Spokesman Briefings
Date: 13/08/2008
Record of the Press Briefing on 13 August 2008
There was no opening statement.
Question/Answer Session
Q:What is Pakistan’s response to the economic blockade of the Indian occupied Kashmir and the shahadat of APHC leader Shaikh Abdul Aziz?
A:The shahadat of Shaikh Abdul Aziz, a prominent APHC leader, and other Kashmiri activists in the Indian Occupied Kashmir, is tragic and extremely unfortunate. The Government of Pakistan condemns the excessive and unwarranted use of force against the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir.
Pakistan is also concerned about the reports of attacks on the life and property of Muslims in Indian Occupied Kashmir and their economic blockade by extremist elements which have serious humanitarian implications.
We are deeply concerned over the deteriorating situation in IOK which is resulting in loss of life and property of the Kashmiri people and violation of their human rights. We call for immediate steps to end violence against innocent Kashmiris.
We call upon the international community, in particular UN, OIC and human rights organizations, to take notice of the gross violation of human rights of Kashmiri people, unwarranted violence against them and their economic blockade perpetrated by extremist elements and impress upon India to observe restrain and rein-in the extremist elements that are seeking economic destruction of the Kashmiri people.
It is important that an enabling environment, free of violence, is created to sustain the peace process and address the long standing dispute of Jammu and Kashmir.
Q:India has reacted strongly to Pakistan’s statements made on the situation in Kashmir and has said that these statements on internal affairs of India might undermine the peace process. Your comments please?
A:Jammu & Kashmir is a disputed territory and recognized as such under the UN resolutions. It is also an agenda item of the Composite Dialogue process.
Q:What is the update on Dr. Afia Siddiqui’s case?
A:As Dr. Afia Siddiqui is a citizen of Pakistan, the government has, therefore, legal and moral responsibilities to assist her. The government will fulfill its responsibilities in this case and will continue to pursue it with the US authorities.
Pakistan Embassy in Washington was given consular access to Dr. Afia Siddiqui on 9th August. The Embassy representative was also present during her subsequent court appearance.
Immediate requirements of Dr. Afia Siddiqui are being met. We have also taken up the issue of appropriate medical care to her with the concerned authorities. She is wounded and unwell. We remain in touch with the US- authorities and will provide all required assistance to Dr. Afia Siddiqui.
We are making every possible effort that Dr. Afia Siddiqui is not discriminated against and that her rights as an under-trial prisoner are respected.
We have also requested the US Department of State that the children of Dr. Afia Siddiqui, who according to media reports are in the US custody, are immediately returned to Pakistan.
The Government of Pakistan is committed to seek the repatriation of all Pakistanis, including Dr. Afia Siddiqui, detained abroad.
Q: Was any information regarding Dr. Afia Siddiqui’s arrest in Ghazni and her disappearance since 2003, obtained during the consular access by the Embassy officials last week?
A:The circumstances of Dr. Afia Siddiqui’s disappearance in 2003 and her arrest in Ghazni, as reported by the US authorities, remain unknown to us. On the advice of her lawyer, Dr. Siddiqui did not provide any information on the circumstances of her arrest during the consular access on 9 August. We respect the right of Dr. Siddiqui to share or not to share any information about her. The Government of Pakistan is, however, committed to seek her return to Pakistan as soon as possible.
Q: Has Pakistan formally approached the US authorities specifically for the release of children of Dr. Afia Siddiqui and not for Dr. Siddiqui herself?
A: Pakistan has formally approached the U.S. authorities through a note verbale for return of Dr. Afia Siddiqui’s children to Pakistan who according to media reports are in US custody. Dr. Afia Siddiqui’s case is subjudice and Pakistan will provide all possible assistance to her.
Q: Was the Indian High Commissioner summoned to the Foreign Office to lodge a protest over the atrocities committed by the Indian army?
A: As you know Kashmir is a disputed territory. There are other forums where atrocities committed by Indian army could be raised.
Q: Was Bilateral Investment Treaty discussed during the recent visit of the US Commerce Department delegation to Pakistan?
A:Bilateral Investment Treaty is under discussion between Pakistan and the U.S. It was also on the agenda of the recent consultations.
Q: The AJK President has said that the peace process between Pakistan and India may not culminate in any result. He has suggested that as a meaningful step, the visa requirements should be abolished for movement of the Kashmiris.
A: Thank you very much for summing up the statement. I have not seen that statement as yet.
Q: There are reports that a large number of illegal Pakistani immigrants are detained in Turkey. What is their number and what is being done to bring them back to Pakistan?
A: There are about 1700 illegal Pakistani immigrants detained in Turkish prisons. Almost all of them were taken there by the unscrupulous overseas employment promoters.
Pakistan Embassy in Ankara and our Consulate General in Istanbul are facilitating the return of Pakistani detainees. We are committed to seek the return of all detained Pakistanis abroad. The Turkish authorities are providing full cooperation to us in this regard.
Four special flights have been arranged to repatriate the detainees. Two flights carrying 325 and 150 people arrived on 25th July and 9th August. The remaining two flights with the capacity of 400 seats are scheduled for 16th and 23rd August.
We need media’s assistance to create awareness about the reckless behaviour of some overseas employment promoters and so-called immigration agents. They are endangering the lives of Pakistanis seeking employment abroad, defrauding their families and causing grief to their relatives and friends.
Q: What is the update about illegal Pakistani immigrants who died or got arrested while trying to smuggle themselves to Europe via Turkey.
A: A group of 140 illegal immigrants, reportedly all Pakistani nationals, were being transported in a container that set out from Iran and entered Turkey through the Eastern province of Van, in an effort to reach Greece through Istanbul on 30th July 2008.
Since the container was packed with people, they suffered from lack of oxygen resulting in death of 14 persons. 101 persons were taken into custody by the local authorities, the rest escaped the scene.
Out of the 14 dead bodies, one was transported to Pakistan on 2nd August while two will be transported today. We would reiterate our request for media assistance to create awareness about the reckless behaviour of so called immigration agents and overseas employment promoters. They have caused tremendous sufferings to Pakistanis seeking employment abroad.
Q: Have the Afghans or the Indians provided any evidence in support of their allegations regarding Pakistan’s involvement in the Indian Embassy attack in Kabul?
A: Neither Afghanistan nor India had provided any evidence in support of their allegations despite our repeated demands. Unsubstantiated allegations do not help the war on terror or promote regional peace and stability.
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