(11 Oct 2001)
1. Wideshot of press briefing
2. SOUNDBITE: (English) Aziz Ahmad Khan, Pakistani foreign ministry spokesman
"I told you that I was not going to comment on any military matters if there is any need to speak on it. At the moment there are no reports of any combat troops in Pakistan but having said that I will again say please refrain from asking any questions concerning military situation."
3. Wideshot of briefing
4. SOUNDBITE: (English) Aziz Ahmad Khan, Pakistani foreign ministry spokesman
"The Indian foreign minister has been extended an invitation to come to Pakistan the dates of that visit or invitation have not been settled. I have not seen any statement where by he has refused the invitation of visiting Pakistan."
5. Cameraman pans
6. SOUNDBITE: (English) Aziz Ahmad Khan, Pakistani foreign ministry spokesman
"At the moment we have stated and have expected the hope that the strikes inside Afghanistan are of a short duration and that they concentrate on the terrorist targets and nothing more."
7. Cutaway
8. SOUNDBITE: (English) Aziz Ahmad Khan, Pakistani foreign ministry spokesman
"The information secretary has stated that there are no combat forces in Pakistan. As far as the support is concerned that it is intelligence sharing, airspace and logistic support that Pakistan has agreed to."
9. Wideshot of press briefing
10. Cameraman
STORYLINE:
Pakistan foresees a short and targeted military campaign against alleged terrorist Osama bin Laden and his Taliban supporters in Afghanistan, but a long and sustained war on terrorism, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Thursday.
Spokesman Aziz Ahmad Khan speaking in Islamabad once again denied that any foreign troops were present on Pakistani soil.
During the briefing Khan also said that Pakistan has extended an invitation to India's foreign minister.
This is important in the light of reports that Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee indicated that military action was being considered against terrorists operating in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.
Asked for a response, Khan said in Islamabad, "Pakistan desires settlement of all issues with India through peaceful means." At the same time, he said, "Pakistan is ready ... to face any aggression and would repulse any aggression."
Both Pakistan and India claim Kashmir, and have fought two wars over the Himalayan province since British rule ended on the subcontinent in 1947.
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