Pakistan committed to implementing Saudi defence pact, Makkah agreement: FO

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) with Saudi Arabia and the trilateral Makkah Defence Alliance amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

Speaking at a weekly briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said Pakistan remained committed to the agreements “in intent and spirit.”

Responding to questions about Pakistan’s response to recent Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia, the spokesperson said details regarding the timing, location and nature of any potential military response would remain confidential.

“Operational confidentiality requires us to be discreet at this stage,” Khan said.

He described the situation in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait as “exceptionally serious” and called on the Houthis to halt their activities.

Khan said Pakistan supported resolving regional tensions through dialogue and diplomacy rather than coercive measures, stressing that peace and stability were in the interests of Pakistan, Iran and the wider region.

PM Shehbaz to Lead Pakistan’s Delegation at UNGA

The Foreign Office also announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead Pakistan’s delegation to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with several federal ministers, will accompany the premier.

According to the Foreign Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz will highlight Pakistan’s position on regional and global developments and reaffirm the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution.

His address is expected to cover sustainable development, climate change, counterterrorism, Islamophobia, global economic challenges, UN reforms and issues concerning the Global South.

The prime minister will also raise the situations in Indian-administered Kashmir and Palestine.

During the visit, Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to attend high-level events and hold bilateral meetings with world leaders and the UN secretary-general, where he will underscore Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism, the UN Charter, regional peace and international cooperation.

The Author

Tauqeer Riaz

See author's posts