Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The President of Pakistan will undertake an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 4-5 November, 2008. Earlier, the Prime Minister of Pakistan visited Saudi Arabia from 6-8 June, 2008.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy a special relationship, which is rooted in common faith, mutual trust, understanding and an abiding interest in each others' security, stability and well being of the people. The two countries have shared perceptions and convergence of views on major regional and international issues. Frequent exchange of high level visits is a hallmark of these fraternal relations.

The multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries is firmly based in institutional linkages and strong trade and commercial ties. Saudi companies have made significant investments in Pakistan in diverse fields. Our bilateral trade stands at around US$ 5.7 billion. Over a million strong Pakistani community is living in Saudi Arab and is contributing towards the progress and development of the Kingdom.

In Saudi Arabia, the President will hold talks with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz. The two leaders will exchange views on bilateral, regional and international issues.

Increase in the volume of bilateral trade and investment, export of manpower to Saudi Arabia and exploration of further avenues of cooperation will be on the agenda of the meeting between the two leaders. They will also exchange views on the challenges faced by Muslim Ummah, the inter-faith initiative taken by King Abdullah and the efforts to effectively counter the menace of terrorism and extremism.

The President would solicit Saudi support for the “Friends of Democratic Pakistan” initiative and the oil-facility requested by Pakistan earlier.

Q: What will be the level of participation in the meeting of Friends of Pakistan’s forum?

A: The meeting of Friends of Democratic Pakistan is expected to take place in the second half of November. The meeting will be at senior level and it will be preparatory in nature for the Ministerial level meeting.
Q: What is your response to the legal notice served by former Afghan/Taliban Ambassador to Pakistan?

Q: There are reports that Americans are imparting training to Pakistani troops at Mardan and some other areas. Why is it that the training facility is only sought from US?

A: Pakistan has a multi-layered cooperation with the United States and other members of the coalition in war on terror. Training is one part of the four areas of cooperation. I am, however, not aware of any specific training programme. As far as training from other countries is concerned, Pakistan is not averse to it.

Q: There are reports that some Pakistani women confined at Bagram base. What is the Government doing for their release?

A: The issue was raised before also. We had raised it with the Afghans and the US authorities which control the Bagram facility but we were told that there was no women prisoner at Bagram. Previously it was reported that prisoner number 650 at Bagram was Dr. Afia Siddiqui which now seems to be an incorrect report. We, however, will continue to pursue the matter because allegations have been surfacing from different quarters and we do not take them lightly.

Q: What steps are being taken for repatriation of Pakistani prisoners in Sri Lanka?

A: Currently there are 47 Pakistani prisoners in Sri Lanka. 17 of them are going to be repatriated to Pakistan very soon. They will complete their prison terms in Pakistan. There are certain administrative and procedural issues which are being sorted out. We are actively pursuing this with the Sri Lankan authorities. I must add that Sri Lanka had agreed on humanitarian grounds that Pakistani prisoners convicted in Sri Lanka could complete their prison terms in Pakistan.

Q: What is Pakistan’s response to the gross human rights violations in IOK by the Indian forces? What should be done to improve the situation?

A: Pakistan has always called for respect for the human rights of the Kashmiri people including their fundamental and inalienable right to self-determination, as envisaged in the relevant UN resolutions.

The recent uprising in IOK which is for the restoration and safeguarding of the basic rights is entirely indigenous.

I also invite your attention to the resolutions adopted by our Parliament on situation in the Indian occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan and India had engaged in cross LoC CBM process. The objective was to provide relief and comfort to the Kashmiris. We had agreed on cross-LoC travel facilitation and had already initiated intra-Kashmir trade.

It is important to deal with humanitarian dimension of the Kashmir issue. India must restrain its security forces from the use of force and bring the atrocities against Kashmiris to an end.

Pakistan wishes to engage India constructively, so that the peace process could move forward and South Asia is spared the bitter legacy of conflict and tensions that have held back the progress of the region as a whole.

Q: At what stage are the negotiations between Pakistan and India on the water dispute? Will Pakistan raise this issue with World Bank?

A: Indus Water Commissioner from Pakistan visited Baglihar Dam this month. He inspected the water reservoir facility and had detailed negotiation with his counterparts. The decreased inflow of water has affected crops in Pakistan. It is a serious issue. We were assured at the highest level that the requirements of the Indus Basin Treaty will be met and the issue will be resolved. We hope it will happen soon. We have all the avenues open to us under the Treaty and we will take a decision on them if the issue is not resolved at its present stage.

Q: Will Pakistan accept Indian offer of help to the earthquake victims in Baluchistan?

A: We are grateful for offers of assistance from various countries. I cannot comment on any specific help or assistance offer at this stage. It’s a natural calamity and response from all over the world is overwhelming.

Q: What is the latest on Dr. Afia Siddiqui? What is the Government of Pakistan doing in her case?

A: Pakistan is making every possible effort to ensure that Dr. Afia Siddiqui receives a fair, transparent and objective trial. We are also making determined efforts for her early repatriation to Pakistan.

A delegation of Senators from Pakistan met Dr. Afia Siddiqui on 7 October. The delegation assured her that Pakistan will make every effort for her repatriation.

Pakistan Embassy in Washington through several written communications and meetings with the concerned officials in the State Department have been seeking her return to Pakistan. The Embassy is also assisting her in the trial, and remains in-touch with her through the consular access procedure.

On our request, the US authorities have also agreed to allow Dr. Siddiqui’s meetings with her family members. Her brother has already met her twice. Dr. Siddiqui’s mother and sister may also meet her after obtaining appropriate visas from the US Embassy in Islamabad.

Through our concerted efforts, Dr. Siddiqui’s US born son Ahmad was repatriated to Pakistan and was handed over to her aunt. The US authorities have informed us that they have no knowledge about the two other children i.e Maryam and Salman. The Government of Pakistan will continue to look for them.

A: Unfortunately we do not have information about Dr. Afia Siddiqui’s two children. We, however, are trying to get information about them. We hope that like the elder son of Dr. Afia Siddiqui, we will be able to locate Maryam and Salman too and facilitate their return to the family.

Q: It has been reported that the US is ready for negotiations and reconciliation with Taliban. How serious is the US for these negotiations and what is Pakistan’s position on this?

A: Pakistan has all along supported the process of negotiations with those who are ready to lay arms. The Mini-Jirga meeting also supported this position. About US position on negotiations you have to ask the spokesperson of the US government.

Q: As reported in the media, the tension is increasing in Pak – US relations because of US attacks. However, the ground reality is that the relations are going very well. Your comments please?

A: The Pakistan – US relationship is very important not only for the two countries but also for the peace and stability of the region. If something is not happening to our liking or the US liking in this relationship, we will need to address it politically and diplomatically.

Q: What is Pakistan’s response to the recent US attack on Syrian territory?

A: Pakistan is against violation of sovereignty and national territory of any state. This is a principled position always held by Pakistan.

A: According to information available to me there is no change in the status of Sarabjit Singh.

Q: What is the total number of Pakistanis held at Guantanamo Bay? What is being done for their transfer or release?

A: At present, there are 5 Pakistani prisoners in Guantanamo Bay prison. Pakistan has secured the repatriation of 68 Pakistani detainees from Guantanamo Bay since 2003.

The Government of Pakistan is in regular contact with the Office of War Crimes Issue, US Department of State regarding treatment of Pakistani detainees and their repatriation as soon as possible. We are committed to seek return of all Pakistani detainees back to Pakistan.

Q: What is your response to the holding of the “Anti-Islamization of Europe Congress” in Germany last month? Don’t you think that it is an indication of the growing Islamophobia in Europe?

A: Pakistan strongly condemns the holding of “Anti-Islamization of Europe Congress” in the German city of Cologne last month. The conference was organized by a radical group. The holding of this conference further raised the Muslim world’s concerns of the growing trend of Islamophobia in Europe.

The holding of this event was a gross violation of the provisions of international conventions and national laws against inciting discrimination, hostility or violence on religious grounds or belief.

The event was a clear manifestation of the racist and xenophobic mindset of its organizers. Their action went against all accepted norms and values of civilized society. It was unfortunate that the organizers decided to go ahead with the event despite the concerns expressed by the OIC and its member states and also by other organizations and individuals. We believe that the European governments, civil society organizations and media should be addressing the growing trend of Islamophobia in Europe.

Q: What modalities have been agreed between Pakistan and India for conduct of cross LoC intra-Kashmir trade? What items will be traded between the two sides?

A: The modalities regarding movement of trucks, code of conduct for the drivers, permits, security, timings and list of items to be traded were agreed between Pakistan and India for conduct of cross LoC trade. Detail of these modalities is as follows:

Movement of trucks

Trucks would be allowed to go to a designated point.
A system of computerized single entry permits known as Truck Entry Permits would be issued in triplicate by the respective Trade Facilitation Officers. The permits would contain a picture ID of the driver, his name, address, license number and details of the vehicle. The permit will specify that there is no contraband or dangerous material in the vehicle or in the consignment.
The drivers of these trucks would wear bright yellow and pink jackets/vests with “Driver-Chakoti/Rawalakote and Driver Salamabad/Chakandabagh” respectively inscribed on the back.

Permits etc.

The permit would allow the driver to enter and exit after unloading/loading the cargo.
Trucks of carrying capacity of 1 – 1.5 tonnes would ply.
Cargoes would be sealed by the Trade Facilitation Officer.
The signatures and seals of the Trade Facilitation Officers would be exchanged by both sides.
Cargo manifests indicating the items being carried, the particulars of consignor(s) and consignee(s) and packing list with marks and numbers, would accompany the consignment. A copy of the invoice raised by the exporter would also be carried. Both these documents would be attested and sealed by the Trade Facilitation Officer.

iii) Truck movement would be on Tuesdays and Wednesdays both on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch – Rawalakote routes.

iv) In case of Force Majeure, the Trade Facilitation Officers would get in touch with each other and resolve the matter as the situation demands, on the spot.

The flow of trade, list of items and the modalities would be reviewed every quarter by the Trade Facilitation Officers. The first review would be carried by the Working Group on Cross LoC CBMs, and thereafter, annually.

Sl #	Items
	Rice
	Jahnamaz and Tusbies
	Precious Stones
	Gabbas
	Namdas
	Peshawari leather Chappals
	Medicinal herbs
	Maize and maize products
	Fresh fruits and vegetables
	Dry fruits including walnuts
	Honey
	Moongi
	Imli
	Black Mushroom
	Furniture including walnut furniture
	Wooden handicrafts
	Carpets and rugs
	Wall hangings
	Embroidered items
	Foam mattresses, cushions and pillows
	Shawls and stoles

Sl. #	Items
	Carpets
	Rugs
	Wall Hangings
	Shawls and stoles
	Namdas
	Gabbas
	Embroidered items
	Furniture including walnut furniture
	Wooden handicrafts
	Fresh fruits and vegetables
	Dry fruits including walnuts
	Saffron
	Aromatic plants
	Fruit bearing plants
	Dhania, Moongi, Imli and Black Mushrooms
	Kashmiri spices
	Rajmah
	Honey
	Papier Mache products
	Spring, Rubberised Coir/Foam Mattresses, cushions, pillows and quilts
	Medicinal Herbs

Q: The representatives of Government of Pakistan have recently stated that drone attacks are counter productive and they strengthen the militants instead of helping the war on terror. Your comments please?

A: To win a war you need to have support of the people. The focus of the elected government is to win support of the people in Pakistan’s struggle against militant extremism and terrorism.

Unilateral strikes carried out by the US drones not only cause collateral damage but also antagonize people and undermine Pakistan’s efforts to seek broader support of our population for the struggle against terrorism. They, therefore, are counterproductive.

We condemn these attacks. These are most unfortunate and constitute a gross violation of our sovereignty and territory. Also, our Parliament has adopted resolutions strongly condemning these attacks.

We have raised the issue of attacks with the US authorities at every level and underscored that these attacks are violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and should be stopped immediately.

Q: Foreign Office has summoned the US Ambassador two times in the last two months. Do you think any progress will be made by summoning the US Ambassador?

A: We have raised the issue of US drone attacks at all levels including at leadership level. Pakistan’s Ambassador in Washington has been talking about it with the US media, think tanks and Congress. We hope that there will be a better understanding of our position.