Spokesman Briefings
Date: 01/01/2009
Online briefing by the Spokesman on 1 January 2009
There is no opening statement.
Questions/Answers
Q: What is the latest on exchange of lists of prisoners between Pakistan and India?
A: We have handed over the list of Indian prisoners in Pakistan to an officer of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad at the Foreign Office today. The Indian side assured to hand over its list shortly.
In accordance with Article-(i) of the Agreement on Consular Access between Pakistan and India signed on 21st May 2008, both countries are required to exchange lists of prisoners in each others custody on 1st January and 1st July every year.
Q: How has Pakistan responded to the recent Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people?
A: The President, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister had condemned the atrocities committed by Israel. The OIC Ministerial Conference on situation in Gaza will be held on 3rd January 2009 in Saudi Arabia. Pakistan will be represented by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in the Conference.
We believe that violence aggravates conflicts. The current situation in Gaza could lead to further escalation of tensions in the region and undermine efforts for promoting a just and equitable resolution of the Palestinian issue.
Pakistan calls upon the international community to work for the resolution of the Palestine issue in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, the Arab Peace Plan and other international peace efforts.
Q: What are your comments on the elections in Indian occupied Kashmir?
A: The election in Indian Occupied Kashmir is an administrative measure and not a substitute for conflict resolution. Kashmir dispute is a long standing issue between India and Pakistan.
Q: What is the significance of Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister's visit to Pakistan?
A: The Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. HE Yafei, Special Envoy of his government, visited Pakistan from 28-29 December 2008. He conveyed China’s commitment to working towards reducing tension between Pakistan and India and resolving outstanding issues through consultation and cooperation. We welcome the Chinese role and proactive efforts to avert the crisis in South Asia from spiraling out of control.
Q: Indian media claims terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan is the biggest threat to global peace. What is the view of Pakistan?
A: There is no terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. Terrorism is a global issue. Terrorist elements are found in every society and religion. Pakistan, India and other countries of the region need to follow a cooperative, and not accusatory, approach to jointly deal with this menace.
Pakistan as a responsible state is taking all requisite steps to counter terrorism. International community recognizes and appreciates the sacrifices made by Pakistan to combat terrorism.
As for the reprehensible Mumbai terror attacks, Pakistan is ready to cooperate with India in investigating the incident. We are awaiting a response from the Indian side to our proposals. Both countries should work together to prevent acts of terrorism in the region. This pernicious phenomenon requires international cooperation at every level.
Q: Mr. Mukherjee has accused Islamabad of resorting to a policy of denial and deflect blame and responsibility. How do you react?
A: We do not want to indulge in blame game. Pakistan believes that the two countries need to demonstrate restraint and responsibility. For its part, Pakistan has sincerely offered our cooperation in investigating the Mumbai tragedy. We await response to our concrete proposals regarding joint investigations and high level visit. We also await evidence from India to enable our own investigations to make progress.
Q: Why Pakistan accepted UN verdict against Jamaat ud Dawa?
A: Action against JuD and certain individuals was initiated following their designation by the UN Sanctions Committee established pursuant to UN Security Council resolution 1267, on the Consolidated List of individuals and entities associated with Al-Qaida and Taliban.
The request for enlisting JuD had been under consideration of the UN Sanctions Committee since 2006. The Committee was able to evolve a consensus on the pending request and accordingly on 10 December 2008 JuD was enlisted on the Consolidated list under Resolution 1267.
Since this resolution was adopted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, it is obligatory on Pakistan to fully implement its provisions. Pakistan as a responsible member of the United Nations has fulfilled its international obligations.
Q: Has any evidence regarding Mumbai attacks been shared by US and UK with Pakistan?
A: We await any concrete information or evidence relating to the Mumbai incident. We have offered to India joint investigation. Indian External Affairs Minister has said that they have not shared evidence with Pakistan and that they are still investigating.
Q: Will Pakistan seek consular access to Ajmal Ameer Kasab?
A: We are currently carrying out our own internal investigations to ascertain whether Ajmal Kasab is from Pakistan. We will deal with this issue after our investigations are complete.
Q: India has issued travel advisory to its citizens against traveling to Pakistan. Does Pakistan intend to do the same?
A: As of now Pakistan has not issued any India specific travel advisory. We have been careful and responsible. We do not want to ratchet up the issue.
Q: Why extraordinary hotline contact was made between DGMOs on Sunday?
A: DG MOs of the two countries remain in regular contact to exchange information on mutual concerns. The hotline can also be used to discuss extraordinary situations such as the recent reports of military build up. We want to defuse tension and existing mechanisms to dispel misunderstanding and build mutual trust.
Q: Do you think that the relations between Pakistan and India have become hostage to Mumbai terrorist attacks?
A: India has placed a "pause" on the Composite Dialogue. Pakistan believes that sustained engagement and dialogue is necessary to allay each other's concerns. Breakdown of dialogue only works to the advantage of terrorists.
Q: Is there a chance of military conflict between Pakistan and India?
A: It will be unfortunate if a military confrontation takes place. War or any level of military confrontation can have disastrous consequences for the region. Pakistan will not accept political or military coercion. Although we have made it clear that Pakistan stands ready to take every possible step to defend itself, we have counseled restraint and responsibility.
Q: Why has India not shared any information with Interpol?
A: It is for the Indian government to say why it has not provided to the Secretary General of Interpol any information about the suspects or evidences about them.
Q: What is the outcome of Pakistan's own investigations of the Mumbai incident?
A: We are currently engaged in the process of our own investigation.
Q: There have been references to some elements in the ISI in the context of incidents of terrorism. Is the ISI or those elements not in the control of the Government?
A: Pakistan's Government and state institutions are committed to war against terror. Therefore vilifying Pakistan or for that matter any of its state institutions on this score is unwarranted and unacceptable. In Pakistan's view, in the given situation, what is needed is more accurate alignment in the perception and interests of Afghanistan, Pakistan, US/NATO and countries in the region that have stakes in the struggle against terrorism. It will be helpful to winning the war against terror besides dispelling mutual misgivings among them. We have enhanced our engagement with all concerned.
Q: Jamiat- Ulama-i-Hind has reportedly lodged a strong protest over remarks made during a debate in the UN Security Council by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to UN. What are your comments?
A: The leadership, the Government and the people of Pakistan have every respect for the Jamiat-Ulama-i-Hind and appreciate their contribution to projecting true essence of Islam as a religion of peace and tolerance.
Terrorism and acts of violence against innocent persons cannot be justified on any ground. Pakistan values all efforts to promote interfaith and inter-cultural harmony.
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