Spokesman Briefings

Date: 03/09/2009

RECORD OF THE  PRESS BRIEFING ON 03 SEPTEMBER 2009

There was no opening statement.

Question-Answer Session

Q: It is reported that Pakistan would get US $750 million instead of US $ 1.5 billion under the Kerry-Lugar Bill. Is it true?

A: The Kerry-Lugar Bill is very clear. It sanctions US $1.5 billion per year to Pakistan for the next five years and can be extended to another five years.

Q: What do you say about the New York Times story that Pakistan has upgraded the missiles provided by the US and violated the Missile Control Regime? Your comments please?

A: We have already issued a statement on this issue. No modification has been made in the missiles under reference.

Q: Concerns have been expressed by the US over court's decision on ending the house arrests of Dr. A.Q. Khan. It is also being said that lifting of restrictions on his movement would result in the resurfacing of the nuclear proliferation activity. Your comments please?

A: As you all know, the matter regarding Dr. A. Q. Khan is sub judice. As for concerns regarding proliferation, I must say that those are uncalled for and baseless. Our export controls are as comprehensive and effective as in any other NPT nuclear weapons state. I can assure you that the Government of Pakistan is fully cognizant of its responsibilities in this regard.

Q: What is your reaction on the strip body searches that Dr. Afia Siddiqui has reportedly been undergoing? Also what is the latest on her case?

A: A legal process is in progress on the case of Dr. Afia Siddiqui. The Government of Pakistan has provided funds and legal fee for her counsel. We are trying our best to put up a case whereby she is freed and returned to Pakistan . If the strip searches really happened then we take strong exception to that. We are in touch with Washington and we will convey our concerns over this.

Q: What is an update on the students detained in the UK ?

A: Two students have returned because they withdrew their petition filed earlier on their behalf. Other students who decided to go to the court are still waiting for the outcome of their petitions. They will continue to be in the custody of UK authorities until the next hearing in March 2010.

Q: The original size of the IPI gas pipeline was 56 inches in diameter whereas Pakistan proposed a diameter of 42 inches. However there are reports that the diameter of the pipeline is again being increased. Does that suggest that the door is being kept open for Indian inclusion in the project at a latter stage?

A: I cannot comment on that as these involve technical details. I would refer you to the Ministry of Petroleum for a response.

Q: Indian Army Chief has expressed concerns over Pakistan 's nuclear arsenals and has said that these are over the limit required for deterrence. Your comments please?

A: As a matter of policy we do not discuss the contours of our deterrence in public. Our policy is to maintain credible deterrence at the minimum possible level. We are against an arms race in South Asia and accordingly we have proposed a restraint regime in the region which among other things also includes a Regional Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Our proposal is still on the table. Meanwhile, we hope that the unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing effective since 1998 in the region will continue to be observed. We are obviously disturbed by the media reports that India might be considering to conduct additional nuclear tests.

Q: Why the Government of Pakistan is reluctant to recognize Kosovo as an Independent State ?

A: This matter is under consideration but no decision has yet been taken.

Q: It has been reported that the cost of the expansion of the US Embassy in Islamabad will be taken out of the Kerry-Lugar Bill. Your comments please?

A: The amount which will be spent on the expansion of the US Embassy is not a part of the amount of US $ 1.5 billion under Kerry- Lugar Bill and is in addition to that.

Q: Indian External Affairs Minister has said that there will be no progress on the Composite Dialogue unless Pakistan prosecutes those involved in the Mumbai attacks. The situation seems to be hopeless. Your comments please?

A: I would not describe the situation as you have because we still believe that the Composite Dialogue is the only way forward. As far as the trial of those involved in the Mumbai attacks is concerned, that is in progress and our government is serious in bringing perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks to book. Our Interior Minister yesterday made some comments on the latest dossier which we have received from New Delhi and I have nothing more to add to that. But I can tell you that the latest dossier which we received was almost a rehash of the information contained in the previous ones. Secondly, you all would appreciate that the Composite Dialogue is not a favour to Pakistan . Both our countries will benefit from that as talks, discussions and exchange of views are the only way forward. We can get into public rhetoric or polemics but at the end of the day, whether, we like it or not, we have to come to the negotiating table and from our viewpoint the sooner the better.

Q: There are reports that the Conference on Disarmament has faced a deadlock because of the position taken by Pakistan on FMCT. What are Pakistan 's reservations?

A: Our position on this particular issue is very clear. When the Conference agreed on a Work Programme in May this year, we went along with that Work Programme in the hope that this programme of work when implemented would ensure balanced outcomes on all core issues, namely, Nuclear Disarmament, Fissile Material Treaty, Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space, and Negative Security Assurances. When the implementation part came, Pakistan raised its genuine legitimate concerns and reiterated its position. There was support from other G21 countries in the Conference on Disarmament. It wasn't Pakistan which blocked any consensus but there were other countries which did not show any flexibility. We will remain constructive, positive and flexible but at the same time we will not like our legitimate security interests be compromised in any manner.

Q: Is there any indication from New Delhi for the schedule of the meeting between the two Foreign Secretaries?

A: We do not yet have any date or venue for a meeting between the two Foreign Secretaries. We are still awaiting a formal response from India .

Q: Some Indian media reports suggest that the Prime Ministers of the two countries will meet on the sidelines of the upcoming Commonwealth Summit. Is there any formal communication between Pakistan and India regarding the possibility of this meeting?

A: I haven't seen any proposal to this effect as of today.