Spokesperson Briefings

Date: 17/09/2007

Record of Press Briefing on 17 September, 2007

Opening Statement

The Indian Deputy High Commissioner was called to the Foreign Office today and a strong protest lodged with him over the reported Indian move to open up Siachin for the so-called ‘adventure tourism’. The Indian Deputy High Commissioner was told that the Indian plan to open up the disputed territory for touristic purposes was viewed with deep concern by Pakistan. Siachin was illegally occupied by India in 1984 and the issue is being discussed between the two countries within the framework of the Composite Dialogue and its final status is yet to be agreed upon by the two parties. Despite Pakistan’s earnest efforts, progress on resolving the Siachin issue has remained stalled due to inflexible Indian attitude. The area remains a conflict zone and the reported move by India could aggravate the situation with serious consequences to vitiate the atmosphere for the ongoing peace process between Pakistan and India.

Question/Answer Session

Asked, if the fact that Pakistani territory was still under Indian control what progress could Pakistan claim to have made in the last four years, and if that did not imply a failure of the Foreign Policy of Pakistan, the Spokesperson said:

Well, we have discussed this ad-nauseum at this forum also. We have come a long way since our troops were standing eyeball to eyeball for more than six months. We have come a long way from that stage. Discussions are taking place and I would not agree with you that our foreign policy is a failure. No sir, it is not a failure. We have to operate within certain frameworks and we are doing that. Negotiations with India are continuing and as you see, and I am sure you would acknowledge there have been many confidence building measures particularly related to Kashmir. These are meant to give some respite to Kashmiris which is of equal concern to us. We believe that the various proposals, whether they are on Siachin or Kashmir which Pakistan has made from time to time are very reasonable and they can be discussed further and if there is political will and sincerity, there would be forward movement on these issues.

Asked, what Pakistan’s position was considering the displeasure shown by Iran over the delaying tactics of India with regards to the IPI, the Spokesperson said:

Well, I would not comment on what the Iranian minister might have said. I can repeat our position for you. IPI is a very important project for Pakistan. As we have been saying, our economy is growing, our energy requirements are growing and at the moment we are facing acute energy shortage and we intend to meet that shortage through diverse sources. In that context, IPI is a very important project and we remain firm in our resolve to pursue it. If for some reason India is unable to join it, we are ready to conclude the project bilaterally with Iran as well. However at the moment, the three countries are continuing serious discussions to finalize the IPI project and we will take it from there.

Asked, if Pakistan had sponsored any tourist team to Siachin before 1984, the Spokesperson said:

Well I cannot confirm that but the essential point here is that till 1984 Siachin, a territory now under illegal Indian occupation was under our control. In the Simla Agreement, apart from affirming that they would seek the final settlement of the Kashmir dispute, the two countries undertook not to try to change the ceasefire line or the Loc unilaterally. The 1984 Indian occupation of Siachen was a blatant violation of the Simla Agreement and Indian occupation is illegal. Therefore, there is no comparison between India allowing tourist ventures now and Pakistan doing so before 1984.

Asked, if Pakistan had any concerns about the image of the country considering the recent poll released by BBC where India was identified with Gandhi and the Taj Mahal and Pakistan with poverty, cricket and nuclear weapons, the Spokesperson said:

Well, as far as nuclear weapons are concerned, the UK has also them. I am sure BBC knows that. India has nuclear weapons too. Surveys are also like beauty which lies in the eyes of the beholder. There is much more to Pakistan than nuclear weapons, poverty or cricket. Of course, we have a strong defense; Pakistani people love cricket. Poverty is a problem in all developing countries and we are trying to eradicate it and it has come down. Hopefully as our economy grows on sustained basis, it would have a trickle down effect and poverty would decrease further.

Pakistan is a land with rich history and culture. It has been the cradle of many civilizations. Today, there is great blossoming of culture and our economy is growing. As regards the Taj Mahal, being a Mughal building and a fusion of Mughal architecture with local influence, it is the common heritage of South Asia.