Transcript of the Media Briefing by the Spokesperson Thursday, 20 March 2025

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

I welcome you all at the weekly press briefing.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is currently on an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that is from 19-22 March 2025. The delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, along with key Federal Ministers and senior officials. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties, enhance economic cooperation, and promote investment between the two countries.

The Prime Minister met Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman today. Both leaders had productive discussion on ways to further strengthen Pakistan-Saudi Arabia ties in trade, investment, energy & security. Prime Minister thanked His Royal Highness for the Kingdom’s consistent support to Pakistan.

The Prime Minister’s visit underscores the deep-rooted historical relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and will pave the way for increased mutual understanding, enhanced cooperation in trade, investment and greater diplomatic coordination on bilateral, regional and global matters.

Pakistan welcomes the signing of treaty on delimitation and demarcation of the Kyrgyz Tajik border. We congratulate the leadership and the brotherly peoples of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan on this landmark achievement, marking the end of a protracted border dispute. We firmly believe that this significant turn of events will open up new possibilities of cooperation and advancement in the region.

Pakistan unequivocally condemns Israel’s vicious attacks against the people of West Bank and Gaza, the blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, killing innocent civilians, including elderly, women and children.

Israel’s airstrikes and raids are a flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement; international humanitarian law; the UN Charter; and hampers the confidence and faith in the global community and international law.

Pakistan strongly calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities in West Bank, and Gaza; protection of civilians; and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid and assistance.

We also call on the international community to increase its efforts to end Israel’s genocidal campaign against the innocent people of Palestine. We call for accountability of Israeli crimes committed in this brutal war, as a crucial step towards restoring international legitimacy.

Pakistan continues to support the two-state solution which is based on fundamental principles of the UN Charter, resolutions of the UN Security Council and decisions of the International Court of Justice.

We also reaffirm our unconditional support for the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people and for the establishment of a viable, contiguous, and sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

We are alarmed that the frequency of Indian leadership’s unwarranted assertions about Jammu and Kashmir has increased. In this context, we wish to make a few things clear, especially with regard to the remarks made by the Indian External Affairs Minister at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi.

It was India that took Jammu and Kashmir issue to the United Nations in 1948. Today, it has no right to blame the Security Council and its erstwhile members for the resolutions that were subsequently adopted.

Repetition of baseless claims cannot deny the fact that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory whose final status is to be determined by its people through a UN-supervised plebiscite, as stipulated in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence. However, a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people, is essential for a lasting peace in South Asia.

The remarks made by the Indian Prime Minister during a podcast, are misleading and one-sided. They conveniently omit the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which remains unresolved for last seven decades despite India’s solemn assurances to the United Nations, Pakistan and the Kashmiri people.

India’s fictitious narrative of victimhood cannot hide its involvement in fomenting terrorism on Pakistan’s soil and the state-sanctioned oppression in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK). Instead of blaming others, India should reflect on its own record of orchestrating targeted assassinations, subversion and terrorism in foreign territories.

Pakistan has always advocated constructive engagement and result-oriented dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir. However, peace and stability in South Asia has remained hostage to India’s rigid approach and hegemonic ambitions.

The anti-Pakistan narrative, emanating from India, vitiates the bilateral environment and impedes the prospects for peace and cooperation. It must stop.

I thank you!

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(Mateen Haider, G News) Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister chaired a high-level meeting with the Chargé d’ Affaires of US Consular Affairs of the US Embassy yesterday. On that meeting a very short statement from the Ministry said consular related issues were discussed. Would you share more details whether visa issues for Pakistani nationals were discussed and if there were any American concerns? If yes, then what were those concerns and what assurances Pakistan gave to the US Charge d’ Affaires? Has the matter between Pakistan and United States resolved?

Spokesperson: Pakistan and the US continue to engage with each other in diverse fields and consular affairs are an important component of the bilateral relations. Pakistan-US bilateral relations have registered a positive momentum over the last couple of years. Meeting with US Cd’ A was part of a regular diplomatic engagement. As far as the news relating to inclusion of Pakistan in any travel ban is concerned, as explained earlier the US authorities have termed the media reports as speculations. Officially, nothing has been conveyed to us so far.

(Syeda Qurat ul Ain, Independent Urdu): Given the current situation in Israel, at least four Pakistani journalists or citizens went to Israel. Did MOFA know about it? And if not or if it did actually, what is MOFA going to do and what is the update?

(Saima Shabbir, Arab News): I would like to get your comments on the media report as well as the tweet of one member of the delegation, according to which a 10-member delegation comprising of 8 men and 2 women arrived in Tel Aviv last Monday and the group, reportedly including journalists, intellectuals, influencers, visited various locations in Israel to gather information. I would like your comments on the fact that is it not against the constitution of Pakistan to travel to a country where our passport has clearly prohibited to travel to? Is there any kind of change in Pakistan’s policy towards Israel? Will there be any action against these civilians who have travelled on Pakistani passport or are they dual nationals carrying Pakistani passport as well?

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Sir, my question is also related to the claim of visit of Pakistani delegation to Israel. It is believed that a delegation from the previous government also travelled there. Is there any back door communication channel in play? Because we have also witnessed some change in some of the Arab countries as well with regards to the same issue?

Spokesperson: Ministry of Foreign Affairs had no foreknowledge or information of the visit. We found out about the visit through the same media reports that you are alluding to. We do not have any details about who visited except for one individual who posted on twitter. Since we do not know their details, we cannot comment on what kind of passports were they carrying or were they dual nationals or not.

But as far as Pakistan’s position with regards to Israel is concerned, it’s very unambiguous. There is no question of a change in Pakistan’s position on the question of recognition of Israel or on the question of Palestine or the Arab Israel problems. It remains unwavering, very clear and very firm.

(Shabir Wahgra, PTV World): Would there be any investigation on this matter? If there are people who are Pakistani nationals and succeeded in reaching there, so would there be any action taken against them by the Foreign Office? As this is not happening for the first time, in the past, dual nationals have travelled there, however, travelling there at this time is really disturbing keeping in view the current circumstance.

Spokesperson: As I mentioned we did not have any foreknowledge or information of this visit. We are in the process of gathering information. We would be able to comment further once we have a clear picture.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Two questions, Firstly, the JFK files were released and in that, there is a rather startling revelation that the CIA maintained a base in Rawalpindi. Was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Government of Pakistan aware of it? Was it done in tandem with or without their approval? Your comments on that.

Second, with regards to Afghan deportations and the Afghan Foreign Ministry rejecting the allusions that were made from your podium and from the DG ISPR’s press conference in reference to the Jaffer Express attack, do you have a reaction on that and on the deportation deadline? Because they’ve highlighted that deadline i.e. 31st March 2025 is Eid day. Is there any change in that?

Spokesperson: About the first question, what I have read so far is that the JFK files are truly voluminous, around 80-100,000 pages. I cannot form a judgment unless the documents are read in entirety and the detailed commentary appears. Secondly, the matter is of historical curiosity rather than of any direct contemporary relevance. But if we get any information, we will share with you.
About the second question regarding the deadline for deportation, our concerned authorities have informed that there is no change in the deadline.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Sir, this podium must be very satisfied because the principle that you and your predecessor has been stating here has been accepted by the State Department that the founder of PTI, Mr. Imran Khan’s issue is the internal matter of Pakistan. State Department Spokesperson very categorically stated that we do not interfere into the internal matters of other countries. What are your comments, Sir?

Spokesperson: Sir, I have been repeating that non-interference in internal affairs of each other is the foundational element of inter-state relations and it is the government’s policy and position for all countries. So, we welcome reiteration of this principle.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Sir, Pakistan is an atomic power and has capabilities of ballistic missiles as well. Keeping in view the current dynamics, is Pakistan being targeted deliberately according to any unannounced/undisclosed new world order? Secondly, President Donald Trump had mentioned during his election campaign that whenever he would be in power, he will prevent wars, however, now after being elected it can be seen that he is attacking Yemen continuously, supporting Israel in violating the ceasefire and bombing Gaza and threatening Iran which has been given the deadline of two months. What is Pakistan’s stance on US’ dual standards or on this whole situation?

Spokesperson: Sir, our missile and defense capabilities are for Pakistan’s defense and to ensure deterrence in the region, which is vital for our security. Our defense program is robust and remains under strong controls.

About your question relating to the global peace and the policy of the United States, I’m not in a position to comment on that. However, the air strikes by the United States on rebel held Sana and other strongholds of Houthis on 16th March 2025 and the threat of retaliation by Houthis indicate dangerous escalation in the already volatile region. The ceasefire violation by Israel on 18th March 2025 will have grave repercussions for stability of the region. Pakistan sees the situation as alarming, which could lead to further deterioration of a multi-dimensional crisis in Yemen. Pakistan remains committed to a Yemeni led, and Yemeni owned political process facilitate by the United Nations.

(Khalid Mahmood, Express News): Sir, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister announced to form a committee regarding investigating allegations of human smuggling and reports about alleged involvement of some officers of the Foreign Office and issuance of note verbale in this regard. What is the mandate of the committee? When will it be formed? Also, would like you to comment regarding investigations of Pakistani Ambassador to Turkmenistan.

Spokesperson: Sir, there is no question and allegation of anyone’s involvement in human smuggling. None of our official statements have mentioned about any such allegation. In reality, there was some negative speculation in the social media. The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister has instructed to establish the fact-finding Committee in order establish facts.

With regards to your question about our Ambassador in Turkmenistan, the investigations are underway. We will revert to you as the investigation reaches its logical conclusion.

(Muhammad Tahir Khan, NNI News): There were some reports that the Foreign Office had summoned an Afghan diplomat for a protest. So could you please confirm if the Afghan diplomat was summoned? I saw the reports, but there was no official statement, so I contacted an Afghan official in Islamabad, and he also confirmed to me, however, he also said that we reject, and we even don’t comment on such kind of statement about what Pakistan has been saying about the use of Afghan soil. If you summon someone and in case they reject the summon then how matters will be resolved with Afghanistan?

My second question is regarding refugees, previously, tripartite meetings were held regularly between Pakistan, Afghanistan and UNHCR regarding decision on refugees. This meeting was not undertaken this time, in fact no tripartite meeting has been held for four years. How do you comment on taking decision on refugees without taking into confidence the Afghan side and UNHCR?

(Allah Noor Wazir, Mashriq TV): If Afghan Charge d’ Affaires was summoned at Foreign Office, did he assure that the Afghan soil will not be used against Pakistan by TTP and BLA as well which took the responsibility of Jaffar Express incident and they were operating from the Afghan soil? Does Pakistan hope that Afghanistan will take action against them? Will they ensure that their soil is not used against Pakistan?

(Asghar Ali Asghar Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): My colleagues have already asked the detailed question. I just want to ask will Pakistan seek help of international community and other external sources for the implementation of Doha agreement, because I asked on 1st March that Pakistan has many evidences on this matter which had been shared by the ISPR and other Government officials during press briefings. Will Pakistan put forward its point of view?

Spokesperson: About summoning of the Afghan Cd’ A, this is part of the routine diplomatic activity. We do not announce it in the media. There is a regular interaction going on between the embassies based in Islamabad and the Foreign Ministry, it is a regular activity. So, nothing exception or unusual about it. We need to keep that in view.

Secondly, our concerns have been consistently shared. And as I pointed out last time, embassies are a very important channel of communication to convey messages or concerns. Then we have other channels also. For example, the Special Representative, Ambassador Sadiq is also actively in contact. So, our position on this issue has consistently been conveyed to Afghan authorities through a number of channels. Indeed, terrorist threat against Pakistan from terrorist entities including TTP, BLA and ISKP is our foremost concern. We continue to impress upon interim authorities to take visible and verifiable action against them, keeping in view their commitments given to the international community to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and groups from the Afghan soil.

About the UNHCR element, I will get back to you. But overall, what I can say is that the policy has been very clearly conveyed to you. We are not bound to consult UNHCR. First of all, Pakistan is not a member of the Refugee Convention. So, anything we have done for the Afghan refugees was done voluntarily for the past 50 years. So, with regards to international obligations, we have fulfilled more than our share, by offering this kind of hospitality to Afghans and we continue to welcome them. But they should have Pakistani visas on their passport, and then they will be more than welcome. Also, there is a large body of Afghans living here with proper documentation.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Some developments regarding Afghanistan. Following this National Security Committee of the parliament meeting, the leadership has pronounced various aspects including that we can go inside Afghanistan to attack these entities that you are talking about. I don’t need reaction on their statements but since you deal with the policy matters, what is the precise policy? Whether we have finally decided a hot pursuit policy inside Afghanistan, and how do you explain that Pakistan is no more a soft state? It will be a hard state. What is the concept of being a hard state?

The Defense Minister said publicly that both inside and outside Afghanistan, we can pursue this policy.

(Khalid Mehmood): In yesterday’s talk show, the Defense Minister said it.
Spokesperson: I have not seen the statement. But what I can tell you about our policy is that it remains consistent and the same. We can continue to raise this issue with Afghan authorities. Our counter-terrorism efforts within the country will continue apace, and we will continue to emphasize and ask Afghan authorities to take visible, verifiable action against terrorists who enjoy sanctuaries inside Afghanistan.

(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Sir, how do you assess the roles of tribal jirgas and KPK government in reopening of torkham border, and under what condition has the border opened. On other side, it was learned from the reliable sources that NLC terminal at the zero point at torkham border, sustained significant damages during the cross-border firing from the Taliban forces. Your comments please.

Spokesperson: About KPK government, we have been explaining it in the past as well. There was a statement that they would want to engage with the Afghan authorities directly. I had explained our position that Foreign Affairs remains solely the remit and mandate of the federal government.

Regarding second question, Torkham has opened yesterday, and I think by tomorrow, pedestrian traffic will also be allowed. So the current arrangement has been arrived at through mutual consultations, and this is a good, positive development which is up to 15th April. By that time we expect that further negotiations and consultations would be held to put in place a permanent system which could ensure the continuous operation of the Torkham border seamlessly. All channels and contacts have been used, and we think it’s a positive development. We want to make it sustainable and permanent.

Ceasefire effort?

Spokesperson: Ceasefire presumes a kind of active hostility. I did not use the word ‘cease fire’.

(Naveed Siddiqui): What were the conditions, did they stop at the border post we they not accepting any demands.

Spokesperson: What I mean is, this is one of our basic requirements. There won’t be any construction by Afghan side inside the Pakistani territory.

(Aijaz Ahmad, GNN News): Pakistan – US relations are improving. What are the mutual points on which both sides have agreed to cooperate and could agree? Is elimination of terrorism from Afghanistan is one of those points. Is the action against BLA whose members are residing in Afghanistan, another point of convergence?

Spokesperson: Pakistan – US relations remain strong. This is a decades long relationship. We have multi-dimensional relationship, people-to-people contacts, trade, investment, education, and then there are counter-terrorism, security cooperation. There are layers of engagement between the two countries and counter-terrorism is one aspect of it.

(Raziq Bhatti, Kashmir Express): Indian Defence Minister said that elimination of Article 370 was a peaceful process without having fired a single bullet. Now, occupied Kashmir is part of India and we will not tolerate any external interference. Your comments please.

Spokesperson: I have commented on Indian Defence Minister’s statement in the last briefing also. It is far removed from the facts. It is almost delusional. How can you call killing of more than 100,000 Kashmiris as peaceful. That’s what I can say. Indian barbarity and the killing spree which has been going on in Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir is well documented, well known and such statements cannot hide the dark reality, which is currently prevailing inside Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

(Raja Mohsin Ijaz, ARY News): An investigative committee was formulated by Deputy Prime Minister. Has this committee been formulated for specific purposes or it will oversee the matters in general?

Secondly, when this committee will share its report because we are receiving reports that 150 Pakistani women who belong to ‘Ghizar’ were allegedly human trafficked to Serbia. Is the committee specifically overseeing this matter or other matters are also being investigated as there are unverified reports from other places as well like Pakistan Ambassador to the US was also responsible for issuing of note verbale for these Pakistani women. So, is the committee working on one specific matter, if it is then what is the matter being investigated?

Spokesperson: As I explained to you, this fact-finding committee was formulated for the investigation of the speculations circulating on social media. It is overseeing matters in general. After thorough investigation, the fact-finding committee will present its report to the Deputy Prime Minister. It has its own procedure. I will have to check the time allocated to the committee for this purpose. These days there is too much speculation and anything can be posted on social media. Therefore, Deputy Prime Minister decided to formulate a committee to gather facts on the issues and make matters clear.

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): Skirmishes are taking place for the last two to three days on Lebanon-Syrian border which is being initiated by new Syrian government’s forces, Hizb-ut-Tahrir. What is Pakistan’s stance on this?

Spokesperson: Pakistan reiterates the need for all parties to exercise restraint. We call on all parties to respect state sovereignty of each state and refrain from any actions that could further exacerbate violence and instability in the region.

(Almas Haider Naqvi, Mashriq TV): Sir, there are reports that Pakistan is buying 1.1% share at the BRICS backed New Development Bank with the aim to diversify Pakistan’s credit options and reduce dependence on World Bank and IMF. My question is whether Pakistan can acquire such shares without being a member of BRICS. And secondly, how Pakistan can ensure such shares if India attempts to block Pakistan move?

Spokesperson: About the procedural aspect of the New Development Bank, the BRICS Development Bank, its membership is different than the BRICS membership. That’s what I can convey to you. But about the specifics, I’m not aware. I’ll have to check the details, and then I would be able to get back to you.

(Amjad Ali, EFE Spanish News Agency): Couple of weeks ago, there were some media reports, and also Spanish police shared some information about a group of Pakistanis who were arrested in Spain. What is the latest update on those arrests?

Spokesperson: We have actually commented on it in the last briefing. We have received information through our consulate in Barcelona that Pakistani citizens had been arrested in Spain for violation of the Spanish domestic laws. But later on, we were conveyed that four of the individuals were released after the initial investigation by police and one of the individuals a woman was released by the court on bail. Our consulate remains in touch. We are following it. There’s nothing further at this point in time to report on that. Their deportation to Pakistan is speculative. Let’s see how it proceeds in the Spanish judicial system.

(Muhammad Adnan Ami, Nikkei Asia): It was reported in media a couple of days back that Pakistani Federal Minister for railways has said that if China is not willing to invest in ML-1 project, then Pakistan will use its own resources to build the project. So, can you confirm if there is a show of reluctance from China not to invest in this project? And secondly, can you confirm if a technical team from China is coming this month to Pakistan to discuss the same matter?

Spokesperson: The first part of the question, I am not aware of it, but I don’t think I haven’t seen any report, but I will check on both issues.

(Allah Noor Wazir, Mashriq TV): Sir, the President, the Prime Minister, the Army Chief, DG ISPR or other government officials say that Pakistan faces terror activities emanating from Afghanistan. So, is it Pakistan’s failure to secure its border with Afghanistan?

Spokesperson: You are from the same region and know what are the difficulties of that border, how challenging it is, and to completely seal off the border is impossible. So, as I explained to you, we are taking more robust action on our side, but at the same time, if the terrorists continue to enjoy sanctuaries and support from across the border, infiltration is always possible.

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): It is being reported that India was directly and indirectly involved in Jafar Express hijacking. Pakistan had earlier submitted dossier to international community on India’s involvement in terrorist attacks in Pakistan. Did Pakistan, took up the issue through its missions, or intimated High Commissioners and Ambassadors posted in Pakistan on this matter?

Spokesperson: Indian involvement is clear. They have been involved in terrorism in Pakistan. And secondly, it’s not just Pakistan. They have been trying to destabilize the entire region, all South Asian countries. And they also have been running, a global assassination campaign sponsored from their country, and their involvement is very clear to us. Regarding the issue of flagging it, this is an ongoing process. Our embassies are active on this. We continue to highlight it. And you may also have noticed that India never condemned this attack on Jafar Express also. That is also a point worth noting.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): America issued a travel advisory for its citizens travelling to Pakistan especially for KPK and Balochistan. Under International law level 4, the UK also issued travel advisory for its citizens travelling to KPK and Balochistan especially for the Northern areas which attract many tourists, resultantly local tourism business is in shambles. Such policies which are directly affecting Pakistan, what is Pakistan’s stance on this?

Spokesperson: Travel advisory is a country’s internal decision. But if the matter is discussed with us, we clarify the situation. I am not aware about the changes in the travel advisory related to places of KPK and Northern areas by the UK. I will check.

(Qurat Ul Ain, Independent Urdu): About an earlier question, I just want this to get confirmed. If you’ve said that Indian involvement was clear regarding Jafar Express attack or not, because last week, after the briefing, it was misreported that Pakistan said that India was involved in the Jaffer express incident?

Spokesperson: What I said is that India’s involvement in fanning terrorism in Pakistan, and its involvement in destabilizing Balochistan is very clear to us.

(Mateen Haider, G News): Yes, it is related to same on Jafar Express, the Chief Minister, Mr. Bugti and DG ISPR openly said that there is nexus between terrorist organization and Indian external intelligence RAW in Afghanistan. We do have a mechanism between India and Pakistan intelligence information sharing. If it is proven that India is involved in subversive activities, is Pakistan going to share this evidence with India? Is Pakistan going to share this at United Nations Security Council level, because it is an act by another country in another country to destabilize it, to carry out subversive activities, which is breach of our sovereignty, and national security.

Spokesperson: About this point, about the dossiers we have been giving to the United Nations in the past, and we continue to raise it. Regarding new dossier, I will have to check, but the updated information we get, we continue to share it with our interlocutors all over the world.

Thank you very much.