Transcript of the Weekly Media Briefing by the Spokesperson on Friday, 5 December 2025

Assalam-o-Alaikum,

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Let us begin with a roundup of this week's activities.

Yesterday, your covered the State Visit of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, H.E. Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Zhaparov.

During the visit, President Zhaparov held meetings with the Pakistani leadership, including the President, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of the Kyrgyz Republic H.E. Mr. Sadyr Zhaparov Nurgozhoevich led their respective sides at a delegation-level talks.

The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan's abiding commitment to enhancing its engagement with the Central Asian states under the "Vision Central Asia" policy.

Both leaders emphasized the significance of expanding and deepening Pakistan-Kyrgyz relations, that were underpinned by historic links, cultural similarities, shared values, and a common vision for regional peace and prosperity. They reviewed progress on existing cooperation frameworks and reaffirmed their shared resolve to further strengthen this partnership, particularly in the areas of trade, energy, connectivity and people-to-people contacts. In the context of connectivity, they expressed satisfaction at operationalization of the road corridor between Pakistan and Kyrgyz Republic under Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement (QTTA).

Highlighting the need to enhance economic cooperation, the two sides agreed to expand bilateral trade and investment, setting a target of USD 200 million bilateral trade volume by 2027-28, through effective implementation of the signed agreements/MoUs and a result-oriented approach.

During the talks, both sides also exchanged views on important regional and global developments. They agreed that disputes must be resolved through peaceful means in accordance with international law including the UN Charter, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan and a sustainable future for its people. They agreed that the Afghan Taliban regime must honor its commitments to the international community, and address Pakistan's legitimate security concerns, by taking concrete and verifiable actions against terrorist entities.

Upon the conclusion of delegation-level talks, a total of 15 Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding addressing various facets of Pakistan-Kyrgyz cooperation, including commerce; mining and geosciences; regional connectivity; energy; agriculture; diplomatic and consular affairs; tourism; culture; information exchange; youth and sports, etc. were exchanged by the two sides.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan and the President of Kyrgyzstan also signed the Joint Statement on the Strengthening of Comprehensive Cooperation in the Interests of Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan.

The President also addressed the Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan Business Forum. This year's Business Forum witnessed an unprecedented level of participation, bringing together 20 delegates from the Kyrgyz Republic and 83 Pakistani companies from diverse sectors including pharmaceuticals, education, banking, mining, IT, energy, and logistics. The forum facilitated 120 structured B2B meetings, enabling productive interactions and opening promising avenues for commercial collaboration.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, also held meetings with the visiting delegation. He received the Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Zheenbek Kulubaev, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 3rd December 2025.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister also called on President Zhaparov in the morning of 4th December 2025. They discussed bilateral relations, and recent regional and international developments of mutual interest.

The Foreign Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Dr. Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty, visited Pakistan from 29-30 November 2025 at the invitation of our Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

You interacted with the visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister at the Joint Press Stakeout last Sunday.

An important outcome of the visit was the decision to establish a new Business Council under the framework of which they would ⁠identify 250 Pakistani businesses in the first phase, and 500 businesses in the second phase, for B2B engagement with Egypt. A Ministerial Business Forum in Cairo in the second quarter of 2026 will be convened on the sidelines of the Pakistan-Egypt Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) which would be co-chaired by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. Moreover, the Egyptian Foreign Minister announced doubling scholarships for Pakistani students at the renowned Al Azhar University in Cairo.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister inaugurated and addressed the Islamabad Conclave 2025 hosted by the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) on 3rd December 2025.

The full text of the speech by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister is available on our website. The key take away from the speech was the need renewed dedication to diplomacy and peaceful dispute resolution in the wake of global turbulence, rising major-power competition, climate vulnerabilities, and the erosion of multilateralism.

He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to a just, equitable, and inclusive world order, rooted in the UN Charter and strengthened multilateral institutions.

Emphasizing that South Asia cannot remain mired in confrontation while other regions progress, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister stressed that sustainable peace in South Asia is contingent on the peaceful settlement of longstanding disputes, including the Jammu & Kashmir dispute.

He called for open and inclusive regionalism, enhanced economic interdependence, climate resilience, and revitalization of regional mechanisms such as SAARC. Pakistan, he noted, stands ready to work with all partners to advance a peaceful, connected, and prosperous South Asia.

On the same day, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister spoke with Malaysia's Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Mohamad Hasan to convey Pakistan's deepest condolences on the tragic loss of lives and displacement caused by the floods in Malaysia.

Reaffirming Pakistan's solidarity with the people of Malaysia during this difficult time, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister expressed readiness to extend all possible support for relief and recovery efforts.

In wake of the devastating Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka, Pakistan has dispatched 200 tons of humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka via sea cargo to support relief efforts.

India blockade of humanitarian assistance from Pakistan to Sri Lanka was regrettable. The special aircraft carrying Pakistan's humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka faced delay for over 60 hours while awaiting flight clearance from India. The partial flight clearance issued by India on the night of 1st December 2025, after 48 hours, was operationally impractical: time-bound for just a few hours and without validity for the return flight, severely hindering this urgent relief Mission for the brotherly people of Sri Lanka.

I thank you all.

***

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): There have been statements by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Zangnan, which is called and claimed as Arunachal Pradesh by India, as well as statements by the Indian side and its media on the same issue. What is Pakistan's stance on this matter?

Spokesperson: We have taken note of the remarks made by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pakistan reiterates its consistent and full support for China on matters concerning its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): There were media reports on talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime in Saudi Arabia. On its part, the Afghan media even shared the delegation composition representative of the Afghan Taliban regime which traveled to Saudi Arabia for these supposed talks. If there any update from your end that you would like to share with us? Secondly, with the 33rd anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Mosque in India approaching, will the Foreign Office be issuing a statement on this solemn occasion?

Spokesperson: Babri Masjid is etched in our memory. Thirty-three years ago, this historic Mosque in Ayodhya was destroyed in circumstances that continue to evoke deep sadness and concern. The event remains unsettling for all who stand against intolerance and religious discrimination.

Pakistan holds the preservation of religious heritage and sacred sites as a shared obligation of the international community. It is essential that all acts undermining Muslim religious symbols or historical legacy be addressed through transparency, accountability and a commitment to justice.

Pakistan emphasizes that the desecration of any place of worship constitutes a breach of the principles of religious equality and undermines the collective sense of security and mutual respect that all communities deserve.

The continued sense of marginalization and emotional distress experienced by the Indian Muslims in the wake of this event remains a serious concern. Emboldened by state patronage, Hindu fascist organizations are now clamouring for complete ghettoisation of Indian Muslims and other religious minorities.

Pakistan values interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence. We call upon the international community, including relevant UN institutions and influential global voices, to acknowledge the importance of safeguarding Muslim religious heritage and to help ensure that such painful incidents are neither repeated.

Pakistan also reaffirms its own commitment to protecting the rights and religious freedoms of minorities within its borders, in line with its legal obligations.

As we reflect on the anniversary of the Babri Mosque's shahadat and destruction, Pakistan expresses solidarity with Muslims who continue to feel the enduring sorrow associated with this loss. Let this occasion not only serve as a remembrance of a painful event thirty-three years ago but also as a reaffirmation of the universal values of dignity, justice, and respect for sacred heritage.

Pakistan would urge the Government of India to promote an environment of tolerance and inclusivity and ensure equal citizenship rights and mutual respect among all religious and cultural communities and denominations.

As for your other question, I do not have any information on the talks you mentioned. If I receive any information, I will share it with you.

(Tahir Khan, NNI): The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, during his Press Conference last week, stated that the UN had requested Pakistan to allow the passage of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, in continuation of which the Ministry of Commerce issued a notification, allowing humanitarian aid to flow into Afghanistan. Is there any update on whether the Afghan Taliban regime would grant access to aid cargo in Afghanistan? What other developments could you share on this decision by Pakistan?

Spokesperson: The issue of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan came in wake of formal requests made by certain UN agencies like the World Food Program (WFP), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) for facilitation with the movement of containers carrying aid for Afghanistan.

Consistent with our own commitment to humanitarian access and the requests made by UN agencies, the Government has officially approved the movement of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan which will take place in three phases:

i. In the first phase, the containers with food items will be allowed;
ii. In the second phase, containers carrying pharmaceutical products and medical equipment will be granted access; and
iii. In the final phase, containers transporting other essential goods related to education and health will be allowed.

The three phases - we do not intend to categorize them for any other purpose than to ensure that it will be seamless and determine how the movement of humanitarian aid will flow into Afghanistan.

There have been meetings between the Ministry of Commerce, the lead Ministry on this issue, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and we have been directed to expedite the procedural formalities which we would abide by.

As for the utilization of border crossings for the resumption of trade and overall movement, as discussed in the previous briefings, will remain closed.

This decision to allow UN aid was taken in line with our obligation to humanitarian access, and, secondly, Pakistan does not have anything against the people of Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan are our brothers and sisters. We intend them no harm.

While the closure of borders, has a specific context and the rationale behind it still stands. On the issue of aid to the Afghan people, we remain positive and engaged.

On the issue of border closure, we would see how far the Afghan Taliban regime in Kabul supports our position to stop the flow of terrorism and terrorist elements from their soil into Pakistan.

(Noor Aimen, 365 News): I would like your comment on a recent UN report which mentioned that the growing contact between the Afghan Taliban regime and India is not in favor of regional peace.

Spokesperson: I am not particularly aware of which UN report you are referring to, but yes, this kind of collusion has been there, perhaps since, the creation of the country. It has been well documented now in the annals of history. And this is, obviously, disturbing to the extent that it is anti-Pakistan.

If the two countries cooperate on peaceful issues and have a normal inter-state interaction focusing on legitimate issues of trade, commerce and connectivity, Pakistan has no problem with that.

Our problem starts when a third country views the relationship with Afghanistan in a zero-sum paradigm with Pakistan. So, this is disturbing, and this is an issue which we do not just monitor but over which we also continuously raise our concerns.

(Qurat ul Ain, Independent News): It has been recently reported by Amnesty International, and subsequently by the Pakistani media, that Pakistan has been, or had been using a highly invasive Israeli spyware. I would like your comment on this. And if you could confirm whether Pakistan has been coordinating, or is, perhaps, in contact with Israel on this issue?

Spokesperson: These are all media speculations. This is all rumor-mongering disinformation. There is absolutely no cooperation between Pakistan and Israel on anything, let alone a spyware or any tools of that kind. So, I would reject it, quite emphatically so.

(Imran Waseem, Aik News): There are some rumors or, you can say, reports on social media regarding negotiations on border issues between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime in Saudi Arabia. Can you confirm these reports?

Spokesperson: As I stated earlier in my response to Mr. Azaz Syed's question, we are not aware of these negotiations and I have no comment to offer on this.

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): There were reports that recently 38 Pakistanis were freed in Myanmar. Please provide us with details related to this matter.

Secondly, there are reports that governments of Thailand and Myanmar wrote a letter to Pakistan regarding these freed individuals. If they are free, what procedures will be undertaken for their safe return to Pakistan and did Ministry of Interior or Ministry of Foreign Affairs receive the aforementioned letter?

Spokesperson: We are keeping a close watch on this issue. Pakistanis stranded in Myanmar or along Thailand-Myanmar border. Our two missions are involved in resolving this matter: one in Myanmar, and the other one in Thailand. Some Pakistani nationals were found in Myanmar or later apprehended by Thai security forces at the Thai-Myanmar border. Our mission in Thailand facilitated their return. The presence of these Pakistanis in Myanmar is unfortunate. Two paramount priorities for Pakistan in this matter are, first of all, the safe return of these people to Pakistan, and then to ensure that these incidents do not recur, and these Pakistanis do not fall trap to any scam business enterprises that maybe operating in that region.

As regards exchange of letters, Pakistan is in touch with the governments of Myanmar and Thailand on this matter. There are various forms of diplomatic interaction, exchange of notes, documents, and details of these individuals. So, this is an ongoing interaction.

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya News): Sir, you have already responded to Saudi talks but my question is, the news which was published or was circulated in this regard, do you consider all these news fake? Your comments on this.

Spokesperson: I can check specific news and call it fake or otherwise. However, I cannot call many news items or sets of information as a blanket fake or a blanket misinformation. Our position on this mediation, as I have expressed it in the last few press briefings and today is that we, in principle, welcome the mediations. We believe that our position on terrorism from Afghanistan is on moral principles strongly rooted in national and international legality. So, any objective mediation would naturally favor Pakistan. As regards any country offering its mediation, we will react if we receive any request for official proposal for a mechanism of mediation process. I have no information about mediation by Saudi Arabia, and this is what have already I mentioned in my earlier statements.

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Sir, about two weeks back, the President of Türkiye announced formally that a high level delegation will be traveling to Islamabad for mediation between the two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Then there is no news of why the delegation did not come, or even if that delegation arrived, we do not have any clue. What is the exact situation. Kindly appraise.

(Zafar Malik, Mainichi Japanese): Sir, Afghan Taliban Regime Spokesperson, Zabiullah Mujahid stated that Afghanistan will not open its side of the order until Pakistan provides firm guarantees. Did Afghan regime communicated such guarantees to Pakistan officially and what are those guarantees?

Secondly, if they are imposing such restrictions, will it affect humanitarian assistance?

Spokesperson: First of all, let me respond to this mediation. Pakistan welcomed the announcement made by President Erdogan about this mediation. We stand ready to receive the Turkish delegation. That delegation has not arrived as yet, and I am not aware of any schedule of its arrival. Pakistan is ready to hold negotiations & discussions. During last week's briefing, I was asked that Pakistan and Taliban regime were not cooperating with this mediation framework initiated by Türkiye and Qatar. Let me emphasize that it is not attributable to Pakistan's cooperation that the Turkish delegation has not arrived yet. Pakistan was open, and stands ready. And I believe that the delegation has not arrived because of scheduling issues, and perhaps by lack of cooperation from the Taliban. This you have to ask the Taliban regime. So, our position on this remains firm, and I think if you match it with my previous question's answers, it is quite consistent.

Regarding Zabiullah Mujahid's statement, I have seen that statement. Look, we close the border because of a certain context, and that context I have explained, I think, quite in detail in the last three, four briefings. Now, the Afghan side has announced the closure of their border. I think, you should ask them the reason for that. For us, the border is closed. We have opened it for humanitarian assistance.

My guess is that maybe the Afghan spokesperson made that statement, by not completely understanding the opening of border offer from Pakistan. So, we had opened the border for dispatch of humanitarian assistance. It is quite possible, I am not sure, but a guess that in reaction to that opening for UN humanitarian assistance, the Afghan spokesman may not have understood the full nuance of opening, and may could have probably reacted as if we have opened the border for trade and in that sense they may have issued the statement about the closure from their side. But now should read the situation as closure of border from both sides if we take the statement of Taliban spokesperson at its value.

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Sir, you might have seen the statement of Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in which he stated that including Pakistan, no state has the right to influence Afghanistan's relations with any other nation. How does Pakistan view this statement?

Secondly, did Pakistan asked the government of UK to hand over Adil Raja and Shehzad Akbar to Pakistan and how many such people are wanted by Pakistan and with how many countries Pakistan is in contact in this regard?
Thirdly, many countries fight war with one another but they never close their border but Pakistan has closed border with Afghanistan. What are the reasons behind closure of border? The Afghan regime is also accusing Pakistan of using border as a weapon.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Spokesperson, yesterday there were reports of meeting of Interior Minister with relevant UK authorities. Is there any treaty between Pakistan and the UK in this regard that deals with the cases of asylum seeker, or so-called anti-Pakistanis as it was stated that they are anti-Pakistani. So is there any treaty that can materialize the handing over of these people to Pakistan?

Spokesperson: Mr. Allah Noor's question about the statement of President Mutaqqi - we are not obliged to react to those statements. Pakistan has never objected to Afghanistan building up its relationship with any third country.

And on the question of these individuals in the UK, I understand the meeting took place between the British High Commissioner and our Interior Minister yesterday, and I will refer you to the Ministry of Interior to answer these questions.

As regards border opening, I have explained that in detail. If the opening of border impinges on the security, and if firing from the other side kills border security guards, kill these trade posts, then closure of border in self-defense is permitted, legal under international law. This exercise is being under the right to self-defense. We do not want our people to be killed. The fact that the borders are closed, and it will remain closed until we receive firm assurances from the Afghan side that violence, violent elements, terrorists from their soil, will not cross over into Pakistan, to perpetrate the crimes that they have committed. And I am not just mentioning TTP and Fitnah al Khawaraj, I am mentioning the Afghan nationals who have been brutally murdering people in our country. So this is where the border closure context should be understood.

(Qurat ul Ain, Independent News): In a response given a bit earlier, you said that the border has been opened only for the humanitarian aid. So can you please tell the date as to when it was opened, either it was today or before. Kindly give the date.

Spokesperson: Well, the decision has been taken. I will have to check the exact schedule of opening and reopening for the three categories that I mentioned. At this stage, I can tell you that the decision has been taken to this effect.

(Aamir Saeed Abbasi, Nukta News): I have a question regarding President Putin's visit to India. I think they are expecting some big defense deal. So, do you have any comments on that? Is this going to start any new arms race in the region?

Spokesperson: These are two sovereign countries. They are free to interact. We have no position as such on their talks or on their interaction. Their states have sovereign rights to pursue their bilateral relations. It is in this context that we view this relation. But I understand the visit is taking place now. Once the visit concludes, and if you have any specific question, I will answer it.

(Waseem Abbasi, Arab News): Recently, the US has made several arrests, including Afghan nationals and one which was described by the US media as Pakistan born. There are concerns in Pakistan that US may expand travel and visa restrictions on many other countries, including Pakistan. Has Pakistan taken up this issue with the US authorities?

Spokesperson: Well as regards that particular individual, I issued a statement yesterday, and I think it was carried by the media across the board. He was an Afghan national, Afghan origin, and grew up most of his life in the US.

On your question of immigration and access of Pakistanis, Pakistani students and businesses in the US, this is a topic of our ongoing regular discourse with the US side, which remains independent of any arrest of a third country national.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Spokesperson, just two quick questions: First is, the Afghan side, we recently saw they have put out a map of so-called greater Pashtunistan on a grave of a famous Pashtun poet and which includes territories from Pakistan's Balochistan and KPK. Do you have any comments on that?

Spokesperson: Well, I can tell you that our national poet, Allama Iqbal always admired Afghanistan, and Afghan people and we follow Iqbal and read him.

قبائل ہوں ملّت کی وحدت میں گُم
کہ ہو نام افغانیوں کا بلند

Now if Afghan's have put anything on their grave of their poet it is this action. First of all, it is inappropriate to deface a tombstone, as seems to be the case from your question on substance of it. Pakistan and Afghanistan have a settled international border recognized under international law. So, such theatrics, on a grave or tombstone mean nothing to us.

(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): And very quickly, since you mentioned it in your opening statement as well, with regards to India not allowing the overflights ( to Sri Lanka), the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, reacting to your statement, termed it as anti- India on their part, and they said they contradicted saying that they had allowed, about four hours or five hours after Pakistan had sent in a request. Would you want to state the facts for the record?

Spokesperson: Well, we have documentary evidence of the timeline of request made to India. Our first note, official document that we shared with Indian side requesting the flight clearance. And I think between the sharing of that note and the Indian side, offering us a six-hour window to operate a flight, which would probably take around five hours to operate on one side, would mean that it was an effective negation of the flights, right, because the flight clearance was invalid and impractical, and this is what I said to it. And then eventually, when a flight was agreed, this was at least 60 to 70 hours from our original note, so effectively three hours. So, I think humanitarian assistance is like justice. If it is delayed, it is denied. I do not have any particular comment on anti-India, or pro-India, but I have just stated the facts with the precise timelines.

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Spokesperson, nine universities in the UK have announced that they will no longer accept admissions from Pakistani students. Ultimately, in the longer future, it will bite Pakistani students, because there are thousands of students seeking higher education in UK. So, what is your take on this?

Spokesperson: Yes, we saw this news yesterday from some sources. There has been no official confirmation, no information on this, but our High Commission in London is working on it. Our High Commission in London has not been informed about it. If there is any information on it, I will share it with media.

Thank you.