by senior Indian Government functionaries have the potential of undermining the efforts made by both sides to normalize relation between the two countries.

Pakistan, which is itself a victim of terrorism and has rendered immense sacrifices in its efforts against this menace, condemns such actions of terrorism in the strongest possible terms and calls upon the Government of India to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident before leveling such accusations which are counterproductive and serve no purpose.

Pakistan remains committed to discussing and resolving all outstanding issues with India through a meaningful dialogue.

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Press Release

US Ambassador calls on the Foreign Minister Khar

The US Ambassador, Mr. Richard Olson called on Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar at the Foreign Office today.

During the meeting, they discussed the overall bilateral relationship including progress made under the strategic dialogue process in various spheres of cooperation. The Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction on the current trajectory of the relations between Pakistan and the United States and hoped that these multifaceted relations would be further strengthened and deepened on the basis of mutual respect and common interest.

Ambassador Olson appreciated the role Foreign Minister Khar played in putting this important relationship back on track and expressed his commitment to work closely with the government of Pakistan to achieve their shared objectives.

They also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and how Pakistan and the US could cooperate in bringing peace and stability in that country. Foreign Minister Khar highlighted the efforts Pakistan had made in facilitating the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process. The US Ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s positive role and contribution in this regard.

The Foreign Minister Khar lauded Ambassador Olson’s contributions in building a positive momentum in the relationship between the two countries.

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Remarks by National Security Adviser Thomas Donilon

Subject: The United States and the Asia – Pacific in 2013

Location: Asia Society, New York City, New York

MS. DIMAGGIO: Staying in South Asia for a little bit, Asia Society, our membership, we have a very large Pakistani diaspora as part of our membership, and I did receive several questions wanting me to ask you how you see our relationship with Pakistan moving forward, particularly in light of recent problems that we’ve had with them, particularly with the military.

MR. DONILON: Yeah. We have had with Pakistan a very important partnership in the counterterrorism area. And indeed, you know, the Pakistanis have suffered thousands of casualties in the battle against extremism. And as I said, they have been an important partner of the United States in our efforts against the most extreme elements.

We have had difficult issues between the United States and Pakistan. And indeed we had a long period of time when it felt like our relationship always had a crisis. We obviously had a difficult time after we executed successfully the raid against Osama bin Laden in May of 2011 in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and there was a reaction. We had a very — we had a terrible cross border incident November of 2011, where two dozen Pakistani soldiers were killed. We had the closure of our ground lines of communication by the Pakistani government.

We have worked through these issues. And we, I think, actually are now at a point where we’re having broader conversations without the overlay, if you will, of some crisis, and talking about kind of more fundamental strategic interests that we have — that we have in common.

We both have in common a stable Afghanistan at the end of — at the end of this process, and we’re working together — we’re working together on that. We both have in common the fight against extremist elements, and we continue to work on that — on that partnership.

So we’ve had, as you might imagine, as has been clear, some difficult issues, but I do think we’re at a point here where we don’t have a crisis hanging over the relationship. We continue to work intensively with the Pakistanis on the kinds of issues that I talked about, and we’ll continue to do so.

They have some milestones coming up of their own –

MS. DIMAGGIO: Elections.

MR. DONILON: — in their elections, very important.

State Department Regular Briefing

Briefer: Victoria Nuland, Spokesperson, Department of State

Location: State Department Briefing Room, State Department, Washington, D.C.

MS. NULAND: Yep. Can you tell me who you are?

Q: (Name inaudible) — with Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper.

MS. NULAND: Mmm hmm.

Q: This morning, Monday morning, Pakistan and Iran performed the ground-breaking ceremony for gas pipeline, and by Monday evening the stock market in Karachi had crashed. And it appears that the United States may impose severe sanctions. Would you like to allay those fears?

MS. NULAND: I would not like to allay those fears. I would refer you back to comments that I made on Thursday and on Friday, I think, which repeated things that we’d said two weeks before. That, you know, we have serious concerns, if this project actually goes forward, that the Iran Sanctions Act would be triggered. We’ve been straight up with the Pakistanis about these concerns. And as I said at some length last week, we are also working very closely bilaterally to support alternative projects to provide Pakistan with the energy that it needs.

All of that said, we’ve heard this pipeline announced about 10 or 15 times before in the past. So we have to see what actually happens.

Q: But do you see the sanctions coming?

MS. NULAND: Say again?

Q: Do you see the sanctions coming soon?

MS. NULAND: As I said, if this project actually goes forward, we have serious concerns that sanctions would be triggered.

Please.

Q: And in view of Pakistan’s grave energy needs and the fact that you waived sanctions provisions for some of the countries last year, EU and Japan, on import of Iranian oil, will there — can there be a consideration that you will waive sanctions provisions for Pakistan in view of its energy needs? You know, it has to meet energy needs?

MS. NULAND: Well, as we’ve talked about here before, what the legislation calls for is for our partner countries to be making a concerted effort to reduce their dependence on Iranian oil over time so we are able to waive sanctions as we see reductions being made.

In the case of the EU, they’re now at zero. In the case of Japan, they’ve been making a steady decline, as have other countries that we have waived sanctions on. This pipeline project, if — as I said, if it actually goes forward — we’ve seen that promise many times — would take Pakistan in the wrong direction right at a time that we’re trying to work with Pakistan on better, more reliable ways to meet its energy needs.

Q: But, you know, the alternative, which is from Turkmenistan, it requires long-term stability and peace in Afghanistan, so that is not being seen as a very viable option right now. What are you, you know, encouraging, and what are you offering Pakistan?

MS. NULAND: Again, I can go through this list again. I went through it some — quite extensively on Thursday, but just to remind that we are supporting large-scale energy projects in Pakistan that will add some 900 megawatts to the power grid by the end of 2013, fueling an additional 2 million households. These include renovating the power plants at Tarbela, at — and the Mangla Dam, modernizing the thermal plant at Guddu, Jamshoro and Muzaffargarh and building new dams at Satpara and Gomal Zam as well as our work together on the TAPI pipeline.

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 Press Briefing by Spokesman on 07 March 2013

I don’t have any announcement to make.  But I look forward to your questions.

Question

There are reports that the President of Pakistan is visiting Iran for ground breaking ceremony of IP Gas Pipeline. Is there any date fixed for the visit? In addition to the ceremony, whether there would an agreement regarding the funding by Iran and whether other head of states have also invited.

Question 2: Would you please confirm the visit of the Prime Minister to India and whether he would be meeting any Indian official?

Answer

Yes, the President of Pakistan is visiting Iran to attend the ground breaking ceremony of the IP Gas Pipeline on 11 March.  The Ministry of Petroleum, being a lead Ministry, is working out the programme and I hope, it will be released soon. Regarding the Heads of State, yes several Heads of State have been invited. Since the Ministry of Petroleum is coordinating the whole event, I don’t have the list.

Yes, the Prime Minister of Pakistan will be visiting the dargah of Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti (R.A) in Ajmer Sharif, India on 9^th March 2013. It is a personal visit and I don’t have details about the meetings.

Question

As Pakistan is going to sign IP Gas Pipeline but it seems that Pakistan is in a fix on account of US pressure on Pakistan because of Iran being sanctioned. There is a point of view that Pakistan would not be in a position to carry out this project under international obligations and pressures. As President Zardari said that the IP Gas Pipeline would be pursued in national interest. Is it in national interest or public demand?

Answer

We are not in a fix. We are very clear about this project. It is in our national interest to go ahead with this project. Pakistan being an energy deficient country, is hugely suffering both economically and socially. Yes, we have seen some reports and a statement by the American Ambassador. We know about their concerns but we expect and hope that all our friends including the U.S. would show more understanding on this issue.

Question

The Prime Minister of India, Mr. Manmohan Singh has given a very clear statement that Pakistan has not done enough against terrorists and recent act of line of control showed very irresponsible attitude of Pakistan and the perpetrators of the Mumbai attack have not been brought to the justice. How would you respond to this statement?

Answer

Pakistan has repeatedly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Terrorism is a common threat and requires a common strategy and cooperation among the countries of the region. I think our actions speaks louder than these statements. Referring to the culprits of Mumbai attacks, we need proof, which could stand the scrutiny of the court. Just declaring somebody a perpetrator is not enough. We will not allow our territory to be used against any country and we condemn terrorism and extremism in its all forms.

Question

As India has already reservations and concerns on terrorism and on the line of control but regarding trade and MFN status, just ten days are left, how Pakistan would respond to India about it?

Answer

We are all concerned about terrorism and are suffering because of it incessantly. It is in our national interest to take action against it. Yes, there are some issues but the only way to resolve these issues is through dialogue. You have mentioned violations of line of control, we have an established mechanism under which all these issues could be addressed and resolved and we are even ready to use the UN- mechanism provided in this regard. As far as the MFN status is concerned, the cabinet has taken decision about establishing normal trade relations with India and the government is committed to its decision. But as you know this is a process which has been initiated, and there are obligations, some on our part. But we are hopeful that we would be able to move this process positively.

Question

As we have noticed a statement from the Ambassador of US regarding Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline. Whether the US has handed over its concerns formally, through its Embassy in Pakistan or State Department?

Answer

I have seen some statements but I am not sure about the demarche’. I can check on this and get back to you.

Question

There are recent reports emanating from India regarding construction of Bhasha Dam or other water reservoirs in northern areas of Pakistan that India has asked Pakistan to acquire NOC to construct any project there. Does India need NOC from Pakistan as well?

Answer

My understanding is that under the Indus Water Basis Treaty, we do not need any NOC from India for the construction of any project or structure on the rivers allocated to Pakistan. Infact, recently, the Court of Arbitration in its decision has also touched this point and has maintained that no such NOC is required for Pakistan to construct any dam or structure on the rivers allocated to Pakistan. However, if India tries to build any dam on the rivers allocated to Pakistan, it is under obligation to inform Pakistan in advance.

Question

After coming in power of the incumbent president, the government has decided to restructure or reform the government institutions in China. What are your comments on this?

Answer

We take restructuring and reforming the institutions as China’s internal affair. We have great trust and respect for the Chinese leadership. They have done a tremendous job for the welfare of their people and the development of their country. It is there for everybody to see the enormous growth China has achieved during last twenty years. We wish them the best in their efforts to restructure their institutions and our leadership looks forward to working with the new leadership of China. Our relationship with China is nothing but exemplary.

 Question

How would you compare five years’ foreign policy performance of this government with the previous government?

Answer

Well that would need the whole session. But I think one thing that really stands out is this government’s focus on improving its relations with all the neighbouring countries, particularly with India and Afghanistan. And we can see a sea change in this regard. The other thing that was quite unique to this government was that it gave the parliament a say in the formulation of foreign policy. These are many other successes that I can talk about but we would really another session for that.

Question

There are reports that there is going to be an agreement to install an oil refinery by Iran in Gwadar.

Answer

I have seen some reports regarding this. However, since the Ministry of Petroleum is the lead Ministry on this issue and I would refer you to it.

Question

Is there any development regarding release of more Taliban by Pakistan?

Answer

Not yet.

Question

US government has imprisoned Raymond Davis for two years in a case in the United States. Is there any initiative regarding the case of three murders in Pakistan? Secondly, there was a report in New York Times that two drone attacks, in February, were carried out by Pakistan.

Answer

Regarding your second question, you have seen a detailed press release issued by the ISPR in this regard, I do not have anything to add to this. Regarding Raymond Davis, there was this understanding that the case would be initiated against Raymond Davis, I understand that there have been some developments but I am not in a position to give you specific details of the case at this time.

Question

Ground breaking ceremony must be in Pakistan, is the upcoming ceremony is the ground breaking or just a ceremony in Iran?

Answer

The ground breaking ceremony is taking place in Iran.

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Foreign Minister’s visit to Qatar

Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar held bilateral consultations with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani in Doha today. During the meeting the two leaders reviewed various aspects of bilateral cooperation and discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest including the situation in Afghanistan.

While discussing the bilateral relations, the Foreign Minister said that Pakistan attached immense importance to its special relations with Qatar and that it was keen to further strengthen and diversify these relations in all fields. She underlined the need to build a mutually beneficial economic and trade relations between the two countries and invited Qatar’s investment in the energy, infrastructure and agriculture sectors. The Foreign Minister also urged the Government of Qatar to hire more Pakistani workers adding that the 90,000 strong Pakistani community was playing an important role in the development of the fast growing State of Qatar.

Talking about the situation in Afghanistan, the Foreign Minister said that Pakistan fully supported the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process. She briefed her counterpart the various steps Pakistan had taken to facilitate the process. She noted that only an all-inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue would ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan on a sustainable basis.

Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani said that there was a strategic convergence of views between Pakistan and Qatar on various regional and international issues including peace and stability in Afghanistan. He also said that the economic prosperity and stability of Pakistan was very important to Qatar and assured the Foreign Minister the full support of his Government in this regard. He also appreciated the role Pakistan was playing to facilitate the reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

Foreign Minister Khar also called on the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Khalif Al Thani and conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The Foreign Minister said that Pakistan attached high importance to the regional and strategic position of Qatar in the Middle East and appreciated the leading role it was playing in the Muslim world today.

The Amir expressed satisfaction over the current state of bilateral relations between the two countries and assured Qatar’s full support to Pakistan’s efforts in facilitating peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. He also appreciated the role of Pakistani community in Qatar and assured the Foreign Minister that his Government would seriously look into the possibility of hiring more Pakistani workers. He also assured the Foreign Minister that Qatar would continue to support Pakistan’s desire to have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the GCC countries.

The Foreign Minister also held a detailed meeting with the Minister for Energy and Industry, Dr Mohamed bin Saleh Al Sada and discussed various projects with a view to enhance cooperation in the energy sector.

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