Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Thursday 12th February 2026

Ladies and Gentlemen Assalam o Alaikum !

I welcome you all at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

I will begin with a roundup of the activities over the past two week.

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid a State visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 5-6 February 2026, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan His Excellency Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

This is the second visit of H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Pakistan which reflects the positive upward trajectory in Pak-Uzbek bilateral relations and the brotherly ties between our two brotherly countries, rooted in common history, faith and common aspirations for peace and prosperity in Central and South Asia.

During his stay, the Uzbek President met the President, hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister, and address the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, also called on the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The two nations signed a Joint Declaration on the Outcomes of the State Visit.

Our leaderships held comprehensive discussions covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations in follow up of the Prime Minister's visit to Uzbekistan in February 2025 and the inaugural meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), aimed at providing top-level oversight of bilateral cooperation. Both sides reiterated their commitment to implementing previously signed agreements and roadmaps.

Economic cooperation was a key focus. The leaders reaffirmed their goal of increasing bilateral trade to USD 2 billion by 2029, expanding the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), finalizing a Bilateral Investment Treaty, and enhancing collaboration in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, agriculture, minerals, and engineering. They agreed to establish joint industrial zones and hold the first Interregional Forum in Uzbekistan in 2026.

Connectivity and regional integration were highlighted, particularly the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project, including agreement on the Termiz-Kharlachi route and joint financing of the feasibility study. Pakistan reaffirmed access to its seaports and transport infrastructure for Uzbek trade.

H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, undertook his first State Visit to Pakistan on 03-04 February 2026. The State Visit of the President of Kazakhstan opens a new chapter of cooperation in bilateral relations between the two countries. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation, comprising senior Cabinet Ministers and other high-ranking officials.

During the visit, President Tokayev met with the President of Pakistan, held talks with the Prime Minister, and addressed the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Business Forum.

A Joint Declaration on Establishing Strategic Partnership between the two countries was issued.

It was decided to institutionalize high-level engagements, including regular reciprocal visits and a biennial Strategic Dialogue at the level of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, while enhancing parliamentary exchanges and consular cooperation.

In the security and defence domain, the two sides agreed to strengthen collaboration in counterterrorism, combating organized crime, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and other emerging threats, and to continue joint military exercises and professional exchanges. Several agreements were signed, including treaties on extradition, combating crimes, and cooperation in UN peacekeeping missions as well as in areas of transit trade, customs cooperation, financial regulation, and agricultural collaboration. Economically, the leaders set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to USD 1 billion and committed to expanding cooperation in agriculture, energy, textiles, finance, technology, and other key sectors.

The two countries also underscored the importance of transport and regional connectivity, supporting multimodal corridors linking Central and South Asia, including Trans-Afghan railway initiatives, and agreed to explore the resumption of direct flights.

They agreed that a peaceful settlement of Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The visit concluded with mutual invitations for future high-level exchanges, signaling a new chapter in Kazakhstan-Pakistan relations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received the Representative of the President of Azerbaijan on Special Assignments, H.E. Mr. Khalaf Khalafov. During the meeting, Azeri side briefed DPM/FM on ongoing and forthcoming initiatives under Azerbaijan's Chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, received H.E. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce of the Kingdom of Cambodia, both sides reaffirmed their mutual desire to collaborate closely in strengthening the bilateral partnership, particularly in the domains of economy, trade and investment, under the purview of the Pakistan-Cambodia Joint Trade Committee (JTC).

DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke on the telephone with Azerbaijan's Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov. They discussed strengthening economic cooperation, trade and investment ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, and agreed to maintain close contact.

DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi twice during this period. He expressed concern over the evolving regional situation, and underscored that dialogue & diplomacy remain the only viable way forward. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact. They discussed regional developments and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. They agreed to continue close engagement and coordination.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov. They reviewed bilateral relations, discussed ways to further enhance cooperation across multiple areas, and appreciated the continued momentum of high-level engagement between the two countries.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Botchway. DPM/FM highlighted Pakistan's role as a founding member of the Commonwealth and reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, good governance, development, and multilateral cooperation. Both leaders discussed avenues to further strengthen collaboration across priority areas of mutual interest, particularly through enhanced intra-Commonwealth cooperation.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received a phone call from Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov. FM Bayramov conveyed condolences for the victims of the Islamabad terrorist attack Both leaders also discussed current regional & international developments of mutual interest, and reaffirmed the enduring partnership between Pakistan & Azerbaijan.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan twice during this period. Both leaders also exchanged views on bilateral relations, matters of mutual interest, and key regional & international developments and agreed to remain in close coordination.

Ladies & Gentlemen Pakistan also notified revised control lists under the Export Control Act, 2004.

In exercise of the powers under the Export Control on Goods, Technologies, Material and Equipment related to Nuclear and Biological Weapons and their Delivery Systems Act, 2004 (SECA-2004), the Government of Pakistan notified the updated National Control Lists of items requiring an export license from the Strategic Export Control Division (SECDIV), Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The updated lists are available on the website: www.secdiv.gov.pk.

First issued in 2005, the Control Lists were subsequently revised in 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2022. The latest update ensures continued harmonisation with the control lists maintained by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), and the Australia Group (AG).

This notification underscores Pakistan's resolve to further strengthen its export control regime and reaffirms its role as a responsible technology-holder state, firmly committed to the objectives of non-proliferation and the fulfilment of its international obligations.

The 6th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Canada was held in Islamabad. On behalf of Pakistan, Ambassador Nabeel Munir, Special Secretary (United Nations) joined by Director General (Americas) Aamir Khan participated in the Consultations while the Canadian side was represented by Ambassador Weldon Epp, Assistant Deputy Minister (Indo-Pacific) from Global Affairs Canada and the High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Recognizing the significant untapped potential in the relationship, both sides expressed their readiness to improve the implementation of existing agreements and identify new avenues for cooperation, particularly strengthening trade and economic cooperation including greater support to business communities, facilitation of the trade delegations and enhanced institutional linkages.

The two sides also exchanged views on the evolving global and regional environment and discussed key multilateral issues of mutual interest. Both sides agreed to maintain regular consultations and expressed confidence that sustained engagement would lead to new progress in the bilateral partnership.

This week, two Joint statements were issued Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates condemning Israel's repeated violations of ceasefire in Gaza and on illegal Israeli actions in the Occupied West Bank.

On Gaza ceasefire violations, the Foreign Ministers termed Israeli actions as risk escalating tensions and undermining efforts aimed at consolidating calm and restoring stability, at a time when regional and international parties are working collectively to advance the second phase of Gaza Peace Plan and to implement the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.

In the second statement, they condemned illegal Israeli decisions and measures aimed at imposing unlawful Israeli sovereignty, entrenching settlement activity, and enforcing a new legal and administrative reality in the occupied West Bank, thereby accelerating attempts at its illegal annexation and the displacement of the Palestinian people. They reaffirmed that Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory. Israeli actions represent an assault on the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to realize their independent and sovereign state on the 4 June 1967 lines, with occupied Jerusalem as its capital. Such actions also undermine the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the region.

Pakistan hosted the Informal Retreat of D-8 Commissioners on 5-6 February 2026 in Lahore. The session was organized primarily to discuss the strengthening of the D-8 Secretariat and to approve its financial and administrative matters ahead of the commencement of the 51st Session of the D-8 Commission and the 12th D-8 Summit, scheduled to be held in April this year in Jakarta. D-8 Commissioners from all member states, including Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Türkiye and Pakistan, attended the meeting. The Secretary-General of D-8, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, also participated in the Retreat.

Director-General of UNESCO, Dr. Khaled El-Enany arrived in Islamabad on an official visit to Pakistan. He called on the Prime Minister of Pakistan and held meetings with senior government officials to discuss strategic cooperation between Pakistan and UNESCO in all areas of its mandate. This is the first bilateral visit of Dr. El-Enany to any country since his election as the new Director General of UNESCO in November 2025.

The Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Rosan Roeslani, paid an official visit to Pakistan from 9 to 10 February 2026 at the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan. During the visit, he called on the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister.

The visit of H.E. Rosan Roeslani underscores the shared resolve of Pakistan and Indonesia to elevate bilateral economic engagement and translate leadership-level initiatives into tangible outcomes.

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(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Sir, my question is related to India and Indus Water Treaty (IWT) which has two parts. India did not appear in the court even after the summon of the Court of Arbitration. Need your comments on this. India has approved the construction of another dam on Chenab River since India has suspended the IWT and they also called the bids. Need your take on this, please.

Spokesperson: Firstly on the court of arbitration: Pakistan legal team participated in the proceedings of the Court of Arbitration, which were held at The Hague, on 2nd to 3rd February. And during these proceedings, Pakistan requested the court to address the interpretation and application of the Indus Water Treaty with respect to certain design elements on of the runoff river hydroelectric projects that fall within the limited allowances provided to India. India was invited by the Court of Arbitration to participate in the proceedings under the Indus Water Treaty. It was obliged to do so, and it chose not to appear. You must have seen the press release issued by the court, and we remain engaged with the process.

Second question on Svalkot project on the River Chenab: The matter has been taken up at the level of Indus Water Commissioners. Our Indus Water Commissioner had written letter in July last year, I can confirm that another letter has been written this week, I believe, on 11th of February, to the Indian Indus Water Commissioner. This was for information and consultations on Svalkot project, as mandated by the IWT of 1960. Pakistan reiterates that the IWT remains a binding international instrument consistent with the decisions of Court of Arbitration of June and August 2025, and we also remain engaged with it. No unilateral actions or defiance can alter this legal reality. Pakistan calls upon India to return to full treaty compliance and fulfill its obligations under the Indus Water Treaty. We are fully committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes and issues with India through dialogue and international legal mechanisms. We wish to reiterate that we will never compromise on our existential water rights of our people.

(Kiran Butt, The Khorasaan Diary): Sir, my first question to you is that one lynching case in Bangladesh led India to expel a Bangladeshi cricket player. And what happened next that is known to us. Is there any chance that Pakistan is also keeping the track of lynchings happening in India? And what was our reaction to it?

Spokesperson: The incident in Bangladesh, I believe, has been addressed through a transparent judicial process, and we must appreciate the authorities of Bangladesh for doing so. On the contrary, the lynching in India, unfortunate lynching of Muslims in India continues unabated, and seemingly under official patronage, under political patronage.

You mentioned if we are keeping a track of it - we do so and we are deeply alarmed that at least 55 Muslim were lynched across India last year, pointing to a disturbing and persistent pattern of targeted and hate motivated violence. This 55 is a figure that is supported with evidences, with names and with details of each case. Credible account suggests that many of these incidents occurred with the tacit or explicit complicity of local authorities and local political leaders, underscoring the role of state patronage and impunity in enabling such crimes. And this is an important matter that needs international attention, the state and political patronage. And these acts do not occur in isolation. They unfold within a broader social and political climate marked by hostility, where Hindutva driven narratives increasingly portray Muslims as outsiders, selectively deploy historical and cultural symbols to legitimize exclusion, discrimination and violence. I would also like to add that human rights observers and scholars have warned that sustained social hostility, the normalization of mob violence, forced evictions, destruction, demolition of homes and places of worship, hate speech intimidation, systemic discrimination and persistent state in action constitute well established early warning indicators of mass atrocities. When such practices are tolerated, celebrated, facilitated, to marginalize, terrorize and erase a community, they meet the legal threshold articulated international law for genocide, an act intended to destroy, in whole or in part, a protected group. So we call upon the government of India to investigate all such incidents which are not one, not two, not a dozen, but 55 promptly, transparently and impartially investigate these incidents, hold perpetrators and enablers accountable and to confront decisively the ideological and institutional drivers of intolerance, hatred and hostility against religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, the international community, particularly human rights institutions, may also closely monitor the situation in India in order to ensure full protection of vulnerable communities. I'll end at that.

(Mateen Haider, GTV News): I need your comments on latest UN Security Council Committee report on situation in Afghanistan, and this report has endorsed Pakistan's narrative about security and terrorism that emanates from Afghanistan and the presence of high-profile terrorist groups. Second question that it is reported in the media that Prime Minister is going for the meeting of the Board of Peace, but it has not been officially announced. So, would you confirm Is he going to the summit of the board of peace in Washington for 19th February, and who are the members of his delegation?

Spokesperson: This report, I understand that you referred is the "1267 Sanctions Committee Report", which was published on the 4th of February. We have seen and studied the report. We believe that it extensively supports Pakistan's narrative on TTP and Afghanistan. The report has highlighted the important aspects related to the presence of TTP and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. A very significant aspect of the report is that Interim Government in Afghanistan (IAG) continues to provide a permissive environment to a range of terrorists, notably TTP. According to the report, TTP has accorded greater operational liberty and support the de facto authorities, consequently attacking the territory inside Pakistan. The report also, I believe, refers to Al Qaeda, which continues to enjoy a straight patronage Al Qaeda acts. The report says that Al Qaeda acts as a multiplier and service provider to other armed terrorist groups in Afghanistan in terms of training and advice, particularly TTP. Al Qaeda and Indian subcontinent, is active in southeastern Afghanistan as report and TTP operates as one of the largest terrorist groups in Afghanistan. This is also mentioned in the reports and concern raised by several member states on deepening cooperation between Al Qaeda aligned groups and TTP are also mentioned in the context of targets resulting in extra regional threats, not just to Pakistan, but to the other Afghan neighbors. TTP suffered operational setbacks the report mentions, and another important aspect is the ISILK is also active in northern Afghanistan, according to the report. There is a reference to collaboration between the BLA/Fitnah Al Hind, TTP, and ISKP through a shared training camps and resources, coordinated attack and meeting between the commanders. So, if we sum up all this, the report corroborates Pakistan's position that TTP resurgence is linked to post 2021, interim Afghan government takeover. Pakistan's claims that TTP benefits from freedom of movement and access to resources in Afghanistan explicitly highlights that Pakistan is the main target of TTP attacks, validating that Pakistan is a victim of terrorism, bearing the brunt of violence originating from Afghanistan. So, this is an important report, and we'll follow it up with the relevant UN Secretariat and departments, and also with the members of the international community, particularly the members of the Security Council and other relevant stakeholders.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): (supplementary) I wanted to ask that what sort of Board of Peace is it where we do not have representation from Gaza. President Trump sanctions and imposes tariffs on states that do not agree with him and on the other hand he himself supports Israel who has been up taking continuous violations in Gaza and also violating the agreements they have signed. How reliable would this Board of Peace prove to be for the people of Gaza? Need your comments.

Spokesperson: On participation in the Board of Peace (BoP): Yes, I can confirm that the Prime Minister will attend the upcoming BoP meeting. He will be accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister /Foreign Minister. As regards the other members of delegation and on engagements of the delegation in the US, we will inform you in due course of time.

On the supplementary question by Nayyer Saheb, we have joined the BoP in good faith, as I highlighted in my previous briefing. We are in it not in isolation, not as one voice, but as collective voice of eight Islamic-Arab countries. I referred to two important statements that were issued by these 8 countries - not just on Gaza, but also on West Bank. So, our collective voice is resonating in the Board of Peace, and we will continue to strive for the rights, peace and prosperity of the people of Palestine, aimed at the long-term solution of the Palestine issue - to create a state of Palestine, in accordance with the pre-1967 border with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital. So, our engagement is both for short term, medium term and long-term solution of the plight of the Palestinian people.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): My question is, there is lot of confusion, and please make the atmosphere clear, because the confusion emanates from President Trump's convective messages, his counting of the plane down during the last year Indo Pakistan war. Last night, he said 10 planes were shot down. Please clarify whether these are he started from five, then sixth and seventh and eighth, and now has come to ten. My second question is, you just talked about ISIS Daesh? You know Daesh in the recent tragic bomb blast in Islamabad, an Afghan mastermind of Daesh, he has been arrested. So, whether Pakistan has taken up this very serious issue of Daesh being involved in terror activities in Pakistan, particularly in Islamabad, either with the Afghan government or with the other international partners?

Spokesperson: On President Trump's statement: we have stated it previously, and I wish to reiterate it here that Pakistan is appreciative of the role of the United States during our 90 hours war with India. The role of the United States was for peace, for prevention of war and prevention of violence. So, in that context, the President Trump's statements, previous statements, and these statements are all obviously welcomed and endorsed. As regards the fighter planes: this is a matter of history. Pakistan shot down a number of Indian Rafale jets, and the evidence is all over - available internationally, corroborated by international reports, including by the manufacturers of these planes. This demonstrated that Pakistan was able to deter Indian aggression through conventional means. This is also an indicator for the future - any future Indian aggression would be dealt forthrightly and forcefully with all our resources.

On Daesh: yes, this mastermind of Daesh, we understand, is also present in Afghanistan. The 1267 the UN sanctions committees report has also corroborated about the Daesh presence in Afghanistan and their masterminds planning terrorist attacks. Pakistan and Afghanistan have embassies, so some exchange is taking place through it. But primarily, we are taking it up with the international partners, as I mentioned in the context of the UN Security Council Committee, the members the Secretariat and other key stakeholders. This matter also remains part of our various dialogue mechanisms on Afghanistan. We also reserve the right to defend our country under Article 51 of the UN Charter against such attacks, and our security forces stand vigilant in this regard.

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Malik, Asia One News): Sir, few questions, particularly pertaining to India. Firstly, in reference to the Indian External Affairs ministry's statement on Islamabad blast, and I quote, It is unfortunate that instead of seriously addressing the problems plaguing its social fabric, Pakistan should choose to delude itself by blaming others for its own grown ills. Unquote, what is Pakistan's response on the matter, on this particular illusion that the Indian External Affairs Ministry made in Ministry made in context of Islamabad blast, number one. Second Question, the US Trade Representative, had issued a political map, or a map following the fact sheet that US and India had issued on the US India trade deal recently, which depicted Indian occupied Kashmir and Azad Kashmir as part of India. Then they subsequently took down that map, and they have made the correction. With regards to the issue of the map particularly, was there any contact? Is there any comment that you would have to make on that?

Spokesperson: On the Indian MEA statement: we have noted Indian MEA statements on the Islamabad blast and the previous statement on terrorist attacks in Balochistan. These statements reflect an undertone of justification of terrorism on our pretext or another. Such justification is written all over the Indian statements. It goes against the Indian stated position that they oppose terrorism in all forms. We conclude from these statements that India may oppose terrorism in all its form, but it supports terrorism taking place against Pakistan. This exception is written large on India's statements.

As regards the map: yes, this map was put up at certain US official handles. We contacted the US authorities. They realized that this map was illegal and took it down immediately. The official international maps of Jammu and Kashmir, and as a result, maps delineating Pakistan and Indian territories are legally sanctified by the United Nations. If you visit the United Nations website, you would see the accurate map. We note with satisfaction that the US side made the requisite correction to highlight the legal, UN sanctioned map of our region, which clearly delineates Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed territory whose final settlement is to be done through a UN administered plebiscite in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.

(Afzal Reza, IRNA): My question related to Iran nuclear talks. And obviously we have seen the telephone conversation between Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the Deputy Prime Minister recently. The first round of the indirect talks between Iran and the US Spokesperson took place in Muscat Sultanate of Oman last week. How does Pakistan see this development? And I'm quoting the Iranian Foreign Minister recently in his interview that I'm quoting the statement by the Ambassador that if the US is honest in this talks, we can reach a better deal, even better than Obama era named JCPOA. So I love to see and hear Pakistan's position on that. Thank you.

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): (supplementary) Sir, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry confirmed that it received invitation on Iran - US talks. Who extended this invitation to Pakistan, whether it was Iran or the US? And why Pakistan was unable to attend these talks?

Spokesperson: Pakistan welcomes the talks in Oman between relevant parties. We support all initiatives of dialogue and diplomacy to settle outstanding issues, including this question of nuclear talks that you referred. Pakistan welcomes the positive statement that was made by the Foreign Minister of Iran, His Excellency, Mr. Araghchi. And we hope that this optimism, this positivity would be carried forward by the parties in conduct of these talks. As for Pakistan, our Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, spoke twice with his Iranian counterpart. We are maintaining close contact at the leadership level. The Prime Minister had a conversation with His Excellency, the President of Iran in the recent past. So our support for dialogue and diplomacy continues.

As regards Pakistan's participation: initially these talks were supposed to be held in Istanbul, and there the format was a broader. In that broader format, Pakistan was invited. Then this format narrowed down among the three sides, Iran, the US facilitated by Oman. Obviously we welcomed this development as it was a positive progression towards a negotiated solution. So, whilst we stand ready to participate in any format of dialogue and diplomacy on Iran, we encourage the relevant parties to have as direct a negotiation framework as possible.

(Syeda Qurat ul Ain, Independent Urdu): Adding to what Mateen Saab had asked earlier, can you please tell as to when the delegation would leave for the meeting of Board of Peace and whether the Field Marshal Asim Munir would be included in that delegation?

Spokesperson: We will share these details in due course. I do not have the details - neither on the itinerary, nor on the composition of delegation. I can confirm that the Prime Minister will lead the delegation and that the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister will be part of the delegation. This is the extent of information right now. We will, of course, update you in due course.

(Allah Noor Wazir, Mashriq TV): Sir, why ISIS-K and TTP are conducting terrorist activities in Pakistan? Interior Minister stated that ISIS-K planned terrorist attack in Afghanistan and that India and Afghanistan are supporting ISIS-K. What course of action Pakistan is going to take against these two countries particularly against India or is it going in an international organization where it can take action against them?

Spokesperson: Regarding your first question, you should ask them. They have a way of political views which actually legalizes killing of innocent civilians. These ideas are utterly condemnable whatever is the motive, I mean, killing innocent civilians in a place of worship, in a mosque as it happened in this last attack took in Islamabad. So, one cannot conceive any justification for that.

As regards your second question, we remain in touch with the international community, the UN Monitoring and Sanctions Committees and relevant stakeholders of intergovernmental forums. So, obviously, our engagement is there. The reports also corroborates the presence and the role of facilitators, and the negative trends emanating from presence of these elements in Afghanistan to the region. We would continue to be engaged with international community with the view to identifying and eliminating this menace afflicting our region.

(Waseem Abbasi, Arab News Pakistan): There are media reports that a Saudi delegation is in Pakistan. I heard of Crown Prince and Prime Minister MBS's visit to Pakistan. Is there any confirmation of Crown Prince's visit? And what is the agenda of Saudi delegation's visit?

Spokesperson: I have no information. I will have to check which delegation you're referring. And as regards the visit of the Crown Prince, I recall there was a reference to the visit in one of the joint statements that this visit will take place this year, but I am not aware of its timing as yet.

(Saifullah, Khyber News): Sir, we are seeing a positive image of Pakistan's Foreign Policy when it comes to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. But Afghanistan is between these countries, with whom we do not have good relations at the moment. My first question is, can we improve bilateral relations with Central Asian States while ignoring Afghanistan?

Secondly, why are we facing challenges in tackling bilateral relations with Afghanistan? We did not have good relations with previous Afghan governments and we do not have good relations with current Interim Afghan government as well.

Spokesperson: The challenge of Afghanistan has casted its shadow on our own objective of regional connectivity for the past three, four decades, and obviously we have to work through this challenge. Pakistan desires improved regional connectivity with Central Asia; the vacuum has created in this aspiration by Afghanistan as being the spoiler. But the fact is that we have to work through these challenges. Our aspirations and our initiatives to improve connectivity with Central Asian countries transcend this challenge. This is where we want the Taliban regime (the Interim Afghan government) to realize that improving statehood in Afghanistan, improving the control over all terrorists and violent illegal organizations, is in their benefit. If the regional connectivity improves, the region will prosper, and Afghan's prosperity is directly linked with actions that Afghan government ought to take against these terrorists. We will work through these challenges to improve our connectivity with Central Asia.

(Tariq Aziz, 92 News): Does Prime Minister intend to visit Vienna and Munich or is there a change in the visit's plan?

Secondly, is there a meeting scheduled between the Prime Minister and the US President?

Spokesperson: I'm confirming you the visit of the Prime Minister to Washington for Board of Peace meeting, and I can tell you that the Deputy Prime Minister is part of the delegation. We will let you know about the composition of the delegation, the itinerary and any visit to other country in due course. So this is the extent of information that I have.

We never confirmed any visit to Munich, so the question of it being intact or not intact does not arise.

(Asghar Ali Mubarik, The Daily Mail International): In past week, Prime Minister announced that Pakistan Cricket team will not play against India. But after insistence from SAARC countries, it decided to withdraw this decision regarding Cricket Diplomacy. It is worth mentioning that Chairman of ICC is the son of Home Minister of India. Is there a back channel of Cricket Diplomacy between Pakistan and India due to which sudden decisions were taken and Foreign Ministry and other ministries were bypassed?

Spokesperson: Cricket is a game that we all love and we all cherish. We grew up playing this game. Weaponization of cricket, politicization of cricket is regrettable. The decision of the government not to play against India reflected the resolve of the Government of Pakistan to not let cricket be weaponized and politicized. Our subsequent decision to play reflected our magnanimity, after the relevant cricket authorities realized that they had weaponized and politicized cricket, particularly weaponized against Bangladesh. As you are aware, Bangladesh side and Sri Lankan side (host of this game) were in touch with our government and Cricket Board. So the decision to play the game, is reflective of the magnanimity shown by our Prime Minister as a result of contacts made by the brotherly countries of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as well as by a realization within the relevant authorities managing cricket internationally and in India, that weaponization and politicization of cricket is wrong, is unwarranted, and it defies the spirit of the beloved game of cricket that we all cherish.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Sir, two questions. It was expected that UAE will roll over its loans given to Pakistan for one year. But it rolled over for only 2 weeks and on this matter, officials of Finance and FBR pinned this matter on the failure of Foreign Ministry. Before that Deputy Prime Minister also visited UAE and stated that the loans will be converted into shares. What is your stance on this?

Secondly, you shared the evidence of mastermind of Islamabad Imam Bargah attack residing in Afghanistan. We also unfortunately witnessed terrorist attacks in Balochistan recently and Pakistan stated that these terrorist attacks were being sponsored by India. Did Pakistan share the evidence to India's involvement in terrorist attacks with international partners and did we raise this issue with India? Your take on this?

Spokesperson: On the first question about UAE deposits: I am not aware of the context or the content of the statements made at the Standing Committees on Finance by the officials of the Ministry of Finance. I can confirm that our Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister is seized of this matter, and he is playing a very positive role in coordination and consultation with the relevant authorities in the UAE. The tenure of the rollover is prerogative of the depositor. Through the positive role of the DPM/FM, we can say that the rollover is assured and the tenure is not linked. Since, the rollover continues this matter remain in control. And I said the DPM/FM is seized of this matter. I would also refer you to the statements made by our Finance Minister, that there is no external finance gap in terms of Pakistan's profile and also with reference to our engagement with the IMF is there as well. So, I think you have to view whatever was said in the Standing Committee in the context of not just what I have said now, but also the statements that have been made by the Finance Minister as well.

(Tahir Khan, NNI): I have a question. You are a diplomat. Defence Minister stated that Pakistan can strike inside Afghanistan before the month of Ramzan. Is the option of diplomacy closed on all levels? You stated that Embassies of both countries were open. Is there still a chance of negotiations and diplomacy?

Spokesperson: First on the statement of the Defense Minister: the content and the context, I will refer you to Defense Ministry and to the Defense Minister. But I think the statement is reflective of a deep disappointment in Pakistan that Afghan authorities have not taken any action against the terrorist operating on its soil against Pakistan. So in term of the context of this statements, the views of the Honorable Defense Minister are fully comprehensible.

As regards the channels I have responded to you previously, diplomacy continues. Diplomacy continues even in wars. Diplomacy continues even during skirmishes. So we would not shut the door of diplomacy, as much as we would not want to open the door of wars between our two brotherly countries. We wish peace and prosperity to our Afghan brothers and sisters. But we do not want their territory to be used against Pakistan.

(Kiran Butt, The Khorasaan Diary): Sir, I have two questions. One, Tahir Sb has also asked related to it, but that is the later part. Ali Raza, Charge d' Affaires of Iran in Kabul, in an interview yesterday, said that they are officially recognizing the Afghan government very soon. So, does Pakistan have any plan? Because after Dar Sahab's visit, diplomatic status was uplifted in both countries. But are we going to recognize them formally?

And my second question was half of the part was asked by Tahir Sahab. My half question is that in last year, we also saw that our Special Representative on Afghanistan was inside Afghanistan when the strikes took place. And while giving an interview to CNN, Khwaja Sahab confirmed that, yes, we did strike Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. In all of this, is there any chance that Foreign Ministry is being kept in loop that either they are going to take this action, or the diplomacy is like continuing, or they are giving another chance to backdoor diplomacy?

Spokesperson: As regards the statement of Iran on recognition of Afghanistan: I am not aware of the content or the context of the statement. But this is the sovereign decision of Tehran as to which country it wishes to recognize. So, I will not comment on it.

On your second question: our foreign policy, including on Afghanistan is made through normal process of stakeholders consultations, and the Foreign Ministry is in the loop on all the decisions through our Afghanistan Division and Ambassador Sadiq, the Special Representative. The office of the Special Representative is housed in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. So of course, there is no question of an out of loop or any discord in our government apparatus on Afghanistan.

(Syeda Qurat ul Ain, Independent Urdu): Yesterday Israeli President Netanyahu has signed the document to become a part of Board of Peace. I just wanted your reaction?

Spokesperson: Look, it is their decision. We are not obliged to offering any comment. We will engage with the Board of Peace with the positivity of intent and as I said, our Prime Minister will attend the BoP meeting.