Spokesman Briefings

Date: 05/03/2008

Record of Press Briefing on 05 March, 2008

Opening Statement

There was no opening statement.

Questions/Answers Session

Q: Dutch legislator Geert Wilders has announced to screen an anti-Quran film. What steps the Government of Pakistan is taking to address this issue?

A: Wilders' anti-Quran film reflects his biased, bigoted thinking. It has nothing to do with the right of freedom of expression. Distinction must be drawn between freedom of expression and license to insult. Such irresponsible acts jeopardize the common endeavors for enhancing trans-civilizational understanding and cooperation and encourage clash of civilization. Freedom of expression necessitates responsibility of action. Any remarks which target a specific group of people on the basis of religion, caste or creed and cause offense to other countries is abuse of this freedom.

The news of Wilders' movie has generated intense reaction amongst Muslim communities across the world. Bigoted and blasphemous acts such as Danish cartoons and Wilders' film tantamount to propagating politics of hate and promoting xenophobia in Europe . This cannot be justified on any pretext. We expect Governments in Europe to take action as they had earlier taken actions in cases where sensitivity of other communities was involved. Pakistan has raised this issue in Brussels , Vatican and The Hague . We have also sensitized governments in other European capitals. The Dutch Ambassador to Pakistan was called to the Foreign Office and a demarche was made. We are also in touch with OIC countries. This matter will also be discussed at the Senegal Summit.

We understand that the majority of Dutch population does not share the views of Mr. Wilders. Pakistan also acknowledges the response of the Dutch Government for showing understanding of the Muslim sensitivities and distancing itself from Mr. Wilders.

Q: What is the update regarding Pakistan's membership of Commonwealth particularly with reference to British Prime Minister's telephone conversation with President Musharraf?

A: The British Prime Minister has called President Pervez Musharraf yesterday. Amongst other things, he also suggested that Islamabad should consider Pakistan 's return to the Commonwealth and resuming its role as an important member of the organization. Pakistan will take a decision on its relations with the Commonwealth in due course.

Q: Last year when Pakistan was expelled from the Commonwealth Pakistan said that it will review its rejoining. Why is now Pakistan in a hurry to rejoin the Commonwealth?

A: Pakistan is in no hurry. I just said that a decision will be taken in due course. The decision and its timing will be determined by the Government of Pakistan at an appropriate moment.

Q: Who will represent Pakistan in the upcoming OIC meeting? Why the President or Prime Minister are not going to attend such a high level meeting?

A: The Foreign Minister will be attending but no decision has been taken on the leader of the delegation to the Summit as yet. As soon as a decision in this regard is taken, it will be my pleasure to announce it to this house.

Q: What is Pakistan 's response to the UN sanctions against Iran ?

A: Pakistan has a principled position on this issue. Pakistan recognizes Iran 's right to peaceful use of nuclear technology. At the same time, we call upon Iran to fulfill its international obligations under the NPT. Pakistan wants a peaceful resolution of the issue within the framework of IAEA. As a close neighbor, Pakistan is concerned about developments that could lead to instability in Iran . Pakistan opposes any coercive measures that could further escalate tensions in the region.

Q: This is with regards to the release of Kashmir Singh. Is there any reciprocity from Indian side? What is the number of Pakistanis in Indian jails?

A: Kashmir Singh was released following grant of clemency by President Pervez Musharraf. He was court martialled and sentenced to death for espionage. Pakistan has released Kashmir Singh on purely humanitarian grounds and no reciprocal arrangements were discussed with India in this case. However, we hope that Pakistanis in Indian prisons, particularly those who have served their sentences or are remained incarcerated due to procedural reasons, will be released as early as possible. There are 450 Pakistani prisoners in India and 500 Indian prisoners in Pakistan . The Judges Committee is now dealing with the issue of the prisoners and we hope that no prisoner will be held unnecessarily and they will return to their families as soon as possible.

Q: There are reports that 100 combat US troops have landed in Pakistan . Your comments please?

A: I have not seen any report about landing of combat troops. DG (ISPR) had mentioned cooperation in the field of training. You would recall that we had discussed Pakistan-US cooperation in areas of training and intelligence sharing in our earlier briefings.

Q: How has Pakistan reacted to the recent killings of Palestinians? Has Pakistan in any way impressed upon Israel to stop those attacks?

A: Pakistan had condemned the large-scale loss of life as a result of Israeli attacks in Gaza . We believe that violence is going to further aggravate tension in the region. Pakistan urges that utmost restraint should be exercised and right of self-determination of Palestinian people should be respected. Movement needs to be made on initiatives on Palestine and bringing them to the logical conclusion of establishing a viable Palestinian state to ensure lasting peace in the Middle East .

Q: India tested surface-to-surface ballistic missile last week. Do you think this will start an armed race in the region?

A: India has tested a surface-to-surface missile from the sea. Pakistan was duly informed of the test as per arrangements between the two countries. As for as your question about introduction of new weapon system is concerned Pakistan believes that South Asia needs to spend money on programmes to alleviate poverty and improve other social indicators instead of spending resources on a new arms race.

Q: There is a news that Saudis will have to obtain NOC from the Government of Pakistan to visit Pakistan . Your comments please?

A: Pakistan has not imposed any such restrictions on visit of Saudi nationals.

Q: What is Pakistan doing about Pakistani prisoners in Guantanamo Bay ?

A: Pakistan is in touch with US authorities on remaining Pakistani prisoners in Guantanamo Bay prison. Bulk of Pakistani prisoners had returned to Pakistan ; only a few are remaining.

Q: Zardari's statement on Kashmir is reported in the media. Is there any change in Pakistan 's Kashmir policy?

A: We have seen reports in the press about Mr. Asif Ali Zardari's statement on Kashmir . We, however, have not seen an authoritative transcript. Clarifications have already been issued by the Peoples' Party.

The nation, including all political parties, agrees on the need to address Kashmir dispute. Pakistan has made serious efforts to resolve this core issue which is at the heart of conflict between Pakistan and India .

We believe that opportunity exists that must be seized to reach a just settlement of this longstanding dispute which is acceptable to Pakistan , India and most importantly to people of Kashmir .

Q: On February 28, there was a missile attack in Waziristan by a US drone. Do you confirm it?

A: I do not deal with FATA. DG (ISPR) is the appropriate spokesman to respond to questions on this issue.

Q: There are allegations of Indian involvement in yesterday's suicide attacks in Lahore . Your comments?

A: I am not aware of any such allegations. The Government of Pakistan has not made any such statement.

Q: The Indian President has made a statement in the Parliament that India is ready to restart the Composite Dialogue with Pakistan . Your comments?

A: I have addressed this question in my last week's briefing also. I understand that the Indian leadership is essentially reaffirming their commitment to the composite dialogue process. Under the fourth round of Composite Dialogue all meetings were held as scheduled for 2007. The review meeting of the last round and the initiation of the next round is expected shortly.

Q: Are Pakistan and Iran starting a bus service?

A: Yes, bus service between Pakistan and Iran is expected to commence in near future. A private Pakistani transport company is entrusted to run the service. The decision on bus service was taken at a meeting at Zahidan on 12-13 November 2007. Pakistan and Iran agreed to commence the Quetta-Zahidan-Mashhad bus service. More than 400 Pakistanis travel to Iran every day. 10 buses will ply from Pakistan to Iran , daily.

Q: What is the latest update on the missing Ambassador Tariq Azizuddin?

A: Every effort is being made to locate and recover Ambassador Tariq Azizuddin who went missing on 11 February 2008. Once again, I would say that we understand the frustration as a result of our inability to share information on the rescue efforts undertaken by the concerned quarters, but our prime concern is the security and safe return of Ambassador Tariq Azizuddin. Please bear with us and pray for Ambassador Tariq Azizuddin's early return to his family.

Q: Will you agree that some Europeans are deliberately attempting to hurt Muslim feelings?

A: I believe that some quarters are engaging in blasphemy as a political agenda to promote xenophobia in Europe and hurt the feelings of Muslim communities across the world. The forthcoming OIC Summit in Dakar will be discussing this issue.

Q: Any update on 36 Pakistanis held in Iran . What is Foreign Office doing about it?

A: Pakistan Embassy in Tehran and our Consulate in Zahidan, in collaboration with the Iranian Foreign Ministry, are actively pursuing the case of 36 Pakistanis held in Iran . The Foreign Office is in touch with the Iranian Embassy in Pakistan . The Iranian authorities and the Iranian Embassy in Pakistan have assured that the case is being dealt with on priority basis. Deputy Governor of Sistan, who is incharge of security affairs, is carrying out the investigation and spearheading the efforts to locate held Pakistanis. They are reported to be in a remote area. We understand that a man involved in human smuggling was arrested yesterday in Sindh and efforts are being made to arrest the remaining persons involved in human smuggling that caused suffering to so many Pakistanis.