Spokesman Briefings

Date: 08/05/2008

Record of the Weekly Press Briefing on 08 May 2008

There was no opening statement.

Questions/Answers Session

Q: Can you elaborate the policy of anti-terrorism of the present Government? There is a feeling that the policy as was followed by the previous government has been changed. Your comments please?

A: The Government of Pakistan is pursuing a policy against terrorism which combines political, socio-economic and military elements. The Government believes that military action alone will not be effective in permanently ending the menace of terrorism.

Political engagement is an essential part of this policy but it is possible only with those who renounce militancy and violence; do not allow the use of Pakistan 's territory against any other country; and do not help foreign terrorist elements to find hideouts in our territory.

The security requirements will not be abandoned or ignored under this policy. Negotiations with tribal leaders and notables are aimed at supplementing military efforts with political ones.

Q: Please give us details about the meeting between Mian Nawaz Sharif and British Foreign Minister?

A: I am sorry I have no input in this matter as I am not privy to the meetings of visiting dignitaries with our political leaders.

Q: Is there any progress regarding referral of the case of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto's assassination to the UN for a probe?

A: The content of the resolution unanimously adopted by the National Assembly are explicit. The modalities for constituting an international commission to probe the tragic assassination of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto are being worked out by the Foreign Ministry in consultation with all concerned.

Q: Japanese Foreign Minister expressed concern over Pakistan 's nuclear programme and tests of ballistic missiles. Your comments please?

A: The Japanese Foreign Minister's visit to Pakistan was important and useful. Progress was made in a number of areas. The media was kept fully informed of the discussions between the two sides. Japan 's policy on non-proliferation of nuclear and strategic weapons is longstanding since Second World War. Pakistan shares the objectives of this policy.

Q: Did India inform Pakistan about its recent testing of ballistic missile?

A: Bilateral agreement on Pre-notification of Flight Testing of Ballistic Missiles is adhered to by both sides.

Q: A recent American intelligence report seems to be very critical about tribal areas being used as safe heavens for the terrorists. The Americans have also expressed concerns over Pakistan 's three pronged strategy against terrorism. Your comments please?

A: It is difficult for us to comment on each and every media report that quotes intelligence reports. Pakistan 's strategy has three broad elements: political, socio-economic and military. The international community by and large sees the usefulness of this policy. They understand that mere use of force will not end violence and extremism.

Q: Is there any discernable departure from Musharraf's policy on Siachen and Kashmir ? Is the new Government ready to share the foreign policy direction with the people?

A: The basic objective of foreign policy is protection of national interest. Thus any change or adjustment in foreign policy is dictated by the requirements of national interest and aspiration of people. The Foreign Minister will be leading a debate on Pakistan 's foreign policy in the Senate today and tomorrow. The debate will provide a complete round up of the foreign policy.

Q: Has Japan expressed any concerns over Pakistan 's negotiations with the extremists?

A: Japan has shown understanding for Pakistan 's policy on war on terror. The Japanese Foreign Minister in this room announced that he would brief the G-8 members on Pakistan 's policy.

Q: Is there any fresh pressure from US regarding Dr. A. Q. Khan? Has restrictions on his movement been relaxed due to health reasons?

A: The issue of restrictions on the movement of Dr. A. Q. Khan is not a subject of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I am not aware of any foreign pressure regarding Dr. A. Q. Khan.

Q: Senate has taken serious note of the presence of General Jay Hood in Pakistan . Why is Pakistan not looking into the matter seriously and why cannot Pakistan declare him persona-non-grata?

A: General Jay Hood is not in Pakistan . The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is fully cognizant of the public sentiments and sensitivities regarding the reported transfer of General Hood to Islamabad . We hope to address this matter of public interest in the best possible manner.

Q: It has been reported that Pakistan has acquired land to build Consulate building in Mumbai. When will Pakistan open its Consulate in Mumbai? Is Pakistan still interested in acquiring Jinnah House for the Consulate?

A: We have seen the news item reported in a section of the media. However, we still have not been able to acquire any property to open the Consulate in Mumbai.

A team of officials from our High Commission in New Delhi will visit Mumbai shortly to look at certain properties available for rent or purchase. As soon as a suitable property is available Pakistan will open its Consulate in Mumbai.

Pakistan 's request to the Indian Government to allow the opening of its Consulate in Jinnah House remains. In the meantime, Pakistan has continued efforts to find another premise, in Mumbai. However, these efforts have not succeeded as yet.

Q: Another Pakistani Mr. Mohammad Akram died in Indian custody lately. What are the details of the incident and what is the government doing about it?

A: Late Mohammad Akram was an under trial Pakistani prisoner in India . He was held at Central Jail Amritsar and died in Guru Nanak Dev Hospital on 26 April 2008. The information about his death was conveyed to the officials of Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi when they visited the Amritsar Jail for consular access to some other Pakistani prisoners. Our Mission has asked the Indian Ministry of External Affairs for details of the circumstances leading to the death of Mr. Mohammad Akram, and has sought the early repatriation of his dead body. The Foreign Office is also in contact with the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on this issue.

On 31 March, 2008, Pakistan and India had exchanged lists of prisoners in accordance with the recommendations of the first meeting of Pakistan-India Judicial Committee on Prisoners held in New Delhi on February 26, 2008. The Indian side had informed us that 133 Pakistani civil prisoners and 14 fishermen were held in India . At that time Indian side had mentioned that further names will be communicated to us when they are received from various jail authorities. Additional information from Indian side is still awaited.

Q: What is the latest about Ambassador Tariq Azizuddin?

A: The release of Ambassador Tariq Azizuddin is a high priority issue for the Government of Pakistan. We share the anguish of his family and hope for Ambassador's early return to them. Ambassador Tariq Azizuddin is safe and no efforts will be spared to obtain his early release. I assure you that if there is any information which we are able to share with you without compromising the safety of Tariq Azizuddin, we would do so without any hesitation.

Q: What is your response to the demand of some Kashmiri leaders about formation of truth and reconciliation commission?

A: Pakistan believes that focus needs to be on the resolution of dispute which has caused so much suffering to Kashmiri people in the Indian Held Kashmir. A Truth and Reconciliation Commission could be established after resolution of the dispute.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa , which is a reference point for all such proposals, was established after the apartheid regime ended in that country.

Q: It has been reported that the US troops which are being pulled out of Iraq will be deployed in Afghanistan . How do you see this?

A: The deployment of US troop in Afghanistan is a matter that essentially concerns US and Afghanistan . As such, I have no comments on reported serge in the US troops in that country.

Q: India is building dams on Chenab and Jehlum rivers. Does the Indus Basin Treaty provide a procedure to address these developments?

A: Indus Basin Treaty between Pakistan and India provides a comprehensive framework to address any violation by either party. We will activate the prescribed mechanism under this treaty as and when we feel that a violation is taking place. The current violations by India are being addressed under the provisions of Indus Basin Treaty.

Q: What is the latest on the arrested Pakistanis on charges of terrorism in Spain ?

A: On January 18, 2008, the Spanish Police took into custody 12 Pakistanis in Barcelona on the suspicion of planning terror attacks in Spain and other European countries. The Spanish authorities claimed to have recovered bomb-making material and timing devices from them. Apparently, the detainees belonged to the Tableeghi Jamaat and some of them had been resident in the country for many years. Three were reported to be illegal migrants. Finally, nine individuals were produced in the Madrid Anti-terrorist Court for hearing on 23 January 2008 while others were released for insufficient evidence. The next date of hearing is yet to be fixed.

Pakistan Mission in Madrid has pursued the matter with the host government. Spanish government has allowed consular access to the detainees by our Mission .

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our Mission in Spain remained alive to the situation. The detainees, who are in three different jails, were met by our consular officials. The Embassy also requested the host authorities to allow the families of the detainees to establish contact with them through the Embassy in Madrid or the Consulate General in Barcelona . Relatives and lawyers of the detainees have since been permitted to contact them. The detainees are also allowed to make telephone calls to their families.

Q: When the repatriation of Afghan refugees to their homeland will complete?

A: According to the Tripartite Agreement signed between Pakistan , Afghanistan and UNHCR in February 2006, all Afghan refugees will return to their homeland by the end of 2009. SAFRON is the lead Ministry on the issue of repatriation of Afghan refugees.