Foreign Office Clarifies on Pakistan-Saudi Defense Cooperation, Rejects Claims of Air Force Involvement Abroad
Islamabad:Pakistan’s Foreign Office has dismissed reports suggesting that the Pakistan Air Force is participating in armed conflicts abroad and strongly rejected recent statements made by India’s External Affairs Minister.
In a weekly press briefing, spokesperson Tahir Andrabi addressed questions about reports regarding the potential sale of JF-17 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. He confirmed that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain strong and multifaceted defense cooperation, but emphasized that no specific defense platform or agreement has been finalized. “Any confirmation of a potential defense deal will be made only after official completion,” he said. Andrabi also stated that there is no official decision to send additional Pakistani troops to Saudi Arabia.
Responding to India’s recent statements, he said that the remarks were an attempt to divert attention from Indian-sponsored terrorism. He criticized India for attempting to lecture Pakistan instead of reviewing its own policies and condemned India for backing terrorism globally.
Regarding Afghanistan, Andrabi said Pakistan opposes the use of Afghan territory by external actors for terrorist activities and stressed the need for verifiable written assurances from the Taliban regime to prevent such misuse. He reiterated that Pakistan is against any foreign intervention or use of force, including in Iran.
On regional issues, the spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance against Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing it as an attempt to divide brotherly Somalia, and highlighted Pakistan’s support for China on national unity issues and recognition of Pakistan’s sacrifices in counterterrorism efforts.
Andrabi also addressed water security concerns, emphasizing the international significance of the Indus Water Treaty and warning that India cannot construct dams unilaterally on the Jhelum or Neelum rivers. He noted that Pakistan continues to observe Jammu and Kashmir Self-Determination Day, highlighting India’s attempts since August 5, 2019, to alter the region’s demographics, and condemned the continued detention of Kashmiri political leaders.
He concluded by stressing Pakistan’s commitment to regional and international cooperation, adherence to international law, and a firm stance against terrorism, while firmly opposing India’s unilateral and irresponsible actions.
