Spokesman Briefings

Date: 26/12/2007

Record of Press Briefing on 26 December, 2007

There was no opening statement

Question/Answer Session

Q: Can you give us the details of the foreign observers for the upcoming elections? How many requests have been received and how many of them have been approved?

A: We have received request from all over the world and almost all of them have been approved. We have some 60 observers from International Republican Institute (IRI). They include people from many countries including USA , Iraq , Cambodia , Liberia , Azerbaijan , Morocco and South Africa . There is a core team of 12 people from the European Union and another group comprising 55 representative for long term observation mission. Some of the observers are already in the country.

NGO “Researcher” has invited representatives from NGOs from abroad. They comprise nationals of Germany and Switzerland .

Q: Has the Commonwealth approached Pakistan for sending observers and has their request been approved or not?

A: We believe the Commonwealth's Kampala decision to suspend Pakistan 's membership was hasty, unreasonable and unjustified and it lacked consensus too. In haste the Commonwealth ignored our proposal to send a delegation to Pakistan to assess the ground situation and the measures taken by the Government of Pakistan to return to full civilian democracy. The Commonwealth has announced to review its decision on Pakistan 's suspension after 8th January elections. That will be the time when we will actively consider our relationship with the Commonwealth.

Q: How many observers have been cleared through the Foreign Office.

A: We have cleared some 200 observers. They are parliamentarians, officials and representatives of various organizations.

Q: There is a story in the New York Times that US aid to the tribal areas is in jeopardy because of concerns about monitoring of funds. What are your comments on this?

A: We have seen the New York Times story regarding FATA Development Plan, which seeks to generate an unnecessary controversy. FATA is a very important area and we believe that economic transformation of that area is pivotal in the fight against extremism and terrorism. The FATA Development Plan is part of this comprehensive strategy. We are using our own resources to bring about economic change but we also need international assistance. Assistance from international community can accelerate this process of change. Any procrastination will slow down the development activity in FATA and to that extent damage our efforts to fight extremism and terrorism.

Q: India has tested several missile as a part of its missile defense shield. How does Pakistan view this development for its defence?

A: We are not in favor of introduction of any new weapon systems in South Asia as we feel that this would lead inevitably to an arms race in the region. Developing countries in South Asia can ill afford an arms race as the money can be better spent in projects aimed to improve the social indicators of the population and alleviation of poverty. Pakistan , however, will spare no effort to defend its territory and national interest.

Q: What sort of code will be observed by foreign election observers? What are the possible repercussions if they don't follow it?

A: A detailed code of conduct has been issued by the Election Commission. It is available on their website. We hope this code of conduct is followed in letter and spirit.

Q: Are their any restrictions on the movement of the observers?

A: As far as I know there are no restrictions. Of course areas which are active militarily are out of bounds. Passes are being issued to the observers. With these passes they would be able to reach out to the polling stations, election officials and other stakeholders.

Q: What is the current status of the Prisoners Exchange Committee between Pakistan and India ? How may prisoners are there in the two countries and what is being done for the release?

A: Pakistan considers the issue of prisoners held in both the countries a humanitarian issue. We have always stressed upon India to release those prisoners who have completed their sentence. In the last year we have released 4 times as many prisoners as India . Currently there are some 450 Pakistanis in Indian prisons of which 8-9 are fishermen and about 500 Indians in Pakistani prisons out of which some 450 are fishermen. The issue of prisoners and fishermen is regularly addressed by Pakistan . We also discussed this issue with India during the Interior/Home Secretary level talks on Terrorism and Drug Trafficking held under the composite dialogue process.

Pakistan and India have also set-up a Judicial Committee on Prisoners to facilitate identification and repatriation of prisoners and it comprises 4 judges from each side. The first meeting of this committee is expected to be held in India shortly.

Our High Commission in New Delhi follows the welfare and repatriation process of Pakistani prisoners with the host government on regular basis. We have requested the Indian government to share with us the list of Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails so that we could process the repatriation of those who have completed their sentences.

Q: Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto recently stated that Pakistan was instrumental in squashing Sikh insurgency in India during her reign. Does this imply Pakistani interference in the internal matters of India ?

A: You are very well aware that we don't comment on statements made by our political leaders.

Q: The President recently asserted that Pakistan would occupy a very important place in the world by 2011. Was this statement based on some specific breakthrough in the military or economic arena or was it just a routine statement?

A: The President's statement was very clear. I cannot add to that. I also don't see you have a real question there.

Q: President Karzai is arriving in Pakistan today. Will any specific agreements going to be signed during his visit?

A: President Karzai is arriving at Chaklala airbase today. He is accompanied by a number of ministers including those of Foreign Affairs, Commerce & Investment, and Finance as well as the National Security Adviser and other senior officials. A meeting is also arranged tomorrow by the Board of Investment with Pakistani businessmen at Serena Hotel . There are no specific agreements to be signed during this visit.

Q: What is the importance of the visit of President Karzai Pakistan ?

A: Regular high level bilateral visits are a hallmark of Pakistan – Afghanistan relationship. It is an important political visit. All issues of mutual interest between the two countries will be discussed. The President is hosting a banquet for the Afghan President after the tête-à-tête and formal talks. The Prime Minister is meeting President Karzai tomorrow and will host a lunch for him. The visit provides yet another opportunity of high level exchange between the two countries.

Q: What is the progress of the Jirgagay?

A: The Jirgagay, or mini-Jirega, is a mechanism proposed after the Grand Jirga in August last year. 25 members are to be selected from each side for the mini Jirga. It is to meet in Pakistan . No dates for the meeting have been finalized yet but both sides are in touch with each other on this issue.

Q: When will the Pakistani and Indian Foreign Secretaries review the progress of the 4 th round of the Composite Dialogue?

A: No date has been fixed yet but it is expected that the review meeting will be held early next year.

Q: How does the Foreign Office view the Pope's statement where he mentions Pakistan amongst “tortured regions” and equates Pakistan with countries like Iraq , Afghanistan and Somalia ?

A: I don't think I can comment on the Pontif's statement. These are his views but I hope everyone in this room understands that the situation in Pakistan isn't that bad.

Q: But what the pope says is a matter of perception?

A: Yes, it is an issue of perception.