Spokesperson Briefings

Date: 02/07/2007

Record of Press Briefing on 02 July, 2007

There was no opening statement.

Question/Answer Session

Asked, for comments about reports that the two refugee camps near Peshawar and Quetta which were planned to have been closed and the refugees returned to Afghanistan had not happened, the Spokesperson said:

There are more than two Afghan refugee camps which Pakistan government has decided to close down. The reason is that there is suspicion that militants and Taliban are finding refuge in these camps and launching their activities in Afghanistan and Pakistan from their hideouts in these camps. Of course we have been emphasizing that sustainable repatriation of refugees would only be possible if they are provided adequate facilities and finances to settle down in Afghanistan and the UNHCR and international community agree with us that more needs to done on this account. You will recall that during a visit by the Prime Minister to Afghanistan , the Afghan President also agreed that refugee must be returned to Afghanistan . There may be some problems regarding logistics and perhaps SAFRON would be able to elaborate on them.

Asked, if the Government of Pakistan had taken any steps with reference to reports in the media about the Pakistani community in Glasgow being harassed and threatened, the Spokesperson said:

We have been in touch with our mission there and they feel that there is enough bonding and camaraderie between people of Pakistani origin and the locals to overcome any problems which any fringe elements may create. Of course we condemn these intended terrorist acts. We are not aware of any details regarding the origin of those planning to carry out these attacks. We feel concerned about the safety and security of Pakistanis and people of Pakistani origin if there are threats to them or if they are being harassed and subjected to racial slurs. We are sure the British Government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of their citizens and residents in their country irrespective of their origin.

Asked, if any protest had been launched by the Government of Pakistan with India regarding the fact that many Pakistanis imprisoned in Indian jails were tortured to the extent that they suffered permanent psychological ailments as this was a blatant violation of Human Rights, the Spokesperson said:

You have been attending these briefings regularly. We have talked about this issue at almost every briefing. We have talked about the committee of judges established at Pakistan 's initiative. What else do you want me to say? This question has been answered adequately.

Asked, if Pakistan had assisted the British Government in anyway with respect to the recent terrorist activities in UK as there was ongoing cooperation between Pakistan and UK in fighting terrorism, the Spokesperson said:

There is a presumption in your question that it has some connection with Pakistan . We have not been approached by the British Government.

Asked, if the report that restrictions on Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan had been eased was related to the US State Department having issued a clearance chit that the Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan network was no longer active, the Spokesperson said:

There is no change in Dr. AQ Khan's status. He continues to lead a quiet life with his family.

Asked, as to what steps the Government of Pakistan was taking about reports that India was building new dams on the river Chenab , since water was one of the main issues between the two countries right from the time since talks started four years ago, the Spokesperson said:

India has not approached us and we have not been informed. Under the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty, India is required to inform Pakistan six months before any such project is contemplated on river Chenab for discussions to be held between the two countries. As you are aware, the Treaty allows only run of the river projects. Pakistan is aware that some projects or proposals maybe under consideration. As I said we have not been informed but our relevant people have told their counterparts in India that if any such projects are under consideration, Pakistan should be formally informed so that discussions can take place on their nature.

Asked, if any international agency or country had offered relief assistance to Pakistan regarding the recent cyclone or if Pakistan was seeking assistance from anyone, and also if the US Government had approached Pakistan for direct access to Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, the Spokesperson said:

The answer to your second question is no. As regards flood relief, we have not sought international help. However, we have been approached by a number of countries and particularly the UN agencies regarding the kind of assistance we require in the relief efforts. At the request of UN agencies and some other countries, a briefing was given today to heads of missions and UN agencies by Chairman National Disaster management Authority. The UN has also inquired if we require helicopters to carry the relief supplies and other countries have also asked if we require medicines and other relief goods. They have requested us to indicate the type of medicines we require or any other assistance. No decision has yet been taken on that so far. I understand there will be a meeting after which our people would indicate if any particular medicines or relief supplies are required.

Asked, to elaborate on the agenda of the visiting British defense delegation and whether if was part of the Defence Cooperation Forum, the Spokesperson said:

As you have already mentioned we have a Defense Cooperation Forum. It also holds mid-term review meetings. I don't know if a delegation is here for the mid-term review.

Asked, if she was denying reports that the restriction on Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan meeting people had been removed, the Spokesperson said:

My answer was very clear. There is no change in his status.

Asked about the meeting of the Interior Secretaries of Pakistan and India , the Spokesperson said:

The meeting between the Interior Secretaries of Pakistan and India is part of the fourth round of the Composite Dialogue. The meeting will discuss a number of issues. These include counter terrorism, narcotic drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, consular access, fishermen, civilian prisoners etc. They will also exchange views on the draft visa agreement which is pending with the Indian side and draft MoU on drug demand reduction, prevention of illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals and related matters will also come under discussion.

Asked, for comments about the prospects of a meeting between President Musharraf and Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh as both have been invited on the occasion of the signing ceremony of the IPI pipeline project, the Spokesperson said:

At the moment there is no invitation. When the pipeline project is finalized, there is an invitation, it is accepted and the three leaders get together, they will obviously meet.

Asked, with regard to a journalist's claim recently that he had talked to Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, if this reflected a new change in the Government policy, the Spokesperson said:

Dr. AQ Khan meets his friends. He talks to people. This was happening even before this news report. What I basically said was that there is no change.

Asked, if Pakistan had sought extradition of five sons of a former Chief Minister of Balochistan and if the British Government had continued to deny this request, the Spokesperson said:

I do not know about any five sons. BLA has been declared a terrorist organization by Pakistan . The British Government has also declared it a terrorist organization and there are Interpol red warrants for some members belonging to that organization.

Asked, if the US Government was assisting Pakistan in securing its nuclear facilities, the Spokesperson said:

I will give you the broad parameters of such cooperation which can take place under IAEA provisions. These broad parameters are that any cooperation we may undertake would not involve Pakistan 's nuclear weapons. It has to be consistent with Pakistan 's sovereignty and security and has to be non intrusive. Pakistan is open to multilateral as well as bilateral cooperation which could enhance its own ability to reinforce security of its facilities and materials by inducting, where necessary, new technologies and best practices.

Asked, if Pakistan was engaged in such practices with the US , the Spokesperson said:

Well I have given you the parameters within which we can engage with the US or other countries. We exchange views on best practices within the above mentioned parameters.