ISLAMABAD, NOV 29 /DNA/ – At the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko visited Islamabad from 25-27 November 2024.

During his visit to Islamabad, President Lukashenko held extensive talks with the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The two sides discussed areas of bilateral cooperation and engagement; and key regional and global developments. The two sides reaffirmed the commitment to promote mutually beneficial cooperation, deepen political dialogue, strengthen inter-parliamentary exchanges, and enhance trade and economic cooperation.

The two leaders signed several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) focusing on cooperation in environmental protection, disaster management, halal trade, financial intelligence sharing, vocational education and science & technology.

A key outcome of the visit was signing of the “Roadmap for Comprehensive Cooperation between Pakistan and Belarus for 2025-2027”. The road map outlined a strategic framework for enhancing economic ties through high-level meetings, inter-governmental commissions, and targeted collaborative initiatives, reinforcing the importance of regional economic integration, connectivity and legal frameworks needed to facilitate bilateral economic collaboration.

Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, is on an official visit to Moscow, on a special invitation of his Russian counterpart, Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, Volodin Vyacheslav Victorovich.

In Moscow, the National Assembly Speaker held bilateral meetings with the Chairman of the State Duma, Volodin Vyacheslav Victorovich; Chairperson of the Federation Council, Valentina Matvienko; Vice Chairman of State Duma, Alexander Babakov ;and Deputy Chairman of the Council of Muftis Damir Mukhetdinov.

The visit aims to further strengthen and expand friendly ties between the governments and the people of the two countries through parliamentary exchanges.

An MoU will also be signed between the State Duma and the National Assembly of Pakistan, on expanding parliamentary cooperation and exchanges.

Foreign Secretary Ms. Amna Baloch participated in the second meeting of the “Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution” held in Brussels, Belgium yesterday.

At the forum, the Foreign Secretary reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. She called for a ceasefire in Gaza; a comprehensive approach for resolution of the Palestinian question, with the establishment of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine, with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital; and full membership of Palestine in the United Nations. The Foreign Secretary also emphasized the imperative for the international community to intensify its efforts for lasting peace in the region.

On this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering solidarity and support for the people of Palestine in their pursuit of justice, freedom, and dignity. We also reaffirm our strong support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, based on pre-1967 borders.

Pakistan welcomes the recent ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and calls on all parties to fully uphold and implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. We firmly support Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability; and stress the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to those affected; the safe return of displaced persons; and facilitating the reconstruction of conflict-affected areas.

We believe this ceasefire is a critical step towards de-escalating tensions and preventing a broader conflict in the region. Pakistan hopes that the ceasefire agreement will set the stage for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza Strip and other occupied Palestinian territories; an end to genocide in Gaza; and humanitarian relief to the Palestinian people.

Last week, four Kashmiri civilians were subjected to severe torture at an Indian Army Camp in Chas area of Mughal Maidan, Kishtwar in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Causing significant outrage across IIOJK, the incident is the latest in a series of similar abuses spread over the last several decades. We express grave concern over this disturbing incident, and demand that the perpetrators of the custodial torture are held accountable.

Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic, and moral support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions.

Now an Announcement:

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will undertake an official visit to Mashhad, Iran from 02-03 December 2024 to attend the 28th Meeting of Council of Ministers of Economic Cooperation Organization.

In his address at the Meeting, Deputy Prime Minister will reiterate Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO Charter and highlight the potential of greater connectivity in the ECO region, through development of road and rail networks; liberalization of visa regimes and simplification of border procedures; and to attain sustainable growth and enhance geo-economic potential of the ECO region. The Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister will also reiterate the Pakistan’s concerns over hostilities in the Middle East, endangering the regional peace and security.

Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister will sign the ‘Charter for ECO Clean Energy Center’ and hold bilateral meetings with participating ministers and other dignitaries on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting.

I thank you!

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(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Two questions. Firstly, the EU Ambassador to Pakistan, Riina Kionka yesterday, tweeted with regards to the arrest or the farcical arrest of the senior journalist Matiullah Jan. How does Pakistan see the statement?

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): The matter of Matiullah Jan’s arrest was also raised in the Parliament of UK yesterday by Hamish Falconer. You may also have seen discussions that the British authorities are very much concerned about this situation. Your comments?

Spokesperson: Regarding the circumstances of the arrest of Mr. Matiullah Jan, the Ministry of Information will be in a position to comment, as they are the lead Ministry with regards to issues relating to the media in Pakistan.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Israeli Prime Minister in an interview has said that Israel will do all that takes to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb. How does Pakistan see the statement as a neighbour of Iran in the context of the recent increase in hostilities in West Asia?

Spokesperson: I would not like to comment on such political statements by the Israeli leadership. We note the position of the Iranian government that it is not pursuing a nuclear weapons programme.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Pakistan’s Charge d’ Affaires to Afghanistan and Afghanistan’s Defense Minister Mullah Yaqoob have met in Afghanistan. What was the agenda of discussions held between them? Your comments?

Spokesperson: It is the responsibility of our diplomats based in Afghanistan to engage with the officials and leadership of the Afghan interim government and the meeting of our head of mission in Kabul with the Defense Minister of Afghanistan was in this context. The two sides discussed matters of mutual interest. I do not believe that we should be sharing details with the media about the discussions that took place in this meeting.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Madam, some evidence has been shared by Pakistan with the Chinese side regarding the attack of TTP on Chinese nationals in Pakistan. The Chinese Special Envoy visited Afghanistan and Pakistan. Is there any proposal for some settlement being facilitated by China between the TTP and Pakistan?

Spokesperson: First of all, there is no dialogue taking place between Government of Pakistan and TTP. The position of Pakistan with regards to the dialogue with TTP is very clear and has been reiterated on several occasions. Second, Pakistan has said on number of occasions that the proposals to initiate talks with TTP, wherever they may come from, are an affront to the families of thousands of victims of terrorism. Thirdly, there is no such proposal on the agenda between Pakistan and China with regards to engagement with TTP.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Regarding recent visits of high-level delegations to Pakistan, it is being said by the foreign policy analysts and experts that Pakistan’s foreign policy is prioritizing Russia and its allies. Is this view correct? Is there any change in the foreign policy of Pakistan?

Spokesperson: Pakistan wishes to pursue good relations with all countries. We do not believe in zero sum relationships. Expansion of our relations with one country should not be considered at coming at the expense of our relationship with any other country. We are confident that our relations with countries around the world can move forward on their own merit, notwithstanding any understandings or agreements Pakistan pursues internationally in its own national interest.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, it is being reported that there was a huge loss of lives and wealth during the latest protests of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf at D-Chowk. It was also reported that a very high-level Belarus delegation has visited Pakistan, bringing in a huge investment in Pakistan. How much investment has actually come to Pakistan because of this visit? Your comments?

Spokesperson: First, with regards to the visit of the President of Belarus, I have already made a comprehensive statement. A joint statement between Pakistan and Belarus signed during the visit has also been released to the media. Secondly, you may have seen that a number of agreements were signed between the two countries. These agreements include cooperation in diverse areas, including in economy, in financial intelligence, cooperation between our customs authorities, cooperation in connectivity and road projects. In addition to that, you would recall that there was a Business Forum, which was held on the sidelines. A large number of business persons, both from Pakistan and Belarus, attended that forum where a large number of agreements, including joint ventures, were signed. So, we consider it as very encouraging and an expression of confidence of the businessmen of Belarus in Pakistan’s economy.

(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Ma’am, with regard to visa ban of the UAE on Pakistanis, there are reports that more than 5000 Pakistanis are languishing in different jails of the UAE, as they were involved in different criminal activities and due to this reason UAE imposed visa ban on Pakistanis. Has Pakistan take up this issue with them?

Spokesperson: First of all, I cannot confirm the figures that you mentioned regarding the number of Pakistanis in prisons in the UAE. Second, as we have said in our last two briefings, granting of visas to any individual is the sovereign right and decision of the country concerned. We do not subscribe to the impression that there is a ban on visas for Pakistani nationals as Pakistani nationals continue to travel to the UAE. Any issues that arise with respect to the issuance of visas and stay of Pakistani nationals in the UAE are important agenda items between Pakistan and the UAE, and we continue to discuss these issues with the government of the United Arab Emirates.

(Czechangez Khan Jadoon, Daily Payam-e-Khyber): On 26th November, during the protests in Islamabad, some Afghan refugees were arrested. The Government of Pakistan has decided that no Afghan refugee will be allowed to live in Islamabad after 31st December. Don’t you think these illegal Afghan refugees can return after getting their Pakistan visas from our Embassy in Kabul or run away to other cities of Pakistan? Does the Foreign Office or our Embassy in Kabul have the data of illegal Afghan refugees who are residing in Pakistan without visa?

Spokesperson: With regards to the first part of your question, on the recent developments in Islamabad, the Ministry of Interior has given detailed briefings to the media, including the arrest of some Afghan nationals. Details of the policy with regards to the continued stay of Afghan nationals will be released by the Ministry of Interior. You may like to seek further details from them.

(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Ma’am, there are almost 3 million legal Afghan refugees in Pakistan, including: 700,000 which came to Pakistan after the takeover of Taliban; 1.4 million hold PORs; and almost 800,000 with Afghan Citizenship Cards. These approximately 3 million Afghan refugees are legal. Is it not against the spirit of tripartite agreement and will the international community not criticize Pakistan over imposing legal constraints on legal refugees on their entry to Islamabad, as even after having visas they have to seek permission from the DC?

Spokesperson: We believe that participation of foreign nationals in any political activity in Pakistan is unacceptable. We expect all foreigners in Pakistan to respect Pakistani laws and customs. With regards to the participation of Afghan nationals in the protest this week, the Ministry of Interior has already shared the details. Details of the policy with regards to continued stay of Afghan nationals in Islamabad will also be released by the Ministry of Interior.

(Farhan Ali, Public News): Ma’am, the Russian Secretary of National Security Council visited Afghanistan. He is so far the senior most Russian official to visit Kabul. Did the Russian side have any communication with Pakistan before such high-level engagement with Kabul?

Spokesperson: I’m not aware of such a communication between Pakistan and the Russian Federation.

(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Ma’am, a petition has been filed in Rajasthan, India, to declare the shrine of Hazrat Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti in Ajmer sharif a mandir/hindu temple. Similarly, in District Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, there is another historical Badshahi Mosque, which is also being declared as mandir/hindu temple. Your comments please?

Spokesperson: These are disturbing developments. Over the past years, we have been witnessing an emerging pattern of systematic targeting of shrines and places of worships of Muslims in India. This trend needs to be arrested. The relevant authorities must ensure the safety, security and dignity of Muslims in India, their holy sites and the places of worship.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, as the situation in Kurram is very critical; there were incidents of firing on troops yesterday and some days earlier too. There is loss of life on both the sides. There are some reports of foreign involvement in such activities. Does Pakistan have any evidence regarding this? Secondly, has UNHCR contacted Pakistan regarding the deadline announced by the Minister of Interior Mohsin Naqvi regarding illegal Afghan refugees to live in Islamabad without NOCs?

Spokesperson: On your second question, I am not aware of any communication that has taken place between this Ministry and UNHCR with regards to Afghan nationals who were involved in the incidents of this week. Secondly, the Ministry of Interior will share with the media the details of these Afghan nationals and their status in Pakistan. So, I cannot comment on their status.

With regards to the Kurram situation, the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan have strongly condemned the attacks on civilians, including women and children in Kurram district. They expressed grief over the loss of precious lives. Investigations have been initiated. As the Prime Minister said, those responsible will be held to account. Efforts are also underway to restore peace in Kurram. Details are available with the Ministry of Interior and the concerned law enforcement authorities. Ministry of Interior would also release information in case of any evidence of the involvement of any extra territorial force or terror group.

(Luqman Shah, Daily Azkar): Madam, yesterday Pakistan participated in the meeting of the Second Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution regarding Palestine in Belgium. Is Two-State solution the state policy of Pakistan or is Israel still an illegal state for Pakistan?

Spokesperson: Pakistan’s position with regards to the question of Palestine is consistent. That position corresponds with the wishes of the people of Palestine to have an independent and sovereign state of Palestine on the pre-June 1967 borders with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital. This has been a consistent position of Pakistan and corresponds to the position of the Palestinian government and with the resolutions of the United Nations and OIC.

(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Ma’am, has the incoming president of the United States invited any dignitaries from Pakistan to the oath-taking ceremony or has any official communication taken place with the foreign office on this?

Spokesperson: We are not aware of any such invitation at this stage.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Ma’am, the PCB chairman, who’s also the Interior Minister in a press conference, said, and I quote that: “this cannot happen that Pakistan goes to India to play there, but India does not play in Pakistan. And I have communicated the government position to the ICC”. Now what is that government position that the PCB has communicated to the ICC, because I believe the Foreign Office would be part of the consultations on this matter as in the past?

Spokesperson: As I said previously, Pakistan believes that sports should not be politicized. We are going to host the Champions Trophy of ICC in Pakistan next year, and we hope that all cricket playing nations that qualify for the Champions Trophy will be represented at the Champions Trophy. That is our message to the ICC as well. Details are available with the PCB.

(Anwar Abbass, 24 News): Ma’am, Pakistani Charge d’ Affaires in Kabul, Ubaid Nizamani met Afghan Minister for Defense yesterday. Were the topics like handing over of terrorists, exchange of lists, or information sharing also discussed in that meeting?

Spokesperson: I already answered this question when asked by Mr. Yousafzai. I can add that our diplomats continue to meet with officials of the Afghan interim government and continue to discuss matters of mutual interest. The meeting of our Head of Mission in Kabul with the Afghan Minister for Defense was also in this context, and all aspects of bilateral interest from both side were discussed. I am not in a position to divulge further details.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): You said there is no ban on travel to the UAE. However, it is mentioned in the official documents of the Consulate of Pakistan in the UAE that such a ban has been imposed by the UAE cabinet.

Spokesperson: I have not seen the document, you are referring to, so I cannot comment on it. Number one. Number two, as I said earlier, we do not subscribe to the impression that there is a ban on visas for Pakistanis. Pakistanis continue to travel to UAE. Any issues with regards to issuance of visas to Pakistani nationals remain on the bilateral agenda between our two countries, and we continue to discuss these issues with the United Arab Emirates.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma’am, you have rightly pointed out that there is no ban. Rather, there are restrictions. Would you mind sharing what kind of restrictions have been imposed by UAE government? Any details regarding those restrictions ?

Spokesperson: I would not get into these details. What I would like to reiterate is that Pakistanis continue to travel to the UAE. Any issues that arise with regard to issuance of visas for Pakistani nationals are on the bilateral agenda between our two countries. We continue to discuss it with the government of the United Arab Emirates.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, Pakistanis do not face as many visa restrictions in other countries as they are facing in the UAE. Pakistanis are also involved in various illegal activities in foreign countries, especially in the UAE. Maam what is your message to overseas Pakistanis and to such Pakistanis who are involved in illicit activities?

Spokesperson: We have said repeatedly, and I reiterate today, our message to overseas Pakistanis is, to respect the laws, customs and culture of the country where they are living. They are the representatives of the people of Pakistan, and we urge them to respect the laws, customs and culture of the country where they are based. We also urge Pakistanis who are interested in traveling abroad to use legal means to travel abroad and not to fall prey to illegal rackets and smugglers including human smugglers for their own personal safety.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): PTI worker Sara Mir, based in London, in an application to the Pakistani High Commission London threatened that she will arrange a protest demonstration outside the Pakistani High Commission because she alleged that her family has been victimized. The application has been forwarded to Foreign Office and then Foreign Office onward forwarded it to Ministry of Interior. So, what are the details of that application?

Spokesperson: I would not like to comment on an individual case. Any individual has the right to petition to the Government of Pakistan on issues that concern them. When such petitions are received, these petitions are duly examined, and the Government of Pakistan takes appropriate action in light of our laws and the relations with the country concerned.

(Faisal Kamal Pasha, WE News): International pressure with respect to PTI, the human rights situation and the ban on journalists, is mounting on Pakistan. How would Pakistan, in general, react to this situation? Do you think it is exaggerated?

Spokesperson: We have seen some external commentary on the recent developments in Pakistan. We believe that some of this commentary is based on inaccurate and incomplete picture about the situation in Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan has explained the developments of this week during several press conferences held by government Ministers. I would advise you to refer to those statements.