Spokesman Briefings

Date: 19/12/2007

Record of Press Briefing on 19 December, 2007

Opening Statement

The President of Afghanistan, H.E. Mr. Hamid Karzai will be visiting Islamabad on 26-27 December 2007. This is essentially a goodwill visit and expression of solidarity with Pakistan . He will be the second Head of State to visit Pakistan since the election of President Pervez Musharraf for his second term.

The visit is in response to the invitation extended by President Pervez Musharraf when he went to Afghanistan in August 2007 to address the concluding session of Pakistan-Afghanistan Grand Jirga. Frequent exchange of visits between the leadership of the two brotherly countries is a hallmark of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.

During his visit, President Karzai will meet the President and Prime Minister. The meetings are expected to fucus on bilateral relations, reconstruction in Afghanistan , as well as regional and international situation. The President and Prime Minister will also hold a banquet and a luncheon respectively for the visiting dignitary.

President Karzai's visit will further strengthen expanding multifaceted relations between the two brotherly countries.

Question/Answer Session

Q: What are your comments about the bill passed by the US House of Representatives on Pakistan ?

A: We are closely following the developments in the appropriations process in the U.S. Congress currently underway. We have noted certain proposals that seek to introduce reporting requirements on some of the funding for Pakistan for FY08 as well as proposals for projectized assistance in the context of economic support funds. The legislative process is still evolving and nothing has been finalized at this stage. Meanwhile, in our interaction with the U.S. Administration and Members of Congress, we have emphasised the need to avoid any conditionalities. Conditionalities would not serve the interest of Pakistan – U.S. relations which are important for peace, stability and progress in the region. Within this perspective, we will continue to emphasize the need for steps that reinforce, rather than undermine, our mutual cooperation and efforts to develop a strong long-term relationship as desired by both sides.

Q: Can you tell us if the UK ever sought extradition of Rashid Rauf from Pakistan ? Did the British High Commissioner discuss the escape of Rashid Rauf with the Foreign Office today?

A: I am not aware if the British High Commissioner had visited Foreign Office in this respect. The High Commission, however, is in touch with the Ministry of Interior. There is no extradition treaty between Pakistan and UK but the British Government's interested in Rashid Rauf is understandable.

Q: Is Pakistan approaching the Commonwealth to restore its membership anytime soon?

A: The Commonwealth decision at Kampala came as a disappointment to us as it was taken in haste without considering the ground situation in Pakistan or the measures that had already been taken by the Government to return the country to full democracy and civilian rule. Our proposal of sending a delegation before taking a decision was also ignored. One of the CMAG members, Sri Lanka , publically disassociated itself from the organization's decision. Commonwealth has itself announced that it will review its Kampala decision after elections. This will be the appropriate time for us to review matters relating to the Commonwealth.

Q: There are reports that the British Government has sought information about the escape of Rashid Rauf. Has the Government of Pakistan responded to them?

A: The initial inquiry report is due today. The British are in touch with the Ministry of Interior which has ordered this inquiry.

Q: Pakistan has been saying all along that the problem lies inside Afghanistan and the solution should come from there too. It's because of the security situation there that Pakistan is facing heat across the border. Will President Musharraf ask President Karzai to do more during his upcoming visit?

A: “Do more” is not our language. We will be discussing all bilateral issues including cooperation in struggle against extremism and terrorism but this discussion is couched in a different language.

Q: Has any foreign embassy in Pakistan or foreign capital expressed concerns about the President campaigning for a specific political party?

A: The President has said that he won't campaign for any party. No body has expressed any such concerns you are mentioning.

Q: President Karzai said today that militant hideouts across the border should be targeted. What are your comments on this?

A: I have not seen the statement you are referring to.

Q: Last week there were statements from Washington that US is trying to help Pakistan establish control in tribal areas. Are we letting the US to come in any manner to tribal areas to help us?

A: We haven't and will not allow any other country to operate inside Pakistan 's territory. Only Pakistan army will do this and it's fully capable, and willing, to performing this task.

Q: President Musharraf's recent statements regarding security of nuclear assets have a very defensive tone. Is there any particular reason for it?

A: Last week here, I was asked why our statements were so offensive, today you are calling them defensive. I will just leave it at this.

Q: When there were elections in Afghanistan , Pakistan aided them in ensuring free and fair elections. Is there any manner in which Pakistan expects Afghanistan to reciprocate in this regards?

A: We will be discussing a number of issues with the Afghan President but assistance in elections is not part of the agenda. There are no expectations or need in this regard.

Q: How do you respond to the Indian National Security Adviser blaming Pakistan based groups for inciting terrorism inside India in his recent interview?

A: The National Security Adviser has given a long interview which covers a number of issues. Our position on so-called terror groups allegedly operating from Pakistan is very clear. Pakistan isn't involved in any terrorist activity inside India and we do not allow our territory to be used for this purpose. We have reiterated this position frequently.

Q: There are reports that Rashid Rauf may have escaped to Afghanistan . What will Pakistan do next?

A: The report on Rashid Rauf is due today. We don't know where is he now. I can not say what will we do next. Interior is the focal Ministry in this regard.

Q: The National Command Authority has been established to safeguard nuclear assets. Do we have a post – Musharraf policy in this regard?

A: The National Command Authority is an institution. It's not linked with one person. We have a whole multi layered security mechanism for our nuclear assets. The NCA ordinance doesn't say that President Pervez Musharraf will head it: It states that the President of Pakistan will head it.

Q: There are reports that Pakistan isn't allowing Commonwealth observers. Is that true?

A: Commonwealth has requested to send observers to monitor the elections. We haven't taken a decision yet.

Q: The President said everyone was welcome to come. Why is there a change in criteria for the Commonwealth?

A: Yes, everyone is welcome but everyone needs to apply and get approved.