Spokesman Briefings
Date: 29/10/2007
Record of Press Briefing on 29 October, 2007
Opening Statement We resent, reject and condemn the article on Pakistan , published in the 29 October issue of the Newsweek . This report is false, misleading and intended to convey a highly negative image of Pakistan . It betrays complete ignorance and lack of understanding about the fundamental realities in Pakistan .
Pakistan is a pivotal country and has been an anchor of stability in a turbulent region. Pakistan has played a role in strengthening peace and security and building bridges globally and in the region. Pakistan contributed to developments that hastened the end of the cold war and continues to make a substantive contribution to peace and security at the regional and international level. Domestically, Pakistan has been maintaining a robust economic rate of over 7 percent in the past several years. We have highly industrious and enterprising people, a strong political culture, an independent media, and a dynamic civil society. The Newsweek story completely ignores these realities of our national life.
In our history of the past 60 years, we have faced many challenges and have always been able to overcome them successfully. The challenges that Pakistan faces today – particularly the menace of extremism and terrorism - owe their origin to the unfortunate history of our region in the past 30 years. We are determined to overcome this challenge for the harmony and progress of our society. However, the world has an important stake in our success.
The real source of Pakistan 's strength is our 160 million people, whose resilience and resolve are the guarantees of Pakistan 's continued stability, progress and prosperity. Our aspirations and pursuit of a progressive modern Islamic society cannot be obscured by reports that lack objectivity and intend to malign Pakistan as a state and society.
The second meeting of SAARC Interior/Home Ministers was held in New Delhi on 25 October 2007 . Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao represented Pakistan in the meeting. The Interior Minister highlighted the role being played by Pakistan in the global fight against terrorism.
The key decisions taken by the SAARC Interior Ministers meeting include the following:-
• I. SAARC Police Chiefs will meet twice a year to discuss cooperation in police matters. Pakistan will host the next meeting of SAARC Police Chiefs in Islamabad in February 2008.
• II. An electronic network of police authorities of SAARC countries will be established. Experts will meet in Islamabad in February 2008 to work out modalities of this network.
• III. SAARC Terrorist Offences Monitoring Desk and SAARC Drug Offences Monitoring Desk will be strengthened as part of efforts in the region to fight terrorism and combat drug trafficking.
• IV. Pakistan will host the Third Meeting of Interior/Home Ministers in Islamabad next year.
Pakistan attaches importance to the objective of promoting regional cooperation under the SAARC umbrella.
Question/Answer Session Q: Regarding the opening statement, by totally rejecting the report don't you think we are going into a state of denial especially when you look at the security situation in Pakistan which has never been as bad as it is presently, not to mention the kidnapping of security personal in the northern areas and reports about suicide bombers entering the capital? Also what is the view of Pakistan concerning the latest US sanctions against Iran ? Do you think they are against International Law and would serve only to aggravate the situation and also, do you believe they can jeopardize the IPI project?
A: The Newsweek story ignores the positives. Pakistan is a nation of 160 million people. There are so many good things going on here. Our nation is fully capable of meeting the challenges we face today. The story de-legitimizes the very foundation of Pakistan ; it also attacks the founder of Pakistan and this is my biggest objection to that story.
As far as US sanctions against Iran are concerned, we believe that sanctions cannot solve any problem. We are committed to the IPI project. We need energy. Energy security is an important element of our national interest.
Q: Will Pakistan file a law suite against Newsweek?
A: No, I don't think governments deal with the media by filing law suits against them. It's the resilience of the people and the feeling in the country which is going to discredit these totally false and malicious stories.
Q: Some days back some people were arrested in Swat in connection with the recent suicide bombings. There have been allegations of foreign involvement in the unrest in the tribal areas. What are your comments?
A: DG ISPR and the Ministry of Interior is dealing with the situations and widely responding to all related queries. You should contact them for the latest information.
Q: You must have seen the resolution passed by the European Parliament about the law and order situation in the tribal areas and the domestic political scenario. How do you view that? Also some US news service has reported that there is immense pressure on President Musharraf from Saudi Arabia that he allow Nawaz Sharif to return to Pakistan . Do you know if there is any such pressure on President Musharraf?
A: The European Parliament adopts resolutions on all subjects under the sun! I am not aware of any subject or any issue happening anywhere about which the European Parliament has not passed a resolution. I hope the European Parliament will also focus on the xenophobia against immigrants, including Pakistani immigrants, in Europe and will address the issues of their rights in the European Union.
Regarding your second question: No I do not think there is any such pressure. This question has been responded to time and again by various Government spokespersons.
Q: What are your comments about the people who incited the Gujarat riots and reports that media footage of this incident had been taken off the air by the Government?
A: I think you are referring to Tehlka sting operation. What has been revealed is extremely disturbing for us. Pakistan is also concerned with the issue in the context of Liaqat-Nehru Pact. We read the reports that efforts were made by the authorities to take the footage off the air. That is very unfortunate. The whole truth should come out and we think that the carnage and terrorism perpetrated against Muslims in Gujarat should come out in the open. The world should know what actually happened there.
Q: In the recent SAARC meeting, India accused Pakistan of being involved in the Hyderabad blasts. What are your comments?
A: I am not aware if India accused Pakistan on Hyderabad blasts in the SAARC meeting. Pakistan is not involved in any acts of terrorism anywhere in the world. Pakistan , itself is a victim of terrorism; it is not a perpetrator of terrorism.
Q: On the 60th anniversary of occupation of Kashmir, was any statement issued by the President, the Prime Minister the Foreign Office or any other important representative of the Government of Pakistan to support the cause of Kashmir ? If no such statement was issued, does this mean that Kashmir has been withdrawn from the national agenda of Pakistan ?
A: Pakistan supports the right of self-determination of Kashmiri people. Black day is observed by the people of Kashmir all over the world. No statement is normally issued by the Government of Pakistan on this day. The Kashmir policy is pivotal to our foreign policy and there is no change in our principled position.
Q : Has India shared the findings of Samjhauta Express tragedy?
A: We have repeatedly reminded India that we need more information regarding Samjotha Express incident. We await specific and detailed information on the investigation in this regard.
Q: Has Pakistan invited election observers from other countries to observe the upcoming elections? If yes, which countries is Pakistan in contact with?
A: Pakistan hasn't invited any observers. However if any group or person wishes to come and observe the elections in Pakistan , they could approach the Government of Pakistan. Their requests would be considered.
Q: How do you view the American apprehensions with respect to IPI? Also the media has carried reports about US raising its apprehensions with India , how do you view that?
A: I said earlier that we are committed to the IPI project. This is a requirement of Pakistan as it will provide us energy security. Our decision in this regard is based on our own national interest. As regards India , we have seen the reports in the media but it is for the Indian Spokesperson to respond to these reports.
Q: There are reports in the media that India and Israel were all set to attack the nuclear facilities of Pakistan in the 80's and it was only American intervention which prevented that. Also there are reports that Pakistan was stopped from using nuclear missiles against India during the Kargil war only at American behest. What are your comments?
A: These stories of possible attacks on Pakistan 's nuclear assets have been surfacing time and again. I cannot definitively confirm or deny these reports. The allegation about Pakistan preparing to use nuclear weapon during Kargil crises is totally baseless.
Q: Can you brief us about Nawaz Sharif as his party is claiming that he is liable to return soon? Do you think he is bound to leave Saudi Arabia any time soon?
A: This is a question concerning domestic politics. The concerned spokesman will be able to answer it. As Foreign Office Spokesman I deal with foreign policy issues.
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