Cspan2. Pakistans ambassador to the United States sat down for a conversation with at the carnegie do you mean to for International Peace regarding u. S. Pakistan relations. This is about 90 minutes. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Carnegie Endowment. Im a Vice President for studies here at the endowment. Its my pleasure to welcome you this morning for a discussion with pakistans relatively new ambassador to the United States dr. Majet khan. While i arrives in ambassadorial position here in january has long and deep experience, both in washington and working on u. S. Issues back in the minorsy in islamabad. And then most recently was serving as ambassador to japan before coming here. So has an outstanding sense not only of dynamics with the u. S. But globally and in particular Asian Security affairs. So we are honored to have you with us, ambassador. What were going to do is im going to ask a few questions to get the discussion started. And then were going to turn it into a broader discussion. And i have invited the ambassador if at any time he wants to ask you or me a question, about whats going on in this very predictable rational environment in which we live in washington that were fair game. So everybody should understand that its meant to be a truly a twoway conversation. Ambassador is a diplomat and a talented one at that. So im mainly going to focus on Foreign Policy issues. But as we get started, i mean i suppose i should ask how you are finding the environment in wealthtrack now compared to the years prior when youve served here. But i can imagine that youre too good at juror your job to want to answer that in a really interesting way. But i want to leave it on the table to begin with, if there is a first kind of question or comment that, you know, what what are the challenges like representing pakistan now in mid2019 . Well, thank you very much, george first of all let me thank you and to you the Carnegie Endowment for giving me this opportunity to come and hear our perspectives and positions on issues of interest here in washington, d. C. I know the audience here is a very wellinformed one. So i am here as much as to say my piece as i am here to hear the positions and perspectives from the audience. Yes, i think i have a Long Association with your beautiful country, not just fl washington. I served for over six years in new york as well with our Permanent Mission there. And having served as deputy chief of mission as acting ambassador here in d. C. Yes, i think in city in particular perhaps different from any other capital in the world is defined by the incumbent at the white house, and the whole team that follows when the administration changes. So even if you know the place very well and you are well aware of the process also, the city is a different city when you come to a new and different administration. So i of course, despite knowing the city very well, im trying to find my way around here in d. C. And this position is as challenging as it can get, particularly for pakistani ambassadors. And clearly i can also say that in our world, you know, being accredited as ambassador to the United States is as good as it can get for any diplomat. So i am very honored and feel privileged to carry my countrys flag in this very, very important country which i believe is the center of the world. Thats certainly the way people here see it. Let me let me then focus on south asia, precisely because we are the center of the world tend to think less about other parts of the world, even parts of the world that have many more people and many more challenges. Sop i want to turn to pakistan. And in particular kind of the underlying, you know, fundamental development which that pakistan is reportedly going to receive another package of support from the imf, the International Monetary fund for 6 billion process. And i believe this is the 13th in the last 30 years of these bailouts. And so i guess the question is or among the questions is, how do the repeated cycles of economic crisis and then imf assistance, how do they affect kind of the worlds perceptions of kind of pakistans importance and why and how to deal with pakistan . And also if you have a sense of how how this affects the dynamic within pakistan and kind of the sense of priorities within pakistan that there is so often this kind of challenge economic crisis and turning for help on the balance of payments . Well, i think a lot of attention has been often given to pakistans resort to the imf facility. I think as members of imf we are entitled to have resort to that facility as and when we need to have. And when imf carries out a professional and Technical Evaluation of the liquidity status of that particular country, and based on their Technical Evaluation decides and determines, you know, the size of the pack annuage based on th history of that country, yes, i think we face both structural and cyclical problems. We do face economic challenges. And coming to the imf is not something very unusual. We have, as you just pointed out, done that many times in the past. But let me also say that, you know, pakistan has never defaulted on its debt payments. Our debt to gdp ratio is still if not better it is as good as other countries at similar level of development. And therefore coming to imf should not in fact be seen as critically as it is really i think lately projected in some of the foreign media. And as regards the steps that we need to take, that those steps in terms of expanding the domestic tax base, you know, generating domestic resources, stopping the bleeding of stateowned the leaving of stat owned enterprises, tariffs and expanding exports, enhancing. These are steps, you know, and these are tough decisions that the government is actually determined to take, independent of what the imf conditions might be, actually. These are the steps that would be required to basically enhance our productivity and competitiveness. To export more because unless and until we are able to do that, i dont think we will be able to have the base of export to prevent us from coming back to the imf. So on that count, some of the steps that the government is taking, are reflective of that determination, and that the government has to make those difficult choices and decisions that we need to make. And, it is not just the imf, actually, i think some of our friends and farmers, have also contributed to that, including yesterday, they have also so that is again i think a mark of confidence in pakistans economy. Pakistan is no small country, you know. And we are no small economy. So, we still feel that this is a small part of what we owe, and once we are able to put our house in order, we will be able to meet our obligations as we have done 70 years of our existence. Okay, has the u. S. Been pushing conditionality, in ways that the government of pakistan is aware, and if so, or some of the conditions is the u. S. Pushing any different than they would have been in prior years anything new in that or is there any encouragement about expanding the tax base . I dont think that. Imf has its own board, and it has its own Technical Team and commissions that go across to the countries, engaging with people, and agree on the elements of the package, and that package then goes to the board, where whatever package we have agreed to has been connected at the technical level, and it is supposed to go to the board. I dont think that i have heard of any specific conditionality that the United States has particularly pushed for. It is technical profit that the imf and the imf personnel are leading. Return to the Financial Action task force. Since it is the focus to push building its strength and well being for his population, as china showed over the decades and india should over the decades, that is how you projected the power and influence and protect your interests. So, the Financial Action task force, for those of you who dont follow it, as it is often called is an International Body that protects standards and limitation of legal and operational measures for combating Money Laundering, and the financing of terrorist activities and organizations, to protect the integrity of the financial Global Financial system. And so, this body, of i believe 27 countries, was meeting in orlando, florida, last week. There was also a Campaign Event but dont think they were related. Last week it just occurred to me. But, pakistan was placed on the gray list a while back, and the risk is that is a prelude to the blacklist which you are put on for failure to take, you know, adequate or recommended steps to prevent Money Laundering and facilitation of terrorism. So, the media reported last week, at a meeting in orlando that pakistan was not put on the blacklist. Reports were that china turkey and malaysia voted to prevent that. And, prevented that. What im more interested in right before the meeting or during the meeting there were media reports that security entities had shut down some terrorist Training Camps or militants Training Camps in the pakistani part of cashmere, and taking other steps against some of the designated groups, and so while that was welcomed by many people, some assume this was part of heading off the action with pakistan on the blacklist. And, i guess the question is, a lot of people have you instructed that these actions have been taken care cancer, that there were new and more decisive actions taken against these groups in this phase . First of all, let me say that the profits are in the action plan, that pakistan willingly and voluntarily signed onto. It is a program that sets up conditions with a short timeline. But, actions that we are taking against thats one part, and then, there is Broad Movement against extremist groups, against nonpaid actors, against anyone who is or is likely to abuse pakistan space, facilities, our territory, against anyone. Against those live elements. We have a National Action plan, and if you look at those 20 points covered in the National Action plan, taking action against terrorist financing is an important part of that. And against a military organizations. I can say that we have covered a lot of ground a lot of ground. Just over the last few months, we have seized assets of around 700 entities. We have taken over facilities run by some of those entities. The government has prescribed 11 new entities, and we also just in terms of the terrorist financing cases, it has gone up by almost 95 percent. Currently there is 175 arrests made linked to that. Theres also an 82 percent rise in conviction rates. So really, i think all of this is reflective of the political will that the new government in pakistan has to take on these challenges. We are also a part of that political will, putting in place the legal structures and frameworks. And there is also this determination to see through in terms of vigorous implementing those. And, this is a broad message that i would really like to share with you and your audience, that, you know, there is a new pakistan. A pakistan, where the leadership is determined, to make a difference in the lives of the common man. So, this is a government with a development focused and peace oriented regime. There is focus and recognition that without these, the government will not be able to implement and execute its development, it would not be able to enable our people to realize their dreams and aspirations. Because, pakistan has much more better jobs for their education, for their kids as it states, as your country. That is the new approach that we need to, and i think if you look at the security in pakistan, ribs were at their lowest and we hope you take that down this year. The ground that we have covered, and also reflect the determination that we have, in taking this fight to its logical conclusion. So, this is a part of being that vital effort. We are making the effort is not because we are obligated to do it, but because it is a part of our National Action plan. We feel that what is really important, related to the media and of course unfortunately most of the media reports come from india. And, really i think that is where we need to be careful. Because, we should not let anyone country, you know, basically pursue its own political agenda. As long as it is a technical process, we feel that we have done a lot. We are also clear and determined to do more. But we would not want, there are predetermined positions for the minister for finance issued a statement, calling for the blacklisting of pakistan. That is ironically there is also you put yourself in our position and you asked us what would our country our confidence level be in terms of sitting in judgment on our performance. But we have been taking it very seriously and we are determined to take it to its conclusion. The good news is, i think china becomes the chair after india, so a few more months, and you can breathe easier. What you said is extremely important, and as you know, the people who follow developments in pakistan, in the region more broadly over the years will remember president musharraf said much the same in 2002. Other civilian leaders have also emphasized the importance of peace within the country, and fighting terrorism within this country, as well as those groups that projected violence outward, and yet, things kept happening. So the question that people always ask is what about the military, is the military on board. Is there military support for these policies, including. So in that regard i want to ask about a change that was reported in the pakistani media, regarding the change of the leadership in the Inter Services intelligence, which came at almost exactly the same time as the meeting in orlando. And as i understand it, the general who left had only been in the office for eight months. So its somewhat unusual. Some people are saying, this is an example, or suggest, the way in which the Army Leadership really does want to press hard on these groups, and that was one of the reasons there had been no change. Now, i dont want you to commit political suicide by jumping into these issues of personnel with the military, but the people in pakistan take this is another example as the government being serious, and that the army is serious, about going after these groups. First of all, i think, it should not be used as a measure. I think the term of office for senior officials in the United States has to do with that. Yes. And i really dont read too much into that. These are changes, that are made , depending on whatever the realities on the ground are, and i think, it is for you to see, what follows. And, i think it is about walking the talk. And, it is about doing things. Predicaments, assurances, you know, obviously if one were to go by the description we keep hearing, about the influence that the military has in pakistan, and whatever options we have over the past few years, obviously would not happen without the active support of the military in pakistan. So really, i think if i were to look at this in logical terms, really, whatever is happening for the active support of the military leadership. And i can say this. You know, i think that National Action plan, and this consensus that we have in pakistan, because, we have suffered, we have borne the brunt and faced the consequences, and therefore, there is this recognition, that there are actions, of course, you know, there are situations and occasions, where some of these actions cannot be made irreversible, because of the legal strategy, because of some evidence that this would make political sense. For true intelligence may not be worth anything before the court of law and is projected to scrutiny. So these are the challenges, these are the things that we are trying to fix budget is a tall order. You can have my insurance, my assurance, and whatever is happening on the ground, to confirm the ownership of all policy, by all the stakeholders. I have two more questions, on policy and then we will open it up. The next when i am thinking of is the pakistani and indian relations. Last week was a busy week, because last week, Prime Minister modi and foreign minister junker said letters to your own officials congratulating them in opening dialogue. At least at some reports held, these letters were constructive. We know that pakistan generally seeks dialogue and ones india to resume dialogue when it is cut. But i guess a general question is what does pakistan want from dialogue out of india, whether it is the foreign ministry, or back channels, in other words, right now, what would be pakistans central ambition or objective in dialogue with india . You know, i think there has never been as big a vacuum in terms of conversation and dialogue with india as we have now. India is the second largest country in the world. We are the fifth or sixth largest country in the world, both of us have huge industry, so i think it is only natural, but our two countries, stay engaged, and there are conflicts and disputes between our two countries. That the new government, and i come back to what i said earlier, i think there is a consistent pattern that you see , in terms of our desire, and our quest for peace with india. And, dont take it in any way as a kind of weakness, but it is born out of this recognition, you know, that these two countries people and populations have tremendous pretension, even before taking over, the Prime Minister had clearly said that addressing Prime Minister modi, that we do not need to fight, there are lots of people out there below the poverty line. We need to fight poverty. Obviously we would want to resolve issues, and there has been the core issue of relations between our two countries, india believes that terrorism is the issue, and that is what our Prime Minister and our leadership and the National Security committee and some of our statements are clearly said that we are ready to address all these issues. And, if you just look at the the train of events, despite the fact that Prime Minister modi ran a campaign which was in some parts, directed at pakistan, our Prime Minister, was one of the first foreign leader to congratulate him. So, and we have i think on our prime ministry of between leaders that is a normal thing. What we are not hearing back from india, is the response from the piece gestures that we are making, and, that is the vacuum, which is for the country of the size that we have, and of the challenges that we face. I think it is a we would like india to respond to take the dialogue forward. Last question, in my initial questions, i want to turn to afghanistan, where pakistan, as obviously borne the brunt of so much of the conflict, for the past 40 years in afghanistan, and u. S. Special envoy elizondo, is pushing for peace talks with the taliban. One of the central questions and all of this is whether and how pakistan can help. For a long time, there has been a view at least by some in this town, pakistan can fix it if they really wanted to. I think even people who know the situation have always doubted it is that easy. But nonetheless, there is this abiding question of whether, you know, whether and how pakistan is prepared to facilitate a push towards a peaceful resolution, or otherwise. And, i know that you cannot speak for the taliban, but in the basis of pakistans long term interactions with the taliban. Do you have a sense of what kind of settlement taliban leaders are looking for within afghanistan . In other words, if there are afghan talks, what is the taliban seeking is a way to move forward, and internal modus. In that case, what can pakistan and others do to help bring that about . If you could shed light on those it would be great. I think pakistan has consistently believed that there is no military solution to the conflict in afghanistan. And, it is as you just said, a very complicated issue, a long history, there are at least three generations in afghanistan, who have not seen anything but conflict and war. And, clearly, now, in terms of what the taliban want, i would say that ambassador khalil azad is better informed than i am and many folks in pakistan by virtue of the several rounds of confrontation that he has had, but, i can tell you, that we have made a serious and sincere effort, in facilitating, in whatever way we can, the Peace Process and reconciliation process. We also believe that, this is not just for us, it is a shared responsibility. For other countries in the region, also to contribute, and we also believe that violence is something that our Prime Minister, we have been saying this privately, already made a very clear statement, condemning violence, urging the taliban to avoid violence and all sides to engage in dialogue. We also believe that, you know, without there being a comprehensive dialogue, we will not have sustainable peace in afghanistan. And, that is why only yesterday, in pakistan, we have quite a large number of afghan leaders, and the Foreign Ministers statement i invite you to look at that statement, i think it really comprehensively lays out what our expectations are. The deals that afghanistan has made over the last 20 years need to be preserved, based on the human involvement front, and the democracy front. There are those elements they are looking at, we will continue, and we have made it clear that we will not let no one use our territory, and we expect that no one else would use the territory against pakistan. And we do not want to bring the war into pakistan. So, these are really the broad principles that we are looking at, heading two, and if you had asked me this question six months ago frankly, i could never have actually guessed that that there will be a day where u. S. On the taliban will spend 60 days in the room talking about peace. And then someone said the other day, that and i think publicly facing pakistan and i said that if he is facing pakistan for pakistans cooperation, think you are right, i think this is an example where a republican of ministries and can do things that a democratic magician cant, interaction with the taliban, i just want to followup, without mentioning india, you alluded to the importance of other countries, in a sense using afghanistan to protect violence into pakistan. The future of afghanistan, is that something where you think india and pakistan can have a productive engagement, if you get the the medic process rolling again . You know, i think what is really important, is for the world to be wary of spoilers. You know in a country that has been in a conflict for too long, you have then the groups based around perpetual conflict, and therefore they are the ones who get to lose if that conflict is over. And then, there are those who perhaps benefit indirectly from the conflict. So, it is very important, that all these factors, and all those who are a part of the conversation, are aware of that, are mindful of that. I dont think there should be any exclusion from the process. And whosoever is in it in good faith, needs to be given the opportunity to contribute. What we are going to do, is, i will ask you all who would like to ask a question or make a comment, raise your hand and i will call on you and then when my colleagues bring you the microphone, please introduce yourself. And, lets start let me see hands to start with, okay. Why dont we start with this gentleman then over there and we will do it this way. Hi ambassador, it was great listening to you im a visiting fellow at the Simpsons Center from International Relations in india. To a common man after events happen like the mumbai attacks, we are caught in these webs of allegations of counter allegation. Pakistan always as they provided the dossier, and then what happens after that. It seems like it is stuck after that, probably did not represent the kind of invitation that pakistan gives. Where do you think the problem lies with these occurrences after every unfortunate incident . Thank you. You know, to be able to address this its a fair question. It is an important question. And i think we are saying that it is very important, for our two countries, to sit across the table, and the Prime Minister offered to have a dialogue on terrorism only. So, you know, and we offered india that we are ready to provide intelligence, and evidence. We are going to work with you, in following up on the tracking and tracing those who may have been responsible for the attack. But unfortunately, the government wanted to make a political point, and instead, they chose to send their aircraft across to pakistan, you know. I speak to you today here, i also have the advantage of hindsight. And so, look at those claims, that a terrorist can take them out. One f16 downed. And its not just what we say. There are supports that are independent who said that none of that was true. So really, i think as the dossier that india shared, we have examined that, we have given our considered view to india, we have yet to hear back from them, on mumbai, also. Look at, the sequence of events , and where things got, stuck, you know, because as an attorney, i can tell you that i cannot present any evidence, which the defense does not have the right to crossexamine. It will not be admissible as evidence in the court of law. And, the instances where you actually had concessions, our citizens are there and i think indian lives and pakistani lives are precious lives. We must hold people to account whenever those lives are lost. We have not acquitted, we may not have concluded because we have not been able to basically get the evidence, had he been made to appear before the initial trials in pakistan, that would have enabled everybody to crossexamine and crosscheck the evidence that was available. So, really, i think that, the ball is in their court and it keeps going back and forth. I think in the Prime Minister of iran there is somebody who is consistent, and even before, as you said, maybe the military was not on board, they are definitely on board now. What is stopping india from taking the actions that pakistan has consistently taken. We practically did it unilaterally. We have suffered from terrorism. We understand the pain of those who suffer from terrorism anywhere. And, we are ready to sit and confront those challenges. The gentleman in the orange shirt. Thank you. I love salmon. Indeed, thank you very much for your time, it is extremely interesting. Im a student and during my studies i am looking at china and a bit of india and south Asian International affairs, and i am interested to hear your opinion on, pakistan obviously has a large amount of investment input from china what we are talking but with china taking over the association, and i was interested to know how you think that will influence potential pakistani indian relationships as we go ahead. Pakistani and who . Pakistan and india, and whoever else, cashmere and where you think that will go in the next few months or years, thank you. I can tell you, that pakistans relationship with china is much smaller than what indian trade relationship with china is. And, the investments that you are alluding to our investments that started, since 2014. And, china came to us frankly looking at, but, if you look at the total portfolio of investments in pakistan, it is just part of several, you know, many other investments from many other countries. So, of course pakistan is open, not just to chinese, we are open to investments from all of the friendly countries. And, some of these economic norms, you know, are there and open, for countries to invest. I dont know how because frankly, you know, in the world today, these notions, that kind of date back to the cold war, that, you know you would only trade with your allies and partners, and that you would not trade with your competitors, it is no longer relevant were true, you know. But given was the socalled allies of competitors and even adversity. Look at some of the biggest relationships in the world today. Look at some of the biggest investment relationships in the world today. So, really, i think pakistan is fortunate to receive investments from china, but that does not mean that we are close brothers, and we would welcome that, and no one needs to basically decide their sovereign options of having relationships with other countries, based on what they are doing with other countries, you know, mutually these are not mutually exclusive relationships. I would like to push that point a little bit further in terms of our relationships with the United States, also. Our relationship with the United States is very important and consequential relationship. Our economic relationship is much older, apart from the relationships he has, so we dont want this to be seen that we dont think we are an important country in our own right. So similarly, our relationship with china, we still are friends with china. So i really dont think that it needs to be seen, that way, and india or any other countries should have that execution. Despite im glad you asked that question. I agree with what the ambassador says, and i think it is a point that really needs to be emphasized. As especially as, politics and discourse in the u. S. Focuses more and more on competition with china. People mentioned belt and rode as an example but the ambassador was seeing people in many of the other countries where china is investing and doing belt and road, which is, we would like other people to be investing in our infrastructure too. And we would actually like to diversify, more is better. Its not like people are kind of, willingly limiting themselves to chinese investments. And, we tend to lose that, perspective here in part because investment doesnt flow from government policy, has directly. But just to emphasize the importance of what the ambassador was saying. I think i want to switch sides, right in front of you, we will take a couple and then moved to the front. Thank you. A wonderful program. I want to look at the foundation. Particularly terrorist about United Nations and United States of america. Do you think pakistan will and over space to to india in International Court and how august and will manage its political economy crisis . Thank you. Out so far as i understand, he is listed under 1267, and pakistan is fulfilling all of its legal obligations, under the un sanctions which does not involve handing anyone over to any where. And about the economic challenges, funded earlier, about the technical and structural aspects of how these augments are determined in terms of putting it on. This is washington correspondent, this is about pakistans diplomatic relations, suspension of security aid and strict restrictions but i want to ask about travel restrictions. Many officials including yourself are facing travel restrictions. Can you tell us the reason for what is going on, is it still active that travel restriction, and secondly, sir, pakistan is a free media society. I have made friends with but then immediate challenges channels can you tell us about the services and pakistan, thank you. What was the first question . Are you restricted in terms of visas . Oh, yes. These are ongoing conversations , that we have with the u. S. Government. And, there are issues on both sides, that we are trying to resolve, in terms of dealing with this 25 mile limit, that we have on the movement of diplomats. And, we hope to resolve this, and some of the other issues that you alluded to, in terms of engagements. On the advice of america. Social service, i am frankly i would not want to comment on something that i am not aware of, in terms of these restrictions. But, i can tell you, being the correspondent here, i think you know it better here, then many in this room, in terms of, the freedoms that are media has in pakistan. You know, and, the channels that object the extent of criticism, and, we have been, you know, in the government, we basically are experiencing that on a daily basis. If so, it is really, i think, sometimes when i hear about the challenges, in regard to the media, i say this. That, you compare the freedoms that we have, and some of the most important stories that are normally broken in pakistan, are basically broken by pakistani media. And there are no bounds in terms of the extent to which the subjects can be covered on the national networks. And, the talk shows over there, can be some of the most exciting challenges here in the United States. Gary here in the second row. Thank you, george, thank you ambassadors for the wonderful talk. Im a visiting fellow here at the center for pakistan, my question is, notwithstanding their risks associated with outsourcing Crisis Management to third parties from india and pakistan has largely been dependent on a third party to resolve the bilateral conflict, and traditionally the United States had been that third party with a large role. How do you think that role has evolved particularly with the recent crises post obama, how the u. S. Efforts have been different from before, and, are there new contenders for the third party with the recent crisis, particularly i asked with lesser interest in the menstruation and events happening in south asia. That is an interesting question. I think, first of all, we are looking forward to a day, where india and pakistan dont really have to depend on a third party, for Crisis Management. And, that was the whole lack, you know. But, unfortunately, we had crises, one after the other, and there are occasions, there have been several, where our friends and partners had to be, because their conversation tracks the face to deliver. And, that is precisely what we want to do, what we are trying to do, and the efforts of the Prime Minister of pakistan are making are basically consistent with that desire to be able to sit face to face across the table, and be able to address all the challenges. And, you are also right, that depending on each point of view, depending on each ideas and preferences, and depending on the broader regional issues, the size and level of u. S. Involvement, has studied for instance during president clinton, it was different. But, i can tell you, that even in the crisis, i think the u. S. Played an Important Role in defusing the situation. And, i think that is where, what is really important, is for the international consequential powers, like United States, to maintain, that objectivity, and neutrality, in terms of assessing and evaluating the situation on the ground. And, to not do things that would be construed, in india or elsewhere, as endorsement of these choices they are making, because clearly, you know, sometimes you have a duty to speak, and the right to remain silent. So, when you dont speak, it is construed as an endorsement, and some of the earlier statements did change, if the u. S. At least the indian media, and even if the u. S. Government did not do that. So, that is i think where our situation, the International Community must come out and state very clearly, so that there is no confusion, and no one construes it as an endorsement of a call for, you know, escalation, and that is where i believe, there is more that the United States and other countries should do. This lady back here. I am interested in two questions, one of them is, can you put insight to what is happening with the dari and sharif in the future, their current situations are complicated. And the second situation is, do you have insight into how the government will approach repatriating all of the pakistani efforts outside of pakistan, what steps might we take to claw some of that back. To the first one, i dont really know. I wish i had a crystal ball, to tell you, what will happen, ambassador, for those of you who dont follow pakistani soap opera, basically, you are asking about the legal moves against both former civilian leaders. Yes. But im telling you about the rest of the people, including those at intellivision. So, these are matters that are substantive. So, we will let the courts decide, and i really dont have anything, to speculate on that. In terms of, i would say rather than repatriating. I would say, coopting. Our National Development effort, and i think that is something that, is a very high priority with the Prime Minister, of pakistan. And i think this government is unique, in terms of its popularity, and its acceptability. With the pakistani dais bar overseas. And the Prime Minister himself, is very keen to coopt him and include him in our national National Development efforts. So we are looking at various ways in which, in this country in particular, i can tell you that we have a very vibrant Pakistani American Community here, close to 1 million. Many of them are actually professionals, doctors, around 20,000 doctors, i. T. Specialists and others, and people who have had productive lives, and are now ready and willing to go back and contribute occasionally. You know, there are people who would like to engage, and similarly, as danny american dais bar is also looking at investment possibilities in pakistan, because, i can tell you, that, you know, with improved security, with Better Energy supplies, the crisis of energy, if you check pakistan, you would know the kinds of crises we used to suffer, internal connectivity with roads and rail has improved tremendously, so that is really, i think, has prepared pakistan, to go to the next level of industrialization. And, that is where these special Economic Zones we are building in pakistan, would welcome investments from overseas pakistani, and particularly from the United States. I am also happy to share this with you, that Companies Like exxon mobil, and even ihop have gone to pakistan, you know. And, another very important steps of the government has taken is to focus on tourism. As i was saying, like you know, travel is lively. The reality on the ground has changed. And i say this, and i can support my statements by presenting to you Empirical Data showing that islamabad has cities and vital neighborhoods. We want those positions of the travel advisory, we really need to debunk some of the problem here is that people either dont know about pakistan, in many cases i go to meet some businessmen and i tell them that we are the fourth largest englishspeaking country, they look at me, with their eyes and mouth open. They really do. And those who know only know the bad things about pakistan. So, that information needs to be plugged. And for that, what we are doing is, we are focusing on supporting tourism. These are policies for u. S. Citizens, not pakistani americans, these are businesses and visas on arrival. We have 57 countries that are now part of the visa on arrival system, and all countries are now a part of the zone, so we want to promote religious tolerance which is a flexion of the greater religious tolerance we want to project through pakistan including the celebrations for the 550 of those. These are professionals who will contribute. Most universities have an official medium of instruction people are surprised like a, we are a common law country. As in iceland, the statutes are in english, they dont know but these are the ways in which we would want to promote a better awareness about the possibilities and opportunities. Lets come to this gentleman here, aaron, and then we will work our way back. Hello, my name is alexi, reporting with a russian news agency. Russia has signed memorandums of understanding with iran, and pakistan, about possible construction of a natural gas pipeline from iran to india through pakistan. I imagine such a pipeline would be raise a double red flag in washington being a russian and iranian project at the same time. United states is usually concerned about any russian pipeline projects, as is the case with the north string, they are openly advocating canceling any such projects. Had this issue come up in conversations in washington with your american colleagues, and if so, what are you hearing from them, thank you . That has not come up in our conversations. I regret i read about this 15 years ago. I thought it was a great idea. Anyway, lets go to the back, garrett, this gentleman with a green shirt, very energetic in the back there. This is ali, a visiting fellow at the center, thank you for an excellent talk. He readily talked about pakistan and in the other world country not standing to gain while conducting dialogue with other countries. Should this be the point of how American Relations are hyphenated from the american prison and indian prison . Our Prime Minister in hong kong he has a great deal of focus on resetting u. S. Relations in such a manner that allows countries to have Mutual Respect for one another. And also, his vision of economic diplomacy is one deeply during one of your answers. My main question is, we have often times seen the u. S. , making claims that are not theirs. So, their debates for Tactical Nuclear weapons, like that is our matter. So, are we getting to where, given that you hold these, are we getting toward some kind of a reset, where this Mutual Respect and noninterference in some matters, this kind of a relationship where the two governments can actually develop an end freshman friendly business relationship thats away from those we normally have a relationship with . Thats where we want to be. And i think i see good tidings. One very important convergence, because ive spent a lot of time in the city and im a man of deep skepticism also. About things but at the same time, i think that the convergence, where the president of the United States and we have a Prime Minister to has been a longstanding advocate of the revelation of that country through peace. So, its really important to start working on things that you do have that convergence. And i think where we see a lot of potential, where unfortunately the terrorists incidents it gets a lot of Media Attention in coverage. When a native u. S. Company goes to pakistan, it doesnt really get the kind of attention in the news, it doesnt sell that well. But, in reality, but that contributes to the relationship is much more than the challenges we face. So, our job really is, while securing fees has been a important part of the relationship, we really need to move out and lick it all of it, and there are tremendous possibilities because we happen to be sandwiched between china and india but we are a significant country. So there are tremendous possibilities and opportunities and strategic locations like we have, and i said this to the American Government because you know, i cant think of a family with any influence in pakistan that does not have at least one blood relation that the us citizen. Every other or third civil survey in pakistan is either educated or trained in this country. Every third or Fourth Military man in pakistan is either educated or trained in this country. We are a democracy. So there are values, there are systems and you can walk in any office and youre likely to come across someone with whom you will be able to communicate. And i say this, the value of this is not really appreciated because as someone who has served and doesnt speak english and to be able to communicate so, i would say and i think there is skepticism. What unites us is much more than what divides us and there is this will and determination there was an inconsequential relationship and we want to get to that point. I think the basis has to be measured reality of benefit Mutual Respect. You can change your mind. [ laughter ] im a journalist with voice of america, excellency, interNational Security experts here and abroad are concerned about the isis movement shifting from a city in iraq to afghanistan. They feel that in the future isis will be a great part of salvation and parts of pakistan as well. How concerned are prepared is the new pakistan, the new government in pakistan, to the challenge of isis i think this makes everyone join hands in terms of trying to deal with these ongoing spaces wherever they are and particularly in afghanistan because, if you look at the ideology that isis cells in the narrative that they have, i have a feeling that their narrative resonates more in places and in countries where in a minoritys there are very limited scopes for them to basically find because they already view the narrative they are building and projecting will not hold any ground. The other is ongoing spaces that might exist that will give them the option of setting up their shops there and it was our goal to see peace return in afghanistan and so maturely integration into mainstream pakistan is a historic step in that is again basically designed and into the economic mainstream and legal mainstream and political mainstream. In terms of the crossborder movement also, pakistan has already cut theres actually been 1000 kilometer fence on our border to basically to complete it to address other concerns and the , harness that perhaps. We would like order management, it will be a challenge and would like to deal with that effectively and to achieve peace. Because once they have peace, the thing that will also help them take care of those spaces and places for this possibility because already, you know, statistically also, and some of the recent attacks and it borders on pakistan i have a question on iran, what about the ongoing tension between the u. S. And iran and if the situation escalates, how will they approach the whole issue considering this balancing saudi iran Foreign Policy issue , so how do you see, what is your verdict on that i dont think its an issue the foreign minister was in toronto and in pakistan and we already had very good ties with saudi arabia and we always had good ties with our allegiant neighbor. Like most of the countries in the region of course we are concerned. With any possible escalation and we and urging to dissolve the issues with international law. So, yes, we are concerned and we would like to see it resolved sooner than later and we have our hands full already. So, that is another area where we would like to see peace continue second with the partnership for a secure america. There have been tensions in the region and with the rises in power since 2014 and is the party of selfproclaimed international is, how does the pakistan approach to dealing with members of the bjp change as they become increasingly internationalist and theres been more and more conflict between hindus and muslims in the region . You know, obviously its not for me to speak about the people of india and the choices they make, the democratic choices that they make, in terms of the political ideology or leaders they elect, its really for the indian people. You know, india is a huge country, its a very diverse country. And, when we seek to shame it in any particular way, that creates a stress that will be felt by those who are not part of that framework or whatever framework is being advocated and pushed and, in pakistan i can say that we are coming back from the point where we are determined to create or deal with extremism. We are taking measures to deal with fundamentalism. And, we are trying to go back to accepting society and embracing society like we were. The society i grew up in. So these divisions will create consequences for us and in pakistan sometimes what is of consequence is the fact that sometimes, extremism across the border provides oxygen to our own extremists also. And that is where concern would be but i think besides that this is really for the people of india who made those choices and should be able to make those choices in a democratic way. One second, heres the microphone. Thank you for the opportunity. Pakistan american congress, this whole transition has been working for 20 years for a Good Relationship within the u. S. And pakistan. Having said that, i would like to ask the ambassador, what are the latest moves and plans to increase u. S. In companies and improve for pakistan . Thank you expect this is one of the highest priorities that i have is ambassador we are going out to other states and cities and theres a clear lack of information on the possibilities and opportunities in pakistan. People are looking at it with an open mind and so far ive received a good response with the delegation going to pakistan next month. We will also be working on the Business Opportunities conference. In september we are organizing a pakistan summit in the Silicon Valley with the support ration of some u. S. Companies and leading Pakistani Companies acting in Silicon Valley. We are also planning to do one here in washington dc just to sensitize people about the possibility. So, obviously that is just one part of what we can do. The real action is on the ground and he personally committed to steer and oversee the ease of doing business and improving the ease of doing business in pakistan and enhancing pakistans compatibility going up by 20 notches. Were determined to improve and the government has not similarly if you wish to register in pakistan you can do it in one day. So, these are the things that would make it easier for people to go and see for themselves, and i say this again. One of the most effective ways of debunking the myths about pakistan, which is the biggest part of warmth and generosity of the people in this notion of people hating americans, you can only feel that once you go there and you experience the country and meet the people. Then, obviously, one of the reasons why we advertise this as it helps to open the window. Clearly, for instance, much before it came an investment Credit Island was a decimation before it became and u. S. Franchises to come also. That is what and how i propose to move your and need the support of the pakistani dashboard and the results of that. On that hopeful note i want to conclude. I want to thank all of you for coming and i want to ask you in thinking ambassador khan. [ applause ] book tv this weekend saturday at 7 p. M. Eastern time, in his book the u. S. Senate and the commonwealth the Senate Majority leader Mitch Mcconnell provides a history of kentucky lawmakers and their leadership in the u. S. Senate. Sunday morning at 10 30 pm eastern, Washington Post talks about kim jong un in her book the great successor. 27 years old when he took over and he been able to hold onto the leadership and defy expectations. I wanted to try to figure out why as a reporter , i went out and tried to report it out, so i tried to re create the childhood and bring together as much information as i could about how he grew up and how he became what he is today and how he justifies the brutal things he does to remain the leader. At nine pm1 afterwards george surreal discusses his time as an executive in the Trump Organization and is interviewed by cnn anchor and senior political analyst, john avlon. In my view, we have issues with china and russia and we can see these are the big emerging forces that we have to deal with. Is in it pretty smart for him to have Good Relationships with the leaders . Isnt that a smart thing. . I take comfort in the fact that these people are talking to each other. This weekend on book tv on cspan2. Im a white male and im prejudiced and the reason is it something i wasnt taught but something i learned. I dont like to be forced to like people, i like to be led to light people through example, what can i do to change . To be a better american . That was a remarkable moment and i didnt really realize until i stepped off the set because there were more calls after that and we had to keep going, how powerful it was. Theres something in his voice that touched me, you can hear it, its so authentic as he searches for the words to Say Something to a National Audience that most of us wont admit in our homes. Im prejudiced. Sunday night and q a, president of the Public Policy organization was a guest on washington journal in august 2016 when gary so vitello called and talked about the interaction and the followup with mr. So vitello. Out of the reason is remember, this is august, weve had this racially charged summer with drums campaign with blacklivesmatter in a Police Shooting and tragic events in baton rouge and dallas, it was really a time when all people were seeing on tv about race was bad news in here was first, a white man admitting that he was prejudiced which for people of color was resulted in finally. Sunday night on q a. Earlier today the british Prime Minister theresa may answered questions from members of the house of commons on domestic and Foreign Policy issues. Several questions focus on the uks policy on arms sales to saudi arabia following a British Court decision, ruling it unlaul