Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Wednesday 17th September 2026

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalam-o-Alaikum!

I welcome you all to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Let me begin with some important developments concerning Pakistan's foreign relations since our last briefing.

Pakistan continues to closely follow the evolving situation in the Middle East in view of the continued Houthi attacks.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan has condemned, in the strongest possible terms, the dastardly and heinous attempted drone attack against the Holy Site of Makkah Al-Mukarramah.

In his message, the Prime Minister stated that the people of Pakistan were deeply saddened and perturbed by this outrageous act, adding that there could be no words strong enough to convey the depth of anguish and sorrow felt by the people of Pakistan over this reprehensible and unforgivable incident.

He also saluted the extraordinary vigilance, courage, and professionalism demonstrated by the Royal Saudi Armed Forces in their swift and heroic response. The Prime Minister called upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to step back from the brink of further escalation.Pakistan stands unwaveringly, shoulder to shoulder, with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain, a responsibility that every Pakistani holds close to their heart.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar also condemned the attempted drone attack targeting Makkah Al-Mukarramah. He underscored that such an attack violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, offends the religious sentiments of Muslims worldwide, and threatens regional peace and security. He reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for Saudi Arabia in safeguarding the sanctity and security of the Haramain Sharifain and ensuring the safety of pilgrims, citizens, and residents.

Earlier in the week, Pakistan strongly condemned the drone attacks targeting the East-West Pipeline in the Riyadh and Madinah regions, which caused damage to the pipeline and injuries to civilians.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also spoke with His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on 13 September and reiterated Pakistan's solidarity with Saudi Arabia, as well as its commitment to supporting efforts for de-escalation and peace in the region.

Pakistan remains concerned over the continuing escalation and its implications for regional peace, security, maritime navigation, and global energy supplies. Pakistan continues to advocate dialogue and diplomacy as the only sustainable means of resolving differences and avoiding further escalation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me now turn to the two-day official visit of Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar to Pakistan from 14 to 15 September 2026.

During the visit, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with the Lebanese leadership and people, as well as its steadfast support for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over growing cooperation in the fields of interior and security affairs.

An MoU on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons was also signed by the Interior Ministers of Pakistan and Lebanon. The MoU provides a legal framework for convicted nationals to serve the remainder of their sentences in their respective home countries.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar received the Lebanese Interior Minister on 15 September. The DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan's steadfast support for Lebanon's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. The two Ministers reviewed bilateral relations and expressed the desire to further strengthen ties, particularly in law enforcement cooperation and people-to-people contacts.

On the same day, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister held a telephone conversation with Ambassador Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and candidate for the position of UN Secretary-General.

They discussed the evolving regional situation and agreed that the implementation of the Islamabad MoU remained the most effective course of action to reduce tensions. Ambassador Grossi also offered technical support, if required.

The DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, international law, and treaties, and highlighted the importance of the UN system in advancing global peace and development.

During the week, Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan, Pakistan's first Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia, presented his credentials to the President of Armenia. The appointment marks an important step towards strengthening mutually beneficial relations between Pakistan and Armenia and expanding cooperation in areas of common interest.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Last evening, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Charge d' Affaires of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and lodged a strong protest over a highly provocative and unacceptable action by an Indian Navy vessel in Pakistan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on 15 September 2026.

While the Pakistan Navy was conducting Exercise SEASPARK-26, the Indian vessel undertook aggressive manoeuvres in dangerously close proximity to a Pakistani naval ship, resulting in contact between the two vessels. The incident constituted a serious violation of international law and the bilateral Agreement on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troop Movements, 1991, and posed a risk to regional peace and stability.

The Charge d' Affaires was asked to convey to the Government of India that Pakistan strongly rejects this irresponsible action and urged India to strictly adhere to international law and bilateral agreements, particularly those aimed at preventing incidents at sea.

The Charge d' Affaires of Pakistan's High Commission in New Delhi will lodge a similar demarche with India's Ministry of External Affairs this afternoon.

Pakistan calls upon India to act responsibly, avoid provocative actions, and ensure strict compliance with international law and bilateral commitments to preserve regional peace and stability.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Earlier, on 14 September, Pakistan hosted the 46th meeting of the Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO RATS) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Islamabad, under Pakistan's chairmanship.

The Council discussed regional security issues, reaffirmed the SCO's position on recent developments, and expressed support for efforts aimed at de-escalation, peace, and stability in the region.

The meeting also reviewed cooperation among SCO Member States in combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Decisions were adopted to enhance information-sharing mechanisms, while agreement was also reached to undertake joint activities in 2027.

The chairmanship of the SCO RATS Council has now passed from Pakistan to the Russian Federation, and the next meeting will be held at the Executive Committee of SCO RATS in Tashkent.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On the multilateral front, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will lead Pakistan's delegation to the high-level segment of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly in New York next week, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, other Federal Ministers, and senior officials. In his speech at UNGA, the Prime Minister will highlight Pakistan's perspective on regional and global developments, reaffirming the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, restraint, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

He will outline Pakistan's priorities on sustainable development, climate change, counter-terrorism, Islamophobia, global economic challenges, UN reform, and issues confronting the Global South, while drawing attention to the situations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine. During the visit, he will participate in high-level events and hold bilateral meetings with world leaders and the UN Secretary-General, highlighting Pakistan's commitment to multilateralism, the UN Charter, regional peace, and international cooperation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Pakistan and China operationalized the Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission on 16 September, with its inaugural meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad. Co-chaired by senior officials from both sides, the Commission will strengthen cooperation in border management, joint surveys, trade facilitation, and people-to-people connectivity.

Finally, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Before concluding my opening statement, I would like to acknowledge the retirement of Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch, who will complete her distinguished diplomatic career this evening after more than three decades of dedicated service to Pakistan.

Throughout her illustrious career, Ambassador Baloch has made valuable contributions to Pakistan's foreign policy and diplomatic service through her professionalism, commitment, and exemplary leadership.

As she concludes her service, we extend our deepest appreciation for her outstanding contributions and wish her good health, happiness, and success in the next chapter of her life.

With that, I conclude my opening statement and will now be happy to take your questions.

***

(Hussein Raza, PTV): Sir, India has rejected the Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission and questioned the validity of the 1963 Boundary Agreement. What is Pakistan's response to that? And how does Pakistan view the Commission's role in border management and related cooperation?

Spokesperson: While you were entering the hall, you saw that the two sides were standing outside, and it had just concluded. On the question that you have raised, Pakistan categorically rejects India's baseless and legally untenable assertions concerning the Pakistan-China Boundary Agreement of 1963 and the Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission. China is not only our neighbor but also an all-weather strategic cooperative partner. Our ironclad friendship has withstood the test of time.

The 1963 Agreement is a valid arrangement concluded between Pakistan and China. India's claims regarding Jammu and Kashmir are equally untenable, as Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized disputed territory, whose final disposition is to be determined in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. This is to be done through a UN-led process, under the auspices of the United Nations, through a plebiscite.

It is a mockery of international law that India speaks of legality in an attempt to challenge the validity of the Boundary Joint Commission. India must carry out its own introspection, especially regarding its illegal and unilateral decisions of 5 August 2019. India must rescind these illegal decisions, which were in utter violation of the UN Security Council resolutions. Instead of advancing fictitious territorial claims, India should end its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and faithfully implement the UN Security Council resolutions.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Excellency, I have two brief questions. The first is that we have seen certain Indian media reports about a group of 90 Pakistani Sikhs not being allowed to board a flight while they were on their way to India for pilgrimage. What are your comments on this, please?

My second question is: You talked about the Houthis' attacks on Saudi Arabia, and Pakistani ministers have said that we are bound and obliged to act under the Makkah Accord. Has any mechanism been devised so far regarding how Pakistan will ensure that the Houthi attacks are thwarted and that Saudi Arabia's solidarity and territorial integrity remain intact?

Spokesperson: We have seen the malicious media campaign originating from India regarding the Sikh pilgrims who were trying to travel from Pakistan. A private jatha of around 90 to 100 Pakistani Sikhs reportedly intended to travel to India for pilgrimage to different shrines. It was reported that they were not allowed to board the plane, which is not correct. We were not aware that the Indian High Commission had issued these visas, and these visas were not covered under the 1974 bilateral protocol that exists between Pakistan and India, which facilitates visits to shrines between the two countries. They were issued independently, basically without any coordination.

We understand that India otherwise maintains an exceptionally restrictive visa regime, and the measures are in place. For Pakistani nationals, it is very difficult to obtain a visa, and India has also closed the Wagah border for entry into India. We remain committed to extending a warm welcome to Sikh pilgrims in Pakistan, including those from India. The numbers speak for themselves.

While Sikh Yatris could not travel to Pakistan in May last year, as they were unfortunately stopped on the Indian side, we issued over 2,100 visas in November. This year, over 2,800 visas were issued for Baisakhi alone in April. More than 700 visas were issued for Guru Arjan Dev's Martyrdom Day, and 438 visas were issued for the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in June.

The upcoming Baisakhi festival in November will also be celebrated with full zeal and enthusiasm, and we are ready to welcome Sikh pilgrims through the Kartarpur Corridor, as and when India allows them, because currently the Kartarpur Corridor has been closed by India and not by Pakistan.

On your second question, I will just mention that Pakistan is committed, in intent and spirit, to implementing the SMDA as well as the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. However, when, how, where, and what force will be used against which objectives, in which modes, and other matters involving operational confidentiality require us to maintain some discretion at this stage.

(Mateen Haider, WE News): Two questions. First, you recently shared information that Pakistan hosted the SCO-RATS meeting. So, who represented India at that meeting? Since it is quite obvious that India is non-cooperative as far as terrorism issues are concerned, what was India's response regarding cooperation on counter-terrorism among the SCO countries?

And the second question: There have been high-level telephone contacts between Field Marshal Asim Munir and Iranian leaders. So, please share with us, regarding the Bab al-Mandab and the rising Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, what diplomatic efforts are being made. The question is: What diplomatic efforts are underway in the background to de-escalate and defuse the situation? Pakistan has, as before, also played a role in bringing the U.S. and Iran to a peace accord. So, Pakistan enjoys good relations with both Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Spokesperson: On your first question, regarding the SCO-RATS Council meeting, which was held earlier this week, the Indian Chargé d' Affaires, based in Islamabad, participated and represented India at the SCO meeting. Usually, what we have seen is that, at least in the context of the SCO, participation is there. Earlier last month, there was also participation, and we hope that during the coming year, when Pakistan is going to host, of course, the participation will continue, because the broader objective is peace and security and fighting terrorism, which is a common challenge for both countries.

On your second question, I will come back to you with some more details about the perspective. But Pakistan has, for a long time, been sharing this perspective that we would like to have peace and stability because this is in the interest of not only Pakistan and Iran but the entire region and beyond. The situation in the Bab al-Mandab is exceptionally serious and a matter of concern, and we need to bring peace to the entire region.

The Houthis must also stop their activities, and in this regard, our discussions basically revolve around bringing peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy, and not through coercive measures.

(Carrie Davies, BBC): This is a question about Afghan medical and dental students. Last week, you said that if a student had a valid visa and was enrolled in a valid course, they would be allowed to stay and study here in Pakistan. We have spoken to medical and dental Afghan students here in Pakistan who have valid visas and are enrolled in valid courses, and they say that, despite your comments last week, they are still being told by their colleges that they will need to leave because, at the moment, the PMDC letter has not been directly rescinded.

The PMDC says that this is a matter of national decision and that it is a policy decision by the government. So, can I ask you to be really clear? What is the policy decision? What is the national decision about whether medical students from Afghanistan who have a valid visa and are enrolled in a valid course are able to stay and study here in Pakistan?

Spokesperson: Yes, I think this question came up last week as well and was discussed extensively. Our policy is that those Afghan students who are in Pakistan on a valid visa and registered for a valid course will be allowed to continue and complete their education.

There might be a few cases in which a student has completed their education and is now interested in further education or further specialization, and hence, you know, the registration process has not yet been completed. So, perhaps that category of person could be considered for repatriation.

But those who are already registered and those who are on scholarships will continue. There are hundreds of Afghan students studying in Pakistan, so one odd case may be an exception, but as a policy, it is very clear.

(Kiran Butt, The Khorasan Diary): My question to you is that the Turkish intelligence chief and the Deputy Secretary General of Qatar's National Security Council travelled together to Kabul yesterday, and according to one report, tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan were explicitly on the agenda. Do you have a comment on this? And is backchannel diplomacy actively playing a role in improving relations with Afghanistan?

Spokesperson: Well, we have seen this report, and we are not aware of the background in which this visit is taking place. But, of course, Qatar and Türkiye have both played a very constructive role in terms of mediation. If you remember, last year, we engaged with Afghanistan twice through these mediatory platforms-once in Qatar and, secondly, in Istanbul.

The unfortunate situation has been that, despite the efforts of regional countries and the positive endeavours of these friendly countries to bring some kind of stability, the Afghan reaction has been negative, and they have refused to give an assurance that terrorism emanating from their soil towards Pakistan will be stopped. So, for Pakistan, it is very important that this assurance is provided.

In addition to these efforts, we have seen that in Urumqi, there was also a process through which China brought the three countries together. Pakistan is keen to resolve all our issues through peaceful means, of course, through dialogue and diplomacy. We have clearly mentioned our red line, and now it is for Afghanistan to see how it can stop terrorism, because you cannot continuously allow terrorists to flow from the Afghan side and then expect a different outcome from Pakistan's side.

(Sophia Saifi, CNN): I have two questions. There are reports that U.S. officials recently met Houthi representatives in Oman. In Pakistan's discussions with Washington, has the U.S. raised any concerns about Pakistan's trade, transit, or financial arrangements with Iran? And has Pakistan sought flexibility to protect legitimate border trade and humanitarian needs?

My second question is: China has called for a return to the June agreement, and we understand that the Field Marshal spoke to Iran's Foreign Minister. Does Pakistan support restoring this agreement as it stands? Have there been further calls with China, specifically with Beijing, and should we expect more high-level calls ahead of the UNGA?

Spokesperson: I would request you to please repeat your second question. I just missed it.

(Sophia Saifi, CNN): We know that China has called for a return to the June agreement, and we understand that the Field Marshal spoke to Iran's Foreign Minister. Have there been any calls between Pakistan and Beijing? And are we expecting any calls in relation to all of this with other Foreign Ministers from all the relevant parties in the lead-up to the UNGA?

Spokesperson: I'm not aware of any telephone calls between Pakistan and Beijing, but, in principle, all the regional countries, including China, have been strong proponents of peace in the region. The importance of keeping sea lanes of communication open for trade and transit is equally important for all countries, and more so for the bigger countries. So, China, being a major partner, I'm sure has its own interest in regional peace. Any contact in this regard is a welcome step.

Our objective is to bring peace and stability to the region so that normalcy can prevail and countries can function in a normal manner.

As regards your query if Pakistan has sought any flexibility from the United States to protect legitimate border trade and humanitarian needs with Iran, I would say that this is not to my knowledge. The transit route between Pakistan and Iran, a bordering country with 900-kilometers borders, Pakistan's access to the Central Asian countries currently also passes through Iranian territory. So, that's all I can say at this stage.

(Muhammad Annas Ahsan Mallick, Asia One News): Earlier this week, we saw a vessel come under attack by a mysterious projectile off the coast of Oman, and reportedly, a Pakistani national has lost his life. Would you want to confirm the loss of life of a Pakistani national? And, with regard to the rescuers as well, do you have any comments to offer?

Spokesperson: Yes, we have seen this report, actually, and we are also in touch with a couple of members from this team. What happened was that this was a vessel that came under attack off the coast of Oman a few days ago, basically on 13 September. There were 23 Pakistani crew members on board, out of whom 22 have been rescued safely.

One Pakistani national, who was in the engine room, is still missing. Since the vessel is now being towed to the UAE, the Pakistanis will essentially be repatriated to Pakistan from there. The visas have also been arranged for those Pakistanis.

The final whereabouts of the one Pakistani national who is missing have not yet been ascertained. It is too early to say whether the person has died as a result of the direct impact of a projectile on the engine room. That has to be ascertained through a process that may involve DNA testing and other procedures. So, that process is ongoing.

The 22 Pakistanis who are safe are being repatriated via the UAE.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): Sir, I have two questions regarding the Makkah Pact. Could you please clarify the nature of this pact? The term "defensive"-what does it mean? If a country is literally invaded and there are boots on the ground, then it will become operational. That is my first question.

Number two, Türkiye has indicated that it will take the Makkah Pact to its Parliament for approval. In Pakistan, however, we have seen that this is not being discussed in Parliament. So, is there any thinking that you are going to take this to Parliament?

And the last one, regarding Afghanistan: Pakistan is set to host the ECO Council of Ministers meeting in November. Will the Afghan side be invited to participate in that meeting?

Spokesperson: On the Makkah Pact, I think we had an extensive question-and-answer session last time as well, and the Ministry has already issued a statement. Basically, the three countries have already issued a press release stipulating what it envisages to do.

But since you have asked again, I will reiterate that the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed between Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia on 7 August. It is a Mutual Defence Agreement aimed at strengthening regional peace and stability. So, that is, I mean, objective number one.

Our partnership with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye in the area of security and defence is well recognized, and it did not start yesterday. I mean, we have had this long-standing relationship for quite some time. The Makkah Accord, in essence, formalizes and further strengthens many aspects of the ongoing cooperation and existing long-term bilateral cooperation among these three countries.

It, inter alia, aims to enhance-being very specific now, you know, to your question-the existing defence cooperation, including training and capacity-building, the exchange of best practices, learning from mutual experiences in defence technologies and research, as well as collectively deterring any acts aimed at destabilizing regional security.

Now, the agreement, while being purely for defensive purposes, is neither directed against any country nor does it formally constitute a new bloc. So, I think I have answered this question.

On Afghanistan, there has not been any decision yet. The matter is being looked after by the relevant division, and we will get back to you on this soon.

(Afzal Reza, IRNA): Since you mentioned Mahan Air, the private Iranian airline, Mahan operates flights from Tehran to Lahore and not only to Lahore but also to Islamabad. But since the new U.S. sanctions against Iranian airliners, what is Pakistan's position on the unilateral sanctions imposed by the U.S. on Mahan Air and the other Iranian airlines?

Spokesperson: We have taken note of the measures announced by the United States concerning Mahan Air and are examining the matter through the relevant stakeholders. As you mentioned, Mahan Air operates flights to Lahore. To our understanding, Mahan Air operates to 18 destinations, with flights to nine different countries, including Thailand, China, India, and others as well. We have three flights operating to Lahore.

We believe that issues of concern are best addressed through dialogue and diplomacy, and we remain committed to a mediatory role and the peaceful resolution of the Iran-U.S. conflict at this stage.

(Sardar Shaukat Mehmood, Islamabad Today): Sir, my question is regarding the war between America and Iran. Pakistan has strategic relations with Saudi Arabia, and similarly, with Iran, Pakistan has neighboring and diplomatic relations as well. How is Pakistan maintaining a diplomatic balance?

Spokesperson: We have good relations with both countries, and we do not examine one country's relations through the lens of another country. We have independent relations, and this is not something that started recently but has existed for hundreds of years, even before the creation of Pakistan. We do not examine these relations in the context of competition.

So, we have very good relations with both countries, and because of that, the mediation role has been entrusted to Pakistan, with the concurrence of all the countries. Mediation can be carried out whenever there is trust in the selected mediator among the parties involved. So, Alhamdulillah, we have good relations with both countries and will continue to play our mediating role.

(Muhammad Saleh Zafir, The News): Sir, regarding the announcement of a bounty on the head of Maulana Masood Azhar, I would like to have your take on India's disquiet about this announcement.

Spokesperson: Bounty on Masood Azhar. Yes, we have seen this report that India is criticizing Pakistan. Pakistan, as a sovereign state and responsible member of the international community, remains fully cognizant of its obligations under international law, and Pakistan routinely undertakes the necessary measures and actions to fulfill its international obligations and in accordance with applicable laws.

The FIA's list is a reflection of Pakistan's unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and enforcing domestic and international laws. Nefarious efforts by India are meant to malign Pakistan in an attempt to draw the world's attention away from state-sponsored terrorism being perpetrated by India, the greatest sponsor of the crime-terror nexus, not only in our region but, one can say, globally.

Pakistan will continue to uphold the rule of law and remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of its people.

(Tahir Khan, NNI): Sir, my question is regarding Afghanistan. Last year, Pakistan closed all border routes with Afghanistan in October, and since then, trade has been suspended. There is no transit, and almost six months have passed since Pakistan stopped issuing visas to Afghans. My question is: Will relations with Afghanistan remain like this throughout the rule of the Taliban government in Afghanistan? Or is there any possibility regarding the restoration of trade and transit?

Spokesperson: The question was whether the ongoing situation with Afghanistan in terms of transit, trade, connectivity, and visas will continue like this or whether there will be some changes in the coming months. Our response has been very clear.

Last year, if you remember, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, travelled to Afghanistan, held meetings, offered a lot of concessions to Afghanistan in terms of transit trade, and even the tariffs were brought down. The frequency was to be increased, but our request has been that the terrorism coming from their side has to stop, and it has to stop completely.

The action now rests on the other side. Pakistan has entered into mediation directly. We have also used the medium of our friendly countries like Qatar, Türkiye, and China, and all these efforts to bring peace between the two countries have not been completely fruitful because of one reason, and that is the reluctance on the other side, on the Afghan side, where they are not ready to cooperate.

If they cooperate on terrorism, there is no reason for Pakistan to continue with this process. We are ready to open our borders, conduct trade, use Afghanistan as a connecting hub, and the entire region can actually benefit from a peaceful region.

Our policy has been a peaceful Afghanistan, which is peaceful within as well as peaceful with the neighbouring countries. It is not only Pakistan that has this observation. I mean, China also has observations about the terrorist activities taking place, and the northern Central Asian countries are also not happy with the terrorist situation in Afghanistan.

So, there is a need to change that situation.

(Shafqat Ali, The Nation): Pakistan played a great role in bringing the United States and Iran to the talks table. How satisfied is Pakistan with the implementation of the agreement?

Spokesperson: Well, these are two different sets of processes. One is bringing people together. Probably, I mentioned last time also that Pakistan not only brought the USA and Iran together, but it was after 47 years that these two countries were sitting in the same room, face to face.

So, for us, that is a success, and for us, that was the beginning. It led to the Islamabad talks, which led to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, and, following that, we saw the signing ceremony in Burgenstock.

So, all this was very positive, but, as they say in English, "the taste of the pudding is in the eating," so we have to see the implementation also. Pakistan keenly follows the agreed Islamabad understanding, and our understanding is that if we follow through on the provisions given in the Islamabad MOU, peace and stability can be achieved.

We are a strong proponent of dialogue and diplomacy, and we will continue to play our part.

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News): Sir, I want to know whether the role of Secretary General has been assigned to Pakistan. Which personality will assume this post-either the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Army Chief, or any other officer, i.e., a retired general, or existing high-level officer-and what would be the emoluments of these portfolios?

Spokesperson: At this stage, we cannot make or share any judgment on this matter with you. However, keeping in view the importance of the post, it will be a competent person. Whether he or she is from the Army or is a civilian does not matter. Someone who knows his or her job will essentially be appointed through consultations within the country.

(Muhammad Annas Ahsan Mallick, Asia One News): Follow-up on the Makkah Defense Agreement. Besides the Makkah Defense Agreement, Pakistan also has a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia, under which the Saudi side earlier this year, in April, made it public that some troops had been deployed, and there had also been the deployment of Pakistani jets. My question is: Has the SMDA, the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement in Saudi Arabia that was signed last year, on 17 September, been invoked, or has the Pakistani side been involved under that bilateral agreement, keeping aside the trilateral agreement, the Makkah Defense Agreement? Talking bilaterally, and a quick follow-up to the Makkah Defense Agreement, to what Anwar just asked, what are the next steps for the Makkah Defense Agreement? Are we expecting the secretariat to establish, the terms of reference and the role of the countries? I mean, if you can elaborate on that?

Spokesperson: On the SMDA, of course, it was signed last year, and you nearly gave some of the response in your question as well. There were some deployments of forces, and since it is an operational matter, I would not comment beyond that.

The two countries have been cooperating since the 1970s, basically, and then since the late 1980s, and the SMDA formalized our relationship last year. So, that is operational, and the two countries are working at their respective competent levels. Further comment on this would not be possible at this stage.

On the next steps for the Makkah Agreement, as was announced in Istanbul, the meeting took place, and further meetings will be held in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia as well as Türkiye, in a sequential manner to further solidify the mechanisms.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Sir, the disastrous situation in the Middle East is now shifting to Makkah. So, does Pakistan understand that this is part of any great game? Does it mean an exacerbation of a regional war between Muslim countries?

Spokesperson: I think, depending on the geography, there have been countries that have been having their issues, and, as you know, regarding the Houthis' issue, it is a militant organization, and there is also a government in Yemen.

Our effort in Yemen has been that peace and security should prevail, there should be reconciliation, and the situation should not impact the whole region.

In the context of a regional war between Muslim countries, I don't think that kind of situation exists.

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): Since you look after South Asian affairs as well, another ugly scene was witnessed at the Asian Cricket Championship when the Pakistani Interior Minister, who happened to be the head of the Asian Cricket Council, was there, but the winner, the Indian team, did not come up. This was also witnessed last year with the men's team. How has sportsman spirit been deteriorating over the period of time? There is a craze for cricket in the subcontinent. Why are these things happening, sir?

(Muhammad Saleh Zafir, The News): Pakistan has refused to send its Pakistani hockey team to India.

Spokesperson: Spokesperson: So, it is regrettable that the BCCI reportedly declined to allow the Indian women's team to go on stage and receive the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi Sahib, who is the President of the ACC. As rightly pointed out, this is not the first time it has happened. Last year, they did exactly the same thing, with the Indian men's cricket team refusing to go and receive the trophy.

So, things have been kind of weaponized and securitized in every aspect of the relationship. Unfortunately, everything has happened because of the Indian stance, basically.

From Pakistan's perspective, sports should not be weaponized, and they should be allowed to take place. But coming to your question, sir, precisely because of this reason, we do not see a point in sending a cricket or hockey team to India.

So, that is the point: we would not be sending our team to India, but we would be very happy to play against India in a third country, as we are currently playing cricket. So, that is the policy.

(Mateen Haider, WE News): This question is on the Palestinian situation. Israel is planning to launch a ground offensive in Gaza once again, and that plan has been made public. So, this is going to be a blatant violation of the Gaza peace accord and the Board of Peace. On the other hand, there are reports that the United States is planning to send an additional 2.8 billion dollars' worth of ammunition and weapons to the Israeli government. So, how do you see this contradiction within the U.S.? On the one hand, it is promoting peace in Gaza. On the other hand, it is providing weapons to Israel, and Israel is openly killing Palestinians. This ground offensive is likely and will jeopardize peace in the region. Your comments, please.

(Anwer Abbas, 24 News): Sir, I want to know whether, in respect of Israel's expected attack on Palestine, we can threaten Israel under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

Spokesperson: Spokesperson: I think our policy is very clear on Palestine. Like Jammu and Kashmir, Palestine has been a very important foreign policy issue for Pakistan, and we have been a strong supporter of a two-state solution, basically, with the State of Palestine being established in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, along the 4 June 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital.

The establishment of that state is important. So, our entire diplomacy, basically, you can say, in this region, revolves around protecting the legal rights of the Palestinian people. We have been talking about stopping the aggression by Israel, providing them with the humanitarian support they so much need, rebuilding the infrastructure there, and bringing it up as a normal, functioning state that is able to stand on its own.

So, what Israel is doing has been frequently condemned. I would say that it is a serious issue, and Pakistan strongly condemns any action that Israel takes against the innocent Palestinian people, including this kind of aggression. It is not only Palestine that is facing this; our brotherly countries, like Lebanon and Syria, are also affected.

What we see is that Akhand Bharat in our neighbourhood and similar greater Israel expansionist policies in Israel are being pursued full scale by Israel. So, the world has to take note of this situation, and we strongly condemn any action by Israel against Palestinians. So, that's it.

(Syeda Qurat ul Ain, Independent Urdu): Geo has reported that a major internal inquiry report has been obtained by Geo News, stating that 12 billion rupees was illegally collected from citizens in one year through unlawful channels for document attestation. It also says that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was approached for comment. Can you please share your comment on this set of documents?

(Mateen Haider, WE News): It is widely reported that online attestation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is facing technical hitches. The technical system developed by the National Information Technology Board (NITB) is extremely faulty. People are facing great problems with online attestation, particularly apostille attestation, which is required by a number of countries. In the past, we have seen the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister hold an extensive meeting on this particular issue and direct the Foreign Office to facilitate citizens in the timely attestation of their documents. Citizens regularly pay the prescribed fees, but despite that, there is a mafia operating outside the Foreign Ministry, as pointed out by the media. So, what measures are being taken to streamline this attestation system, make it transparent and easily accessible to the people, and ensure timely attestation?

(Aijaz Ahmed, GNN News): I want to add to this that, in my personal experience, one of my colleagues visited here and requested my assistance with the apostille attestation of his documents. I referred him to the official channel for processing his documents. He paid 15,000 rupees to an agent outside the ministry and got his documents apostilled in half an hour.

(Syeda Qurat ul Ain, Independent Urdu): It's a follow-up question. Can you please confirm whether the outgoing Foreign Secretary saw the report and, according to Geo News, ignored it and appointed officers on different postings / assignments, and, according to the report, it was suggested that these upcoming postings should be put on hold.

Spokesperson: I think it is the responsibility of the media to exercise caution while reporting and mentioning names. Sometimes, baseless allegations can tend to spread, and they become like news, and the news becomes authentic because it is shared by Geo. So, the Foreign Office takes pride in upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

With regard to the questions raised by the three of you, I would say that the Foreign Office has no information or record pertaining to the so-called inquiry that you are referring to. We do not subscribe to or pay heed to this kind of activism. While the ministry believes in transparency and accountability, we strongly reject such unverified and baseless claims.

That was part one of the question. Coming over to the second part, which Mr. Mateen asked, regarding the situation, I'll just give you a broad outline. Every day, 17,000 to 18,000 documents are attested at the ministry and the four camp offices in the capitals. So, 18,000 documents-you can imagine how many people come every day-and this is the situation.

The ministry has taken various steps for the facilitation of applicants and the documentation process, which include the QR code system and the courier system, because there were people living in far-flung areas who would otherwise have to come to Islamabad, wait in line, and submit their documents. This online procedure was adopted with different QR services. Companies were hired, powers of attorney were executed digitally, and, for the first time, basically, in the last one year, it has happened that a person sitting in another country can have his power of attorney digitally verified here in the ministry. There is also an integrated database with HEC and IBCC. Now, you do not have to physically go and get it attested, bring it back, and have it counter-attested. It is done online, and it is done in minutes.

Because the requirement is so huge, there was a need to have evening shifts. So, in Pakistan, probably, it is the only ministry where we have a morning shift and then also an evening shift.

So, that is the factual situation. Before the introduction of apostille attestation back in 2024, applicants had to go through a lengthy three-step process. They would have the document attested in one place, then come to the Foreign Ministry, and then go to the embassy, and so on. Each time they travelled to another country, the document would have to be attested again.

Now, with this apostille system, which was introduced in 2024, 120 countries are accepting documents attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here in Islamabad. So, that has eased the burden not only in financial terms but also physically. Imagine 10 million Pakistanis living abroad, and each time they have to go and get a paper attested again and again and again. Now, with the apostille system, attestation done once is applicable to 120 countries. So, it has massively reduced the burden on the people.

And, of course, the media would not easily report this kind of thing. This is the factual situation. But I totally understand that if there are a large number of people, not everybody gets the job done on the first go, so there have to be improvements. I think the ministry is keen to improve its system.

The Foreign Secretary has especially placed the best possible officers, with clean records, in the Consular Department. Some of them are literally outstanding in their work and have very clean records.

We have generated 3.4 billion rupees in the last two years. Before, it used to be a smaller amount. Now, this is almost 3,000 rupees per document. But the documentation is done online, and the payment is made online, so it is not like somebody is receiving the money in cash. It goes into the accounts, and there are POS systems in the Consular Department as well, so it is done through those.

(Journalist): The Journalist pointed out that the fee for Apostille attestation of documents was increased to Rs. 3000/- so how do you claim that overall the initiative has economized the cost of attestation.

Spokesperson: Probably, you didn't hear my earlier response that it used to cost every Pakistani hundreds of dollars because attestation had to be done not once but at multiple tiers. After having the document attested in Islamabad, you had to get a counter-attestation from the embassy, then go to a foreign country and get the attestation of the Embassy of Pakistan there, and then get it counter-attested by the local authority. So, there were multiple attestations, and we had a lot of expenditure there. This has actually reduced the overall burden.

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