Pakistan-Saudi Pact aimed at regional stability, not aggression: FO

Islamabad: At the weekly media briefing on Friday Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said that, the historic defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is solely defensive in nature and does not pose any threat or carry implications against any other country

According to the spokesperson, formal talks were held between the two leaders at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, where they discussed in detail the historic and strategic relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. On this occasion, both countries signed a Strategic Defense Agreement, which the spokesperson described as a “significant milestone for promoting peace and security in the region and beyond.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the Saudi leadership, while the Crown Prince conveyed best wishes for the people of Pakistan.

Regarding the OIC meeting held in Doha, Qatar on September 18, the spokesperson said that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar represented Pakistan at the summit. During the session, Mr. Dar strongly condemned the Israeli aggression on Qatar and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Muslim countries.

The spokesperson also noted that Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, visited Doha as well. Pakistan strongly condemned the Israeli attack on Qatar and the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and Palestine.

Commenting on President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to China, the spokesperson said that the President held meetings with Chinese leadership and signed several MoUs, particularly in the field of education.

The Foreign Office further informed that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with his Egyptian counterpart, during which the Egyptian Foreign Minister congratulated Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on the signing of the new defense agreement.

The spokesperson clarified that defense relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have existed since the 1960s, and the current agreement is not directed against any third country.

Addressing recent allegations by India, the spokesperson rejected claims that Pakistan posed a nuclear threat, calling them “misinformation.” He urged Indian leadership to reflect on its own actions and play a constructive role in ensuring regional peace.

The spokesperson said Pakistan has not received any official communication from India regarding the denial of visas or restrictions on Sikh pilgrims, although it is well known that India has long restricted Sikh pilgrims from visiting Pakistan. He confirmed that Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib remains fully operational.

Commenting on Afghanistan, the spokesperson reiterated the Prime Minister’s statement for maintaining “good neighborly relations” with Kabul, adding that the message has been conveyed to the Afghan government through diplomatic channels.

He further noted that Special Representative Sadiq Khan’s visit is part of routine engagement, and Pakistan does not comment on statements made by Zalmay Khalilzad. Issues related to Bagram Air Base were described as a bilateral matter between the Afghan and U.S. governments.

The spokesperson concluded by stating that the date for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s address at the United Nations General Assembly will be announced soon.