22/08/2025
*Office of the Spokesperson*
***
*Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on*
*Friday 22th August 2025*
Assalam-o-Alaikum,
Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, visited Islamabad for co-chairing the 6th Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue on 21 August 2025.
During the Dialogue, the two sides reviewed the entire range of Pakistan-China relations; exchanged views on further strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas including CPEC 2.0; trade and economic relations; multilateral cooperation; and people-to-people ties; and further discussed important regional and global issues. They also agreed to continue close coordination and communication, both bilaterally and at multilateral forums.
During his visit, the Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, also called to call on the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari; Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif; and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
During Foreign Minister, Wang Yi’s meeting with President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, the President thanked China for its consistent support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, national development, and its principled and just stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
The President recalled his visit to China earlier this year, during which he had successful meetings with President, Xi Jinping and senior Chinese leadership. The President regarded CPEC, which is part of President Xi’s flagship Belt and Road Initiative, as having immense strategic significance for both Pakistan and China. Matters relating to bilateral cooperation and regional security also came under discussion.
During Foreign Minister, Wang Yi’s meeting with Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation for the leadership, government and the people of China, for their steadfast support to Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national development. Reaffirming Pakistan's unwavering support for China on its core issues, he reiterated Pakistan's commitment to further deepen its All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with China, as envisioned by the leadership and aspired by the people of the two countries. The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan's desire to deepen bilateral cooperation with China in CPEC Phase-2, trade, investment, ICT, agriculture, industrialization, mines and minerals and other key sectors.
During Foreign Minister, Wang Yi’s meeting with Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), discussions focused on regional security, counterterrorism and other matters of mutual interest. Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen the all-weather strategic partnership and enhance coordination at regional and international forums. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
The visit is part of the regular high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China to further deepen their "All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership", reaffirm support on the issues of respective core interests, enhance economic and trade cooperation, and reaffirm their joint commitment to regional peace, development and stability.
The Sixth Trilateral Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, China and Afghanistan was held on 20 August 2025 in Kabul between Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Foreign Minister of China, and Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan. The three sides committed to strengthen joint efforts against terrorism. They also reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in trade, transit, regional development, health, education, culture, and combating drug trafficking, as well as extension of CPEC to Afghanistan.
On the margins of the 6th Trilateral Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, China and Afghanistan, Pakistan’s DPM/FM, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with Afghan Acting FM, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. The leaders noted positive movement in political and economic domains, but the DPM/FM highlighted the lack of progress in counterterrorism domain.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, undertook an official visit to the United Kingdom from 17 to 19 August 2025.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met the UK Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner. They discussed the broad trajectory of Pakistan-UK bilateral relations, and reaffirmed shared commitment to deepen cooperation across political, economic & people-centric areas.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, held a productive meeting on 18 August 2025 with the UK’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, Rt. Hon Hamish Falconer, in London. They reviewed the positive momentum in Pakistan-UK bilateral relations and reaffirmed commitment to strengthening the mutually beneficial partnership. The two sides also discussed regional and global developments.
On 18 August 2025, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met Pakistan-origin British MPs, Mohammad Yasin, Tahir Ali, Imran Hussain, Ayoub Khan and Adnan Hussain, and discussed matters related to Pakistani Diaspora in the UK and overall direction of Pakistan-UK relations.
During the visit, the DPM/FM also inaugurated two important services at Pakistan High Commission in London on 18 August 2025:
• First, Land Record Services - enabling British Pakistanis to securely access/manage Punjab property records (Fard, e-Girdawari, deeds) remotely, via blockchain technology.
• Second, One Window Passport System - cutting processing time to 10 mins/application.
These initiatives, fulfilling PM Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, empower the diaspora with digital efficiency & fraud-proof solutions.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, held a meeting on 18 August 2025 with Lord Qurban Hussain, accompanied by community leaders of Kashmiri heritage, to discuss matters pertaining to the Pakistani community in the UK.
On 19 August 2025, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, addressed the British-Pakistani Lawyers Forum regarding India's unlawful attempts to unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty - an action that constitutes both a red line and an existential threat to Pakistan's 240 million citizens.
On 19 August 2025, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, met the Secretary General Commonwealth Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey in London. The DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Commonwealth agenda for sustainable development, intra-Commonwealth trade, youth empowerment & climate resilience. The DPM/FM invited the Secretary General to visit Islamabad, which she happily accepted. Schedule of the visit would worked out through the diplomatic channels.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, held received messages from the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Rt Hon David Lammy MP; Foreign Minister of Somalia, Abdisalam Abid Ali; Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, Saidov Bakhtiyor Odilovich; Foreign Minister of Kuwait, Abdullah Al-Yahya; Malaysian Foreign Minister, Dato Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan. The leaders conveyed condolences over the tragic loss of lives and damage caused by the recent flash floods in northern Pakistan. The DPM/FM expressed gratitude for their solidarity.
The U.S. Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Gregory D. LoGerfo, called on the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on 12 August 2025.The DPM/FM Dar was briefed on the discussions held during the Pakistan-U.S. Counter-Terrorism Dialogue. The DPM/FM encouraged sustained and structured bilateral engagement on counterterrorism between both countries, as a vital contributor to peace & stability in the region and beyond.
The 10th Round of Pakistan-China Bilateral Consultations on Arms Control, Non-Proliferation, and Disarmament was held on 18 August 2025 in Beijing. Additional Secretary of the Arms Control, Disarmament, and International Security Division at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tahir Andrabi, and Director General of the Department of Arms Control at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Sun Xiaobo, led their respective delegations. The two sides engaged in a comprehensive exchange of views on issues related to global and regional peace and security. They also reviewed the situation in South Asia, with particular emphasis on the challenges to security and strategic stability. Amb. Tahir Andrabi also addressed a roundtable at China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, engaging diplomats, experts & academics. The dialogue remains a vital platform for Pakistan-China coordination and cooperation on arms control, peaceful uses of nuclear tech & outer space. The next round of consultations will be held in Islamabad in 2026.
Pakistan welcomes the Award rendered by the Court of Arbitration on the issues of General Interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), announced on 8 August 2025.
The Award interprets the designed criteria for the new run-of-river hydropower projects, to be constructed by India on the Western Rivers (Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus).
In a significant finding, the Court has declared that India shall “let flow” the waters of the Western Rivers for Pakistan’s unrestricted use. In that connection, the specified exceptions for generation of hydro-electric plants must conform strictly to the requirements laid down in the Treaty, rather than to what India might consider an “ideal” or “best practices” approach.
The Court’s findings on low-level outlets, gated spillways, intakes for the turbines, and free-board are in line with Pakistan’s interpretation of the relevant provisions of the Treaty. The Award also limits India from maximizing the pondage volume.
Notably, the Court has observed that the Awards of a Court of Arbitration are final and binding on the Parties (India and Pakistan) and have a controlling legal effect on subsequent Courts of Arbitration and Neutral Experts. Recognizing Pakistan’s vulnerability as the downstream riparian, the Court has further observed that the object and purpose of the Indus Waters Treaty, as it relates to the Western Rivers, is to de-limit the two states’ respective rights and obligations, in conjunction with mutual cooperation and effective dispute resolutions procedures.
The Award carries special significance in the wake of India’s recent announcement to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, and its earlier decision to boycott the proceedings of the Court of Arbitration. It is an endorsement of Pakistan’s historical stance on the afore-stated issues.
Pakistan remains committed to full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty. It also expects India to immediately resume the normal functioning of the Treaty, and faithfully implement the Award announced by the Court of Arbitration.
Pakistan welcomes the U.S. decision of designating Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade as Foreign Terrorist Organisations, also adding Majeed Brigade as an alias to BLA. Pakistan had proscribed Majeed Brigade as a terrorist entity since 18 July 2024. BLA/Majeed Brigade is involved in multiple terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including the heinous Jaffer Express terrorist incident and Khuzdar bus attack that resulted in the loss of precious lives.
Pakistan remains a steadfast bulwark against terrorism. Our sacrifices have secured critical counter-terrorism successes, not only for the country, but for regional stability and global security. Pakistan remains unwavering in its resolve to protect its citizens and eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We remain committed to cooperating with the international community to overcome this common challenge.
Pakistan and the United States held the latest round of the Pakistan-U.S. Counterterrorism Dialogue in Islamabad on 12 August 2025, reaffirming their shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The dialogue was co-chaired by Special Secretary for the United Nations, Ambassador Nabeel Munir and U.S. Department of State Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Gregory D. LoGerfo. Both delegations underscored the critical importance of developing effective approaches to terrorist threats, including those posed by Balochistan Liberation Army, ISIS-Khorasan, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Both delegations emphasized the importance of building stronger institutional frameworks and developing capabilities to respond to security challenges and to counter the use of emerging technologies for terrorist purposes.
Pakistan strongly condemns and rejects recent statements made by the Israeli Occupying power, alluding to the creation of so-called “Greater Israel,” and its designs aimed at the forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.
Pakistan calls on the international community to outrightly reject such provocative notions that constitute a flagrant violation of the international law, principles of the UN Charter, as well as the relevant United Nations resolutions.
Such statements reflect the occupying power’s intention to entrench its illegal occupation, as well as its complete contempt for all international efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. The international community must take immediate and tangible measures to prevent the occupying power from further destabilizing the region, and to end its ongoing crimes and atrocities against the Palestinians.
Pakistan reaffirms its full support for the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights, including the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Pakistan rejects the immature remarks made by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs earlier this week, which is yet another demonstration of their chronic tendency to distorting facts and twisting statements out of context.
The Indian narrative of an alleged "nuclear blackmail' is a misleading and self-serving construct. Pakistan remains firmly opposed to the use or threat of use of force. India’s sabre rattling and war mongering whenever confronted, invited unfounded allegations bereft of rationality.
Pakistan is a responsible nuclear weapon state with an elaborate command and control structure under full civilian control. It has always exercised discipline and restraint, while dealing with the issues of such importance.
Pakistan's sustained and credible counterterrorism efforts are internationally-acknowledged. Our security forces remain the bulwark against terrorism. The Indian MEA's spurious insinuations are irresponsible and without a shred of evidence.
We also note with concern a pointless reference to the third countries, in a bid to exert pressure on Pakistan. This not only reflects India's lack of diplomatic confidence but also constitutes a futile attempt to unnecessarily involve other countries.
Contrary to India’s belligerent and jingoistic approach, Pakistan shall continue to act as a responsible member of the comity of nations. However, any act of Indian aggression or violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity will be met with an immediate and matching response. The onus of any ensuing escalation will rest squarely with the Indian leadership.
I thank you.
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(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): Has India informed Pakistan before releasing water since the floods are causing huge loss in certain areas of Punjab? Second, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is visiting China at the end of the month, where his Indian counterpart will also be there. Is China facilitating a meeting between the two?
(Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): In April, India announced abeyance of Indus Water Treaty, what is its current situation? Has it changed? According to your reports, they have made changes in it. And in respect of the treaty, have they been releasing the water without informing?
Spokesperson: About specific technical questions I want to be sure and accurate. I will have to check with the Ministry of Water Resources and Indus Water Commission. I will get back to you on that.
About the second question, sir, there is no meeting in the works between the Prime Minister of Pakistan and Prime Minister of India.
(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Two questions, Washington Post, while praising Field Marshal Asim Munir branded him as a man with nerves of steel, adding further Munir could be Trump's South Asia’s game changer. If you could comment on how will he be a game changer, while keeping the current diplomatic situation in the region into account? Second, while keeping in mind the Pakistan’s sub regional approach, i.e. Pakistan-Bangladesh-China and Pakistan-China-Afghanistan minus India. So how this minus normalization process between China and India will affect the sub regional approaches of Pakistan?
Spokesperson: Your second question is precisely about sub regional cooperation and China-India relations. As a matter of principle, we do not comment on bilateral relations between other countries. Secondly, Pakistan-China relationship stands on its own. There is decades of history, trust, and all-encompassing cooperation between the two countries. The most important point is that the relationship lives in the hearts of the people of two countries. And we do not think our initiatives for regional cooperation involving China, our bilateral relationship with China, our growing economic relations, and our strategic cooperation with China can be affected by anything. Pakistan-China relationship is a very sustainable, long standing, and robust relationship. With regards to your first question, what I can say is Pakistan's diplomacy fundamentally centers on the principles of the UN Charter and international law. We pursue good relations with all countries. If people are paying accolades to Pakistan's success and diplomacy, we welcome that.
(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Firstly, we have seen reports of Pakistani diplomats being harassed in India, and this is something that has been ongoing since April this year. Can you confirm and shed more light on the matter? Secondly, while addressing the Joint Press Stake Out, the Chinese Foreign Minister said “China would be open to welcoming third party participation on the ML-I project”. He also spoke about the capacity building on counterterrorism measures, particularly when it comes to eradicating the menace of terrorism and protecting Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Can you shed more light on that as well?
Spokesperson: Counterterrorism cooperation is an important element of Pakistan-China multifaceted cooperation and it is ongoing partnership and cooperation. There is nothing new in this. China has been our friend and a reliable partner as we have endured all the challenges centered on the terrorism. It has been a close friend and a partner of Pakistan.
Secondly, about the ML-I project, you heard what the Foreign Minister said in the Press Stakeout, so I do not have anything to add to that.
About the harassment of Pakistani diplomats posted in India, let me reiterate that we firmly believe in dignified treatment of diplomats and honoring of the relevant international treaties. Pakistan and India also have a mutually agreed code of conduct on this subject. The provisions of all these documents should be fully respected and implemented.
(Mateen Haider, WE News): Mr. Spokesman, this is again regarding trilateral meeting among China, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The core concern of two countries, China and Pakistan remain about their security and the presence of terrorist organizations in Afghanistan. Some of these organizations pose security threats to India. Then there is TTP and other terror outfits which carry out attacks on Chinese projects and installations in Balochistan. What concrete assurances has Kabul given to both Pakistan and China regarding its territory not being used for terrorism against China and Pakistan? Secondly, China is reconciling its ties with India, and India’s proxies in Balochistan are responsible for creating disturbances there. What assurances has India given to China about its proxies not carrying out attacks on China’s projects under CPEC in Pakistan?
Spokesperson: Again, as a matter of policy I cannot comment on matters between China and India. Secondly, I would wish to repeat and refer you to my earlier answer. In broad terms, China remains the most important priority of Pakistan's Foreign Policy. Pakistan-China relations are decades old, multifaceted and have stood the test of times. We are very confident that these relations are stable and sustainable on their own and will continue to grow and achieve new heights. Lastly, terrorist elements enjoying sanctuaries in Afghanistan has been a constant issue bedeviling the full potential of Pakistan Afghanistan relations. It continues to be an important topic of our conversation with the Afghans, and similarly, in the trilateral format. We hope Afghan authorities would respond to our legitimate concerns, and the three countries would be able to attain the full potential of economic cooperation, connectivity, people to people exchanges, and trade.
(Khalid Mahmood, Express News): Sir, India has been purchasing billions of dollars of arms. It has conducted military exercises including the two recent ones on our eastern border. One exercise was of drones. Its motive is to attack Pakistan. Secondly, please tell us about the air space between the two countries which was closed. Is it still closed or opened?
Spokesperson: Sir, about the Indian arms buildup, we have repeatedly made our position clear. It is an alarming trend. We notice the arms accumulation or the procurement. It becomes more sinister when you look at their declaratory policy, and the domestic developments in India, which are so hostile towards Pakistan, and increasingly Islamophobic. It is dangerous not only for Pakistan’s security but also for regional stability. We have been raising this issue with our partners. The international community turning a blind eye to India's mad rush to develop the military capabilities is a very dangerous trend. This remains a source of peril for the regional security and stability. At the same time, we remain ready and we have enough capability to respond effectively and defend our territory, our sovereignty and our country to any threat or action from India in this regard.
(Ghazala Noreen, Suno TV): Sir, the Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister interacted with some senior journalists today and during the interaction the DPM/FM stated that Pakistan is ready for collective dialogue with India and the same was also being said at the time of achieving ceasefire between Pakistan and India. Is any brotherly country including America making efforts currently to gather the two countries for dialogue? Similarly, are there any ongoing backdoor dialogues between the two countries?
Spokesperson: Deputy Prime Minister has reiterated today our old position that we are ready for composite dialogue. India says that they would talk on terrorism only however, we want to talk on all matters including terrorism, not just on terrorism. We will not hesitate from discussion on terrorism. We have complete and detailed evidence about India’s acts of terrorism against Pakistan, but this would just be one item during the composite dialogue. Regarding efforts of our friendly countries, we welcome all the efforts because the direction of our policy is very clear, and we are ready for composite dialogue. We welcome any effort which helps us achieve our objectives.
(Shaukat Piracha, Aaj News): You've been talking, and we've been listening that Pakistan has concerns about sanctuaries, April with it, then subsequent with it, and now trilateral with it in first in China and now in Kabul. Why Pakistan’s concerns are not being addressed by the Afghan interim government? What's their perspective on it? And second question is yesterday; the Indian government allowed its cricket team to play against Pakistan at neutral venues. However, they barred their team not to play in Pakistan or not to allow Pakistani team inside India. In your eyes, the glass is whether half full or glass is half empty?
Spokesperson: Sir on the second question, I will refer you to the Board of Cricket Control but let me reiterate that we continue to assert that sports and politics should not be mixed.
About the first question, I can repeat that the sanctuaries enjoyed by terrorists remains a sore point. It is one element which is inhibiting the full development of the relations between the two countries and the regional cooperation, connectivity, and trade. This issue remains on the agenda, and we will continue to persist in our efforts to convince the Afghan authorities to address Pakistan's tangible and legitimate security concerns.
Diplomatic communications are privileged. You may contact Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry if you wish to understand their position since I have clearly stated our position.
(Tahir Khan, NNI News Agency): There are reports that Anti-Taliban personalities would be gathering in Pakistan on August 25th and 26th. Is the Foreign Ministry on board? As we have seen the request sent to the Foreign Office regarding visas for these personnel who are coming to Islamabad. And I have seen Amir Khan Muttaqi’s speech of August 19, in which he did not mention Pakistan but used reference to neighboring countries while talking about this gathering. So, they are upset about what is happening here. Is Pakistani Government or State or Foreign Office involved in this meeting?
Spokesperson: If I understand your question correctly you are referring to a meeting being organized by a think tank. Since it is a think tank activity, it should not be equated with the State position. Secondly, if a think tank is doing something in the open and not secretly it should not be a source of concern. It just got a bit sensationalized by some of the social media platforms and figures.
(Tahir Khan, NNI News Agency): I am not talking about Zalmay Khalilzad because you are referring to him, this is the first time in four years that many known faces like like Hikmatyar’s son, Habibur Rahman, Fozia Kufi, Member of Parliament, for almost two or three times are coming. You may know her because she hosts such kind of activities. She hosted a similar activity in Spain and in Albania. So, these people are known and public knows that they are anti-Taliban.
Spokesperson: It is a think tank activity and not a state sponsored activity. Government of Pakistan is not hosting a formal conference. It's a think tank which has invited these people. More important thing is that it is in the open and not like a clandestine activity.
(Allah Noor Wazir, Mashriq TV): From how many countries Pakistan received support for previous counter-terrorism operations and how many countries are supporting Pakistan on the upcoming counter-terrorism operations and what is the extent of that support?
Secondly, Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar recently visited Afghanistan and demanded the Afghan authorities to take action against terrorists operating from Afghan border. Despite Pakistan demanding to take action against terrorists operating from Afghan border for the last four years, is Pakistan still hopeful that the current Afghan Government, which itself took over Afghanistan by force, will take actions against the terrorists involved in terror attacks in Pakistan?
Spokesperson: About the first question, the counter-terrorism operations Pakistan is conducting are on its own. It is Pakistani Law Enforcement, Pakistani Armed Forces, which are conducting these operations. There is no foreign element as such involved. But if you are talking about intelligence cooperation, this is ongoing with a lot of friendly countries, sharing of intelligence about terrorist threats or movement, and that is in the intelligence domain. The actual operations against terrorists which are taking place in Pakistan are by Pakistani law enforcement agencies and Pakistani armed forces. All these operations are being done by Pakistan alone by itself. About the terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan, I have highlighted our position repeatedly that this is an important point on our agenda of discussions with Afghanistan. Afghanistan is an important neighbor. We want friendly, brotherly relations with Afghanistan, and this remains the key roadblock to achieve the full potential of the kind of relationship two brotherly friendly countries should have. And not only it will impact positively the bilateral relationship, but the regional connectivity, regional integration, regional prosperity, all of these will be impacted by it.
(Zeeshan Syed, Neo TV): Sir, I have two questions. When Prime Minister is going to the United States and what meetings are scheduled?
Secondly, Chief Minister of Punjab is currently visiting Japan. People are speculating that CM Punjab visit’s to Japan is a private visit. Sir, will the Foreign Ministry confirm whether the visit is private or not?
Spokesperson: I will not comment on social media speculations. Chief Minister’s visit is an official visit. When the details of the Prime Minister’s visit will be finalized in due course, we will share it with you.
(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Sir. UN Secretary General Counter-Terrorism Report 2025 has warned that the fighters who participated in December 2024 campaign against the former President Bashar Al Assad may relocate to Afghanistan and pose serious threat to regional and global security. What are your comments because there are already more than 6000 terrorists are hiding in Afghanistan.
Spokesperson: I need to read the report and get back to you on this.
(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Sir, Donald Trump’s attitude towards Pakistan is changing positively. Does Pakistan view it as reliable and long lasting?
Secondly, there are reports that during Mark e Haq, Pakistan Army infiltrated 25 Km into Jammu from Sialkot Sector and then took over Indian check posts and these check posts are still under possession of Pakistan Army. How authentic are these reports? It is also reported that India is not revealing this report because Indian citizens will rise up against the Modi government?
Spokesperson: For the details of operational military matters, I will refer you to the ISPR. About the first question, Pakistan – US relations historically have been strong in terms of people-to-people contacts, the Pakistani diaspora, students, doctors, trade, investment, range of aspects on which the two countries have collaborated together. It is a long standing relationship, so I do not see any threat to the sustainability of this relationship. A relationship which has been there for more than seven decades, will continue. We will persist with our efforts to build and further strengthen this important relationship and we remain optimistic about Pakistan – US relations.
(Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): It has been observed in the past that whether it was Russian war or Afghan war, United States always leaves Pakistan alone. This time President Donald Trump has stated 30 times that he facilitated the ceasefire between Pakistan and India. However, preparations are being made India for future war by purchase of ammunition. So, will America only facilitate ceasefire or it will resolve the root cause of all such possible conflicts? Pakistan’s stance was that it will not negotiate with India until India reintroduces Article 35-A and Article 370. Now Pakistan’s stance has changed and it is willing to conduct dialogue on all matters. Because both the articles which were abrogated on 5th August 2019 remain to be so?
Spokesperson: Composite dialogue is a long standing Pakistani position. There is no departure from our basic position. And secondly, what you mentioned about the United States President highlighting the US role, we acknowledge and appreciate it. One party denying the facts is a different thing. So, beyond how many times President Trump has highlighted the US role, it’s a fact that the US played a critical role in the ceasefire, and de-escalation. It continues to make very important contribution to the peace and stability of this region. That would be my answer.
(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): Sir, some Pakistanis are still in American jails like Asif Merchant and Pahalwan who are charged for terrorist activities. How many times we requested United States for Consular Access to them and what is the latest update?
Secondly, do we have an Extradition treaty with Saudi Arabia because few days ago, LeJ operative was arrested and handed over to Pakistan? So, officially do we have an Extradition treaty with Saudi Arabia?
Spokesperson: I will check specific facts and get back to you.
(Noor Aimen, 365 News): Thank you, Sir. According to a recent statement by FBR officials, during the Pak – India escalation, there were multiple attacks on FBR. So is there any confirmation?
Spokesperson: I am not aware of it. I have to check.
(Anas Mallick, Capital News): Thank you so much, Spokesperson. Two questions again. Firstly, with regards to the trilateral that took place in Kabul two days ago, the last trilateral meeting that took place was here in Islamabad on the fifth of May 2023. A joint statement was issued at that time. However, there was no joint statement issued this time, any particular reasons that you might want to share on that? And the Foreign Minister's upcoming much talked about visit to Bangladesh. I believe he is due to travel tonight. Would you want to confirm and shed more light?
Spokesperson: I can confirm the visit. It is taking place. DPM/FM is scheduled to depart tomorrow early morning, and we will be issuing a curtain raiser on this very important visit. And about the trilateral joint statement, in some meetings you have a joint statement, sometimes you don't. But the important thing is that three Foreign ministers met in a very positive environment. The discussions and atmosphere were positive. So we are satisfied with the meeting, and we look forward to continuing this important trilateral process.
(Sardar Shoukat Mehmood, Islamabad Today): Sir, second phase of CPEC in which Afghanistan is also involved, will initiate soon. How much Pakistan benefitted from the first phase of CPEC and in the second phase, will Chinese companies undertake the projects or Pakistani companies will be involved as well?
Secondly, India is involved in sponsoring terrorist activities inside Pakistan. Does Pakistan intend to initiate a new phase of diplomacy by bringing a resolution in United Nations Security Council?
Spokesperson: About the third question, it is an ongoing process. It is part of our bilateral interaction with important, friendly countries. We highlight the Indian campaign of terrorism and destabilization inside Pakistan. And the international community has seen that when Indian terrorism in Pakistan was not properly addressed, the Indian campaign of assassination and terrorism went global. So, that is why there is greater awareness of the threat posed by Indian assassination campaign and terrorism abroad.
About the benefits of CPEC, it has been a very important, very significant project overall, and it is not just a single item, it is a very comprehensive thing. It entails multiple aspects of development and Pakistani people & Pakistan have enormously benefited from it, and we look with a lot of optimism to the CPEC 2.0. About the details of the modalities, I will refer you to the Planning Commission.
(Saleh Zaafir, The News): Thank you, Sir. Sir, India has conducted test of Agni-5 missile on the day when Chinese Foreign Minister was coming to Islamabad. And interesting part of this test is that this Agni-5 missile can reach even the remote areas of China and it had been stated in the statement issued by New Delhi. And second unrelated part of my query is that US President Donald Trump was speculated to come to Pakistan, but now it is being reported that Marco Rubio is coming to Pakistan during the days about which Donald Trump was speculated to be here. I just want a confirmation whether Marco Rubio is coming and whether he is coming as a replacement for Donald Trump?
Spokesperson: In a way, your question contains the answer. You used the word speculation, so I think that addresses it. But what I can broadly say, there has been news on the media and on the TV also, mentioning that Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, is likely to visit Pakistan in October. What I can inform you is that high level visits are always being discussed between friendly countries, but at this point in time, there are no plans for Secretary Rubio's visit to Pakistan in October, if there is any progress or development, we will let you know.
About the Agni test, thank you for raising this important question. I can brief you on that; Pakistan has taken note of India's recent missile test. The acquisition and testing of intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities reflects a growing military threat posed by India extending far beyond the region and even the continent. This development seriously undermines peace, security and strategic stability at both regional and global levels. India's extending missile arsenal, including systems with intercontinental range, raises serious concerns about the selective and discriminatory application of Export Control Regulations that have enabled such destabilizing advancements. Pakistan remains committed to maintaining full spectrum deterrence for the safety and security of its people and to ensure peace in South Asia.
(Adeel Bashir, Roze News): Thank you, Sir. As we have seen the agreement between United States of America and Pakistan about mines and minerals. Has any sort of agreement taken place between Pakistan and China on mines and minerals as Foreign Minister of China has recently visited Pakistan, I think they have discussed minerals as well.
Spokesperson: Of course, China is one of the key investors in Pakistan. It has been investing in so many sectors so mine and minerals, it won't be anything surprising. We would welcome Chinese investment in mines and minerals.
(Mateen Haider, WE News): Thank you, Spokesperson. There are strong reports that during upcoming UNGA which will be attended by Pakistani Prime Minister on the sidelines of UNGA. Pakistan has requested for a meeting with the US President through diplomatic channels, would you like to share that is there any such meeting that Pakistan has sought with the US President? Because in the past, there have been high level meetings, Foreign Minister had a meeting with Secretary of State and previously Field Marshal Asim Munir had meeting also with the US President. Secondly, there are unconfirmed reports; Pakistan is considering some other diplomat to appoint as Ambassador in Washington?
Spokesperson: About the question of Prime Minister's visit and his meetings in New York, we will brief you as soon as they are finalized. We do not want to comment prematurely on that. And secondly, about personnel matters, including posting transfers, we do not comment. You know, this is all speculation at this point in time.
