Pakistan-Saudi Defense Pact Not Against Any Third Country: Foreign Office

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, clarified that the recently signed defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is purely defensive in nature and not directed against any third country. He stressed that the pact aims to strengthen peace, security, and stability in the region.

Speaking at the weekly media briefing, Khan said that both nations’ leaderships are committed to elevating bilateral ties, while the strategic defense agreement formalizes decades-long strong cooperation. *“Under this agreement, an attack on one country will be considered an attack on both,”* he explained, highlighting its significance in ensuring mutual security.

The spokesperson added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Saudi Arabia on September 17 at the invitation of the Saudi King, where he was accorded a warm welcome and held official talks with the Saudi leadership.

Khan underscored that defense collaboration has been a cornerstone of Pakistan-Saudi ties since the 1960s, and this latest agreement further cements that partnership.

On regional issues, Khan said that during the emergency Islamic Summit in Doha, Israeli aggression was discussed, and a joint declaration was unanimously adopted condemning Israel’s attacks as illegal and unprovoked. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister strongly denounced the Israeli actions at the forum and lauded Qatar’s mediation role. He added that Pakistan also raised the matter at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, calling for an urgent debate.