Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Thursday, 16 July 2026

Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalam-o-Alaikum,

I welcome you all to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I begin with a summary of the last two weeks in my opening remarks.

On 8 July, following the renewed hostilities involving Iran and the United States, Pakistan expressed its deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the region. A renewed conflict serves no one's interest.

As hostilities have continued over the past week, Pakistan reiterates its call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any actions that could further undermine regional peace and stability.

Pakistan firmly believes that there is no alternative to sustained engagement, dialogue, and diplomacy in pursuit of the shared objective of lasting peace and stability in the region. Ultimately, all conflicts and disputes are resolved through dialogue and at the negotiating table.

The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) remains an enduring framework for promoting peace, mutual respect, and shared prosperity. While the implementation of the MoU is facing challenges, Pakistan will continue to encourage all sides to end the violence and resume technical-level talks in accordance with the MoU and the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Statement of 22 June 2026. We hope that all parties will remain committed to the path of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving outstanding issues.

Many countries, particularly those in the Global South, are being adversely affected by the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan recognizes the urgent need to address the impact of the current situation on global energy supplies, international trade, and food security.

We express the hope for an early normalization of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and underscore the importance of ensuring the continued safety, security, and freedom of maritime navigation.

Amid the prevailing tensions and hostilities, Pakistan has remained actively engaged with key interlocutors across the region in support of efforts aimed at de-escalation, dialogue, and a peaceful resolution of the situation.

On 10 July, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a warm and cordial telephone conversation with the Amir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The Prime Minister expressed his deep concern over the recent escalation in tensions in the region. While conveying Pakistan's solidarity and support with the people of Qatar following the recent attacks, the Prime Minister urged all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from any actions that could undermine peace in the region.

The two leaders agreed on the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement and dialogue, and adherence to the commitments made by all parties under the peace memorandum.

His Highness the Amir thanked Pakistan's leadership for playing a leading role in promoting peace in the region and assured him of Qatar's continued support in this regard.

On the same day, 10 July, the Prime Minister held a telephone conversation with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian.

During their warm and cordial conversation, the Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the recent escalation in tensions in the region and underscored the urgent need to restore regional peace and stability. He called on Iran and all other parties to exercise restraint and refrain from any action that could jeopardize the hard-earned peace gains achieved over the past few months.

President Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran's commitment to peace and appreciated Pakistan's constructive support and sincere efforts for regional stability.

The two leaders also reviewed the implementation of the decisions taken during President Pezeshkian's visit to Islamabad last month and agreed to expedite follow-up actions to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across diverse fields. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue consultations on matters of mutual interest and regional peace.

On 12 July 2026, DPM/FM held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi. They discussed the regional situation, emphasized de-escalation and diplomacy, and agreed to remain in close contact.

On 13 July 2026, DPM/FM held a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. They discussed recent regional developments, stressed restraint and dialogue, and agreed to remain in close contact.

Moving to other developments:

On 13 July 2026, the Prime Minister, along with former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, visited Doha to offer condolences to the Amir of Qatar, H.E. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the demise of Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

President Asif Ali Zardari visited the Kyrgyz Republic from 6 to 9 July 2026, marking the first trip by a Pakistani President to the Central Asian country in 21 years.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar left for Shanghai this morning to attend the signing ceremony for the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). He will sign the Agreement on behalf of Pakistan as a Founding Member. We issued a curtain-raiser for the visit last evening and will keep you updated on his engagements in Shanghai today and tomorrow.

On 9 July 2026, the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia, Gordan Grlić Radman, paid an official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of DPM/FM. The two sides held delegation-level talks covering bilateral relations, trade and investment, higher education, tourism, cultural exchanges, defence cooperation, and collaboration in multilateral forums. They reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic engagement, strengthening political dialogue, and enhancing people-to-people contacts.

9^thOIC Conference

Delegates from the 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) gathered in Islamabad for the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, hosted by Pakistan's Ministry of Human Rights on 12-13 July. Around 190 delegates participated in the conference, which focused on the theme, "Socio-Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in the OIC Countries: Challenges and Way Forward."

Pakistan-Portugal BPC

Pakistan and Portugal held their annual bilateral political consultations yesterday in Islamabad. Ambassador Ayesha Ali, Additional Secretary (Europe), and Ambassador Helena Malcata, Director-General for Foreign Policy, led the two delegations, respectively. We issued a press release on the meeting, which you covered.

Finally, Ladies and Gentlemen,

On 30 June 2026, Pakistan submitted its seventh national report on the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 to the Chair of the UN 1540 Committee. The report has since been issued as an official document of the UN Security Council and is available on the website of the Committee. The report lists legal and administrative measures taken by Pakistan to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons and their means of delivery, and to establish effective national legislation, physical protection, border controls, and export controls to that end. This is Pakistan's seventh National Report to the UN 1540 Committee since its inception in 2004.

With these remarks, I conclude my opening statement and would be pleased to take your questions.

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(Usman Zahid, BBC News) Shabir Ahmed, the convicted ringleader of the Rochdale child grooming gang, was released from prison earlier this month after serving 14 years. The UK government has said it is in discussions with Pakistan regarding his possible removal. Can you confirm whether the UK has formally approached Pakistan on this matter? If so, what has Pakistan's response been?

Spokesperson: Pakistan strongly condemns incidents of child sexual abuse in the strongest possible terms. Perpetrators of such heinous crimes must be investigated, prosecuted, and punished to the fullest extent of the law, irrespective of race, ethnicity, or religion.

The matter in question is entirely an internal matter of the United Kingdom. The individual concerned is a British national who has spent his entire adult life in the United Kingdom and was duly convicted by a British court for reprehensible offences committed on British soil.

Any decision regarding his release, supervision, or future legal status fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the competent British authorities and must be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom. Regardless of where he was born, the onus lies on where he grew up, was raised, groomed, and, unfortunately, was spoiled. His heinous crimes demand serious introspection rather than a quest to search for extraneous causes.

Let me add, the Government of Pakistan has no connection whatsoever with this matter. We cannot be associated with any decisions relating to the individual's release or subsequent treatment under the British law.

(Hussain Raza, PTV): I have question regarding India's National Investigative Agency which has recently filed charge sheet against six all parties, Hurriyat Conference leaders, including late Sayed Ali Gilani, in connection with 1996 mob violence case. What are your comments on this?

(Anas Mallick, Asia One News): Separately, the Indian government has also designated a number of individuals and charge sheeted them, including several Pakistanis as terrorists, quote on quote, and linked them to the Pahalgam attack. What is Pakistan's take on the matter?

Spokesperson: I must clarify that these are two separate issues, though part of the 'standard' Indian playbook to use sham legal processes and promote fabricated and politically motivated rhetoric for a range of mischievous objectives.

Firstly, on the case against the Hurriyat leadership: Pakistan unequivocally condemns and rejects the latest chargesheet filed by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) against senior leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) in connection with an incident dating back as far as 1996.

This action, a clear afterthought, is yet another manifestation of India's continuing policy of using sham legal processes to target the Kashmiri political leadership and discredit a legitimate indigenous struggle for an inalienable right to self-determination, as enshrined in the UNSC resolutions.

The decision to revive a case relating to events nearly three decades old lays bare the extent to which India's investigative and judicial institutions are being employed to advance a political agenda. The inclusion of deceased Hurriyat leaders further expose the exercise as a politically motivated attempt to reinforce a predetermined narrative.

No amount of politically orchestrated prosecutions, retrospective investigations, or attempts to delegitimize the Kashmiri leadership can alter the internationally recognized disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir or extinguish the Kashmiri people's inalienable right to self-determination or even obscure the urgent need for a peaceful and just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Neither this malicious propaganda can divert international attention from India's grave and systematic human rights violations in IIOJK.

Coming to the second part of the question

Pakistan categorically rejects India's baseless and politically motivated attempts to link Pakistan with the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Such allegations are consistent with a recurring pattern of attempts to malign Pakistan and divert attention from the facts.

And the fact is Pakistan has repeatedly called for an independent, transparent, and credible investigation into the incident. Despite these calls, India has yet to present any credible or verifiable evidence to substantiate its allegations. India's reluctance to subject its claims to impartial scrutiny only raises questions about the credibility of its narrative.

Rather than engaging constructively with Pakistan and allowing the facts to emerge through an objective investigation, India continues to rely on rhetoric, disinformation, and media sensationalism to advance its unsubstantiated allegations. Such approaches neither serve the cause of justice nor contribute to regional peace and stability.

So, instead of making unfounded accusations against others, India should undertake a sincere reflection on its own record, including its policies and actions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and its continued sponsorship of terrorist activities that Pakistan has consistently raised with the international community. Lasting peace and stability in the region can only be achieved through adherence to international law, respect for the UN Charter, and a commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes and not by leveling such allegations, which, as I said, is primarily for domestic consumption.

(Kiran Butt, Khorasan Diaries): Sir, my question is regarding a story that was published in the Financial Times, headlined "China-backed copper mine threatens Pakistan shutdown over security risks." There was a full story in the Financial Times in which it has been said that the China-based companies have warned that, due to the insurgencies in Balochistan, they might not want to work there or might shut down all the projects there. It was a full article of almost a thousand words, with statements from some of the stakeholders and others. Your comments on that, please.

Spokesperson: We are not obliged to comment on news stories whose information remain questionable. Pakistan and China have an active dialogue on all aspects of their relations, including the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan working on various economic projects, including the project that you mentioned. As the host of these projects, Pakistan guarantees impeccable security to our Chinese guests who are working on these projects including all the technicians, workers, and so on.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Contrary to the previous pattern, whenever there was escalation in the Gulf region, the Pakistani leadership used to intervene. But in these waves of talks and counterattacks, we have not seen anyone traveling to Tehran or somewhere else, or even traveling to the United States. So, has Pakistan given a hands-up that they can decide their own fate together, and that mediation is over? As the parties are saying, there is no need for any Islamabad MoU now. My second question is that, although the Prime Minister yesterday condemned the attack on Saudi Arabia by Houthi rebels, Pakistan does have an obligation under the Mutual Strategic Defense Agreement. Would that be invoked in case of another attack or waves of attacks against Saudi Arabia?

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Sir, would you mind sharing what Pakistan's understanding is? Have we gone back to the position of 27th February, when this war started between Iran, America, and Israel on 28th February? So, have we gone back to that position, or do you still think there is some hope, and we are trying to bring all the parties back to the table?

(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Sir, during the last few days, we have seen some anti-Pakistan statements from Iranian officials casting doubts on Pakistan's intentions.

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): Sir, what is the current status of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)? Is it frozen? Is it continuing? And what is its exact status at the moment?

Spokesperson: First of all, let me dispel the impression that Pakistan has put its hands up. You used the phrase "hands up." This is not the case. Obviously, the mediation process is challenged as the logic of escalation is prevailing right now. But we hope that this logic of escalation will eventually overcome the rationality of peace and dialogue. The peace process never dies; it can be put on the back burner, but if stays alive. The logic of Islamabad MoU still exists. Whenever the parties feel that their logic of escalation is exhausted, the return to peace will be through a template provided in the Islamabad MoU. This also explains my reply to Anwar's question on whether the MoU is frozen or dead - you used a number of verbs and adjectives. Peace never dies, and, in the same vein, the relevance of the Islamabad MoU continues.

Azaz Sahib, regarding your question about the 27^th February position: our 27^th February position was that Pakistan wished for peace and dialogue. We had condemned armed attacks against any country. We had asked for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states to be upheld. This position remained consistent throughout the various cycles of this conflict. Whether it was when the escalations were heightened or when there was a phase of relative calm, or when there was an active dialogue, our default position of
27^th February remained in operation. Even our position now is consistent with that position. So, in the broader sense, our talking points with respect to escalation, dialogue, and calm may have evolved as the phases of the conflict went through numerous changes - but the underlying principle of our position has remained consistent: there needs to be dialogue, there needs to be peace, and there needs to be a chance for diplomacy. In the same spirit, as I said in my opening remarks, eventually the parties will have to come to the negotiating table to settle all outstanding issues. Whenever they decide to do so and return to the table, the Islamabad MoU will provide the template for peace and Pakistan-Qatar Joint Statement of 22^nd June issued from Bürgenstock, Switzerland, will offer a roadmap on how to implement the peace process.

(Mateen Haider, GTV): As you said, Pakistan is committed to dialogue and peace. However, on the ground, this military escalation between Iran and the United States is at its peak. So, in that backdrop, as you said, Pakistan is committed to peace. Do we see any fresh initiative to de-escalate the situation? In the past, on 8^th February, we saw the Prime Minister make a tweet late at night. So, is any effort at the political, diplomatic, or military level being made to bring a halt to these hostilities between Iran and the United States? If there is anything, we shall be grateful.

Spokesperson: As I mentioned in my opening remarks, our engagement with the leadership has continued at the highest level. The Prime Minister spoke with the Emir of Qatar. He also spoke with President Pezeshkian in the last seven days. Our Deputy Prime Minister spoke with the Iranian and Saudi Foreign Ministers. So, our engagement has continued. The diplomatic initiative required for the peace process has already been undertaken in the form of the Islamabad Talks in April and in Bürgenstock in June - that remains the template, and in that sense the initiative is valid. I doubt there is a need for any fresh initiative, or even, if not an initiative or a fresh template for peace. The template exists. So, whenever the parties exhaust the logic of escalation, the formula for peace is up for the taking. We will continue to advocate for that formula. This remains our position. I am not sure what you mean by any fresh initiative, but we call upon the parties to return to the formula that was agreed upon in the form of the Islamabad MoU and the implementation roadmap in the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Statement of 22^nd June 2026.

(Muhammad Saleh Zafir, The News): Sir, the international media has reported the leakage of data from India's largest nuclear reactor. What does this transpire, and would you care to comment on the development?

Spokesperson: This is not surprising. We have called into question India's safety and security measures, India's own proliferation record, and the nuclear material that is available on the Indian market is well known. So, such developments and such information as you pointed out are hardly surprising to us.

(Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): Sir, after the mediation role played by Islamabad and the MoU that was signed in Bürgenstock, had the interlocutors contacted the mediator before the re-escalation?

Spokesperson: I think I have answered this question. Pakistan remains engaged with interlocutors, including regional interlocutors. On 10th July, the Prime Minister had a conversation with the Emir of Qatar and with the Iranian President. The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister had a conversation with the Saudi Foreign Minister on 12th July. Similarly, we are in close contact with the U.S. as well, through diplomatic engagement. Relevant issues are being discussed, and the channels of communication are open.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): I have multiple questions, but I'll stick to one right now. Can you shed light on the recent dialogue that was held in Washington between Pakistan and the United States regarding the trade talks? You were also part of that. So, can you shed light on it? What tangible outcomes have these dialogues achieved?

Spokesperson: Yes, this Pakistan-U.S. Bilateral Agreement on Reciprocal Trade is under negotiation. There have been numerous rounds of discussions online (or a virtual platform). Pakistani delegation has also visited the US first in July 2025 and subsequently last week. I was part of both delegations as the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Secretary Commerce Mr. Jawad Paul led our delegation. The talks were held in a very conducive and congenial atmosphere with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and Commerce Department's officials. Significant progress was achieved. We built on the convergence between the two countries. Our effort is to enhance trade and, more specifically, enhance and diversify Pakistani exports to the United States as a result of this agreement. So, the talks are continuing. We have ironed out a lot of differences. The present state is that the talks will continue. As regards the next round, this will be decided in due course.

(Tahir Khan, NNI): Recently, there have been two positive developments regarding Afghanistan. First, following the United Nations' request to Pakistan, I have seen the notification that the DPM/FM had allowed. So, until today, 34 trucks have already entered Afghanistan through the Torkham border. The other development is regarding the students stranded in Nangarhar, who were also allowed to enter Pakistan via Torkham. My focus is on the UN because it is a humanitarian issue. Last year, you announced that Pakistan had agreed to allow the UN convoy. You also gave a time frame: first food, then medicine, and then stationery or books. Afghanistan had refused to accept it. So, my question is: has the ice been broken between the governments of the two countries?

Spokesperson: As you're aware, Pakistan has always supported efforts to address the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. You would recall that even immediately after the border closures in the October-November timeframe last year, Pakistan had never stopped the passage of humanitarian convoys into Afghanistan. At that time, it was Afghanistan, as you rightly pointed out, had rejected it. So, our position on the humanitarian corridor to Afghanistan and the imperative of its constant cross border permeability still stands. We will continue to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan by the United Nations, its agencies, and other partners. You mentioned, I think, 34 trucks - I understand that around 45 trucks have already transited. So, this number is close to 50. We will continue to support and facilitate humanitarian action in Afghanistan by the United Nations and other agencies.

Regarding "ice breaking", with Afghanistan: no Sir, the ice has not broken. The ice will not break until Afghanistan renounces its support for terrorism against Pakistan. The Afghan Taliban regime must renounce terrorism against Pakistan and give verifiable written assurances that its territory will not be used to foment, engineer, sponsor, or execute terrorist attacks against Pakistan. Until those assurances are provided backed by concrete actions, the ice will not break.

(Waseem Abbasi, Arab News): One question is about Afghanistan. There are reports that Pakistan is blocking Afghanistan's inclusion in the SCO forum. What are your comments on that? And the second question is about Saudi Arabia. You know, Saudi Arabia is facing threats from Yemeni rebels. So, is Pakistan actively implementing the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement? Saudi Arabia is facing attacks from Houthi rebels from Yemen. So, is Pakistan actively implementing the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed last September?

Spokesperson: Regarding Afghanistan's inclusion in the SCO: I think you should look at the membership of the SCO and then see how many of the SCO members have found diplomatic relations with Afghanistan. In order for Afghanistan to become an SCO member state, it should at least have diplomatic relations with those countries. I am not aware of any blockade that Pakistan has initiated or imposed against Pakistan in this regard.

As regards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): Pakistan has expressed its unwavering commitment to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our brotherly country, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Our Prime Minister made a very eloquent statement when Saudi Arabia came under attack last week. Pakistan remains fully committed to implementing all its bilateral agreements with respect to Saudi Arabia, including the Mutual Defense Agreement that you referred to.

(Abbas Jaffar, Daily District News): Sir, last week, due to terrorism in Balochistan, 30 policemen were martyred. The protests are continuing on the roads with the bodies of the martyrs. Criticizing this, some Indian news channels said that the terrorism in Balochistan is secretly sponsored by the U.S. That's why the resolution presented by Pakistan and China was blocked by America, Britain, and France. Need your comments on it. Secondly, there are rumors, and it is also being said, that Pakistan is supporting the group against the Afghan Taliban. Need your comments on it.

Spokesperson: This armed attack in Balochistan and the killing of innocent people was a reprehensible act of terrorism and should be condemned in the strongest terms. I am not aware of which Indian media said the U.S. is clandestinely supporting terrorism in Balochistan. What I can tell you is that India is openly supporting terrorism in Balochistan. The Indian media eulogizes these terrorist incidents in Balochistan. Their reporters and analyst celebrate the killing of Pakistani civilians openly on their media. So, India obviously has a double standard when it comes to terrorism. Terrorism in Balochistan is celebrated with laughter and claps. I am not aware of any U.S. clandestine support for terrorism, but India is openly supporting terrorism in Balochistan. This fact overrides any other misinformation that the Indian media spreads on this subject.

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Sir, as you know, a huge number of Pakistanis have been stranded in Iran, where they had gone to attend the funeral of the Iranian Supreme Leader. Has any travel advisory been issued for the upcoming event of Arba'in for Pakistanis who will be traveling to Iran?

Spokesperson: You may ask the Ministry of Interior.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): Just a short question: How do you see Japan's decision to explicitly refer to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan in its latest joint statement with India, and has Islamabad conveyed its concerns to Tokyo through diplomatic channels?

Spokesperson: Yes, we have expressed our concerns to Japan through diplomatic channels. In fact, a strong démarche has been made. Japan and Pakistan enjoy long-standing and cordial relations encompassing a wide array of fields and marked by a shared commitment to international peace, stability, and development. We have been conveying our concerns to Japan through diplomatic channels. Whenever there is an engagement with India, India forces the inclusion of such references in its joint statements, not just with Japan but also with other countries. We have indicated this time as well that such language is inconsistent with the facts on the ground. The Japanese government's endorsement of such one-sided formulations ignores the undeniable contribution and sacrifices made by Pakistan. When we made the démarche, we were assured by the Japanese side that there is no shift in Japan's policy towards Pakistan. We have a number of institutionalized mechanisms in our bilateral relations, and through regular consultations, any issues between the two countries are brought up. We will continue to remain engaged with Japan. We would not want Japan to be swayed by the pressures that India exerts to include such mala fide references against Pakistan in joint statements or other documents.

(Mateen Haider, GTV): This is again a follow-up to the earlier question. Someone asked about the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Afghanistan. Later this month, there is the SCO Foreign Ministers' Conference in Kyrgyzstan, where Afghanistan and India are both invited. So, the Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister will be facing both of them. Is there any possibility of a hello or any sort of talks with the Afghan or the Indian side? And would you confirm that this meeting is taking place on the 24th and that our Foreign Minister will be going?

Spokesperson: At this stage, I cannot confirm that our Foreign Minister will go. We will obviously confirm when such a decision is taken. Similarly, I am also not aware of any plans to meet any leadership on the sidelines, including India or any other country.

(Muhammad Saleh Zafir, The News): Sir, could you confirm the reports that the so-called defunct Joint Action Committee of Azad Kashmir has links with Indian sources and is getting material support from India? And the second part, a very serious but unrelated question, is that the seat of Pakistan's representative at the United Nations Office in Geneva has been vacant for so many months now. When is the seat going to be filled?

Spokesperson: I am not aware of any external linkages of the Azad Kashmir Joint Action Committee. I think this is a question you better ask the Ministry of Interior or other relevant officials. As regards Geneva, the seat isn't vacant, sir. The incumbent is still there, making farewell calls.

(Aijaz Ahmed, GNN News): Sir, my question is regarding the BLA. The United States declared it a terrorist organization; however, after that, Pakistan's diplomatic effort was not seen anywhere. If we consider the BLA a terrorist organization, then what have we done at the United Nations? Secondly, what actions have we taken till now against the known leadership of the BLA? They have their assets in Pakistan, which are simultaneously growing. Have we conducted any tangible operation against the BLA?

Spokesperson: The discussion on counterterrorism and the UNSC takes place mostly behind closed doors. The UN Security Council committees technically meet in closed sessions. Their deliberations are held in closed sessions. So, if our efforts in this regard, particularly on designating the BLA and other terrorist organizations are not known to the media, it does not mean that the efforts have not taken place. The framework is such that these discussions take place in closed sessions. Furthermore, the UN Security Council Sanctions Committees, including the Al-Qaida and Taliban Sanctions Committees, which are the two designated committees on counterterrorism, have a specific mandate. The imperative is that, in order to designate an entity, the context has to be within the mandate of those two terrorist committees. So, our efforts in this regard continue. Our Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York remains engaged on this issue.

The BLA is a designated terrorist organization in a number of countries, including permanent members of the UN Security Council and others, particularly in the West. Australia for example recently designated it, so our efforts continue. As regards the presence of these terrorist elements and their assets within the country, this is beyond the mandate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I will respectfully refer you to the Ministry of Interior and other relevant departments, on this matter.

(Ijaz Ali Saghar, Daily Shaheed Islamabad): Sir, 12 youngsters from Lahore are in the hands of human traffickers in Iran, and a huge amount of ransom is being demanded from their family members. Your comments, please.

Spokesperson: I will have to get information on this and get back to you.

(Usman Zahid, BBC): Sir, again regarding this, if the UK made any contact regarding this Shabir Ahmad case, can you confirm whether these contacts were made, and would there be any terms under which Pakistan will consider these discussions? Because there are already reports that Pakistan is also demanding the return of some of these people who are in the UK seeking asylum, and that Pakistan is demanding that the UK return them.

Spokesperson: I think my statement was quite clear. I am not aware of any quid pro quo in this regard, and my statement very clearly dispelled any such impression. As I said, we have no connection whatsoever with this matter, and we cannot be associated with any decision relating to the individual's release or subsequent treatment under British law.

(Muhammad Anas Ahsan Mallick, Asia One News): Two questions. Firstly, we've seen a spike in terrorism incidents in KPK, particularly the one that took place in Bannu yesterday as well. Has the matter been taken up through diplomatic channels with the Afghan interim government? Number one. Number two, is there an update with regard to the Pakistani sailors stuck in Somalia, in Puntland?

Spokesperson: Yes, about Afghanistan. You know, the embassies are open. Our ambassador is holding meetings in Kabul, and so is the Afghan representative here. Through diplomatic channels, the issue of terrorism is being highlighted. I do not think there has been any change in that status.

On piracy: unfortunately, our national still remain captive. The matter is under the attention of our Prime Minister as well. It is a grave crisis. I understand that the Ministry of Human Rights has been designated as the focal point, and they are working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our Africa Division, as well as with the Ministry of Maritime Security.

I think what needs to be understood is that, whilst there are 10 Pakistani crew members and perhaps seven or eight other nationalities, the ship owner is Somali. The ship is registered there. The captives are being held in Puntland. So, there are a number of operational difficulties in getting these people physically released through any action. Our options are therefore constrained to engaging the relevant interlocutors of that region. In that context, I had referred you to a number of leadership-level exchanges. Our Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister had spoken with the Somali Foreign Minister. Our mission remains engaged. We remain engaged with our international partners, including the International Maritime Organization and the Secretariat of the Djibouti Code of Conduct on Piracy. So, a host of bilateral and multilateral efforts are underway.

It is a situation that is deeply painful for the families, and we fully empathize with them. The operational and logistical challenges in getting these people released are quite significant. As I said, we are working through bilateral and multilateral channels to secure their release. While can only request patience, we fully sympathize with the family members. We pray and hope for their early release and for the easing of their pain. We hope that their loved ones can rejoin them at the earliest.

(Mateen Haider, GTV): This is back to your commitment that you would respond to some of the audit paragraphs and recent reports laid before Parliament. The paragraphs related to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs speak of huge financial irregularities. So, would you respond when these irregularities are highlighted and presented before the Public Accounts Committee? Is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cooperating? And whatever amount of irregularity has been committed, is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs taking due action and returning that money to the kitty? And that specific example which has gone viral in the media-the Pakistan Mission in Cuba-our Third Secretary committed a huge financial irregularity. There have been scores of such reports from other Pakistan missions across the globe.

Spokesperson: Mateen Sahib, you have been covering the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as perhaps as one of the senior-most Foreign Office journalists. You would know that the Foreign Office has never condoned such irregularities. We have always cooperated with the audit authorities. The very fact that these irregularities are brought forth reflects that the system is working. The audit observations are public. Financial implications for the individual officers and staff members are duly reflected in their records. Action is taken. Recoveries are made. You know, as government servants, we all superannuate one day, and when we superannuate, the pension is not released until these audit paras are settled. So, the recoveries, even if they are avoided during our service are eventually paid in order to secure the commutation and release of pensions. There have been instances where this amount has been deducted from retirement benefits. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs fully cooperates with the Office of the Auditor General in this regard. So, I would strongly dispel the impression that these irregularities have some sort of institutional support or reflect a trend. This is not the case.

As regards the Cuba case, the individual was an official, a staff member. I understand that the exact amount that was allegedly embezzled has been identified. A recovery notice has been issued. He has not superannuated and has certain rights to challenge the audit observation. In that sense, this matter is under process. If, after all his channels of appeal have been exhausted and his position is rejected, the recovery will be made.

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