Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan is currently serving as Spokesperson and Additional Foreign Secretary (Strategic Communications Division & Public Diplomacy), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan.
Transcript of the Press Briefing by the Spokesperson on Friday, 19th September 2025
Assalam-o-Alaikum,
Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At the invitation of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif embarked on a state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 17 September 2025.
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received the Prime Minister of Pakistan in Riyadh. Both sides held an official session of talks in the presence of delegations from both countries where they reviewed the historic and strategic relations between both countries and exchanged views on a number of topics of common interest.
Building on the historic partnership extending for nearly eight decades between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and based on the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, as well as shared strategic interests and close defense cooperation between the two countries, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister and His Excellency Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan signed the “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA)”.
This agreement reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and achieve security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered as aggression against both.
The Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to him and the accompanying delegation. The Prime Minister also conveyed his best wishes for the continued well-being of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the continued progress and prosperity, for the brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In turn, His Royal Highness extended his warm wishes for the good health and well-being of the Prime Minister of Pakistan and for the further progress and prosperity of the brotherly people of Pakistan.
An Emergency Session of the Arab-Islamic Summit was convened on 15th September 2025 in Doha, Qatar in the aftermath of Israel’s airstrikes on Doha on 9th September 2025. The Prime Minister represented Pakistan at the Summit which was preceded by a Ministerial Preparatory Meeting on 14th September, also in Doha, where the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister participated. The Ministerial meeting deliberated on and finalized the Joint Communique that was adopted by the Arab-Islamic Summit.
The Summit addressed the situation arising out of Israel’s unprovoked airstrikes against the State of Qatar which violated its sovereignty and territorial integrity and resulted in the unfortunate loss of innocent lives. The Heads of State/Government of over 50 Arab and Islamic States participated in the Emergency Summit.
During the preparatory Ministerial meeting preceding the Summit, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister condemned the illegal and unprovoked Israeli aggression against Qatar. He appreciated Qatar’s role as a mediator and a proponent for regional peace. He informed that Pakistan has called upon the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on behalf of the OIC to convene an urgent debate on the matter. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the brotherly states in safeguarding their sovereignty against threats to their independence and territorial integrity.
The Preparatory Meeting finalized the Joint Communique, adopted by the Summit. The Joint Communique is a powerful document that manifests the spirit of unity and solidarity amongst the Ummah against Israel, a serial violator of international law and a rogue state with hegemonic ambitions. The Joint Communique called upon international community to hold Israel accountable for its unchecked impunity, its egregious atrocities against the Palestinians and its reckless adventurism against other countries of the region.
After the conclusion of preparatory meeting on 14th September, the Summit was held on 15th September 2025. The Prime Minister led the Pakistan delegation, including the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Defense Minister, Information Minister and other senior officials. The Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, also travelled to Doha and accompanied the Prime Minister during his various meetings with participating leaders.
In his speech at the Summit, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s complete solidarity with Qatar and other brotherly Muslim States that have been victims of Israeli aggression. He highlighted the need for Islamic solidarity and a coordinated joint front in repulsing the growing Israeli adventurism in the region. He reiterated, in categoric terms, Pakistan’s unflinching commitment to the Palestinian cause. The Prime Minister also re-indorsed in his speech the 7-point action plan to counter the Israeli aggression that the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister mentioned in his statement at the preparatory session.
On the sidelines of the Summit, the Prime Minister also held bilateral meetings with the Emir of State of Qatar, the Crown Prince of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the King of Jordan and the Presidents of Egypt and Iran.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister received a phone call from Egypt’s Foreign Minister on 13th September 2025 prior to the Summit, where both leaders strongly condemned the Israeli unprovoked illegal strikes on Doha and discussed modalities and details of the preparatory meeting.
President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari is currently undertaking his visit to China. He has visited Chengdu, Shanghai, and Xinjiang Autonomous region and held meetings with the provincial leadership. President also held meetings with the CPC officials of these provinces. In Chengdu, President Asif Ali Zardari visited China’s AVIC aircraft complex. He lauded the role of JF-17 and J-10 aircrafts in strengthening Pakistan Air Force and hailed AVIC as a symbol of Pak-China friendship. In Shanghai, the President of Pakistan witnessed the signing of MoUs on agriculture, vocational training, and recycling. These agreements mark a practical step in strengthening Pakistan-China cooperation in food security, technology and environmental sustainability.
On 16 September, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, received a telephone call from the Foreign Minister of Germany.
The two leaders appreciated the positive momentum in Pakistan-German relations and reaffirmed their commitment to deeper cooperation.
They held an in-depth exchange of views on regional and global issues, agreeing to maintain close dialogue to promote mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation in shared areas of interest.
They also looked forward to meeting on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly next week.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister received a call last evening from the Foreign Minister of Egypt. The Egyptian Foreign Minister warmly felicitated Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on the signing of the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, calling it an important milestone in strengthening partnership, trust and cooperation.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional & international developments, underscoring the importance of peace, stability & economic progress. They reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral cooperation and look forward to substantive interactions at the UN General Assembly Session next week.
On 13th September, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister received a call from the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-US ties and discussed recent regional and international developments. They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations across multifaceted areas of cooperation.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan, along with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain and Türkiye, has expressed concern about the security of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civil society initiative in which citizens of these countries are participating.
The Global Sumud Flotilla has informed about its objectives of delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and raising awareness about the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people and the need to stop the war in Gaza.
Both objectives, peace and humanitarian aid delivery, together with the respect for international law, including humanitarian law, are shared by all our governments.
We, therefore, call on everyone to refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the Flotilla, to respect international law and international humanitarian law.
We recall that any violation of international law and human rights of the participants in the Flotilla, including attack against vessels in international waters or illegal detention, will lead to accountability.
Pakistan is deeply saddened by the passing of Prof. Abdul Ghani Bhat, former Chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference. We pay tribute to his lifelong commitment to the Kashmir Cause. We convey our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.
I thank you all.
***
(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): Sir, let me offer a comment before I ask my question, the whole nation is very jubilant about the SMDA signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and it is utilizing the role played by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. My query is that will the text of the agreement be made available at some point and, if so, when? Also, is there any sunset clause available or has been inculcated in this agreement? And a second unrelated question is that what do you think of American President Donald Trump’s statement on the takeover Bagram airbase again? What would be the implications if Washington acts upon this desire of the honorable President of the United States?
(Syed Baqir Sajjad, Daily Dawn): I want to follow up on what Mr. Saleh Zafir has said, sir, can you categorically state if this agreement, signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, targets or is meant to target Israel, or does it address the broad spectrum of threats perceived by the Saudi leadership? Secondly, if we recall, that in February 2018 when Pakistan last announced deployment of troops in Saudi Arabia, there was a clear mention that these troops will not be used outside the territory of Saudi Arabia. Have those rules of engagement changed? And finally, it has been our long-standing position that our nuclear deterrence is India-specific. It now seems, however, that the policy has changed. When did this change occur? I am asking because the Defense Minister has just said, and I read on Newswire while on my way to the Foreign Office, that the nuclear deterrent can now be made available to Saudi Arabia. So, are we now extending our nuclear deterrent to a third country?
(Anwer Abbas, 24 News HD): Sir, I want to know that that our Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos is still ongoing with India as no ceasefire has been announced yet by either side, so, now that we have the defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, and if India displays aggression, will Saudi forces come to Pakistan’s defense? Secondly sir, will we extend the nuclear umbrella to Saudi Arabia as per this agreement, in case of an attack on Saudi Arabia? Thirdly, in case of an Israeli attack on Saudi Arabia, will our forces be directly taking up arms to fight Israel?
(Abdullah Momand, Dawn): Just a follow up question, there was nothing, no whisper, no news about this agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan before the Israeli attack on Qatar. So, was it a rushed agreement or was it a result of some preparatory work either by the Foreign Office or our Embassy in Riyadh? Was the civilian government taken onboard for this as well?
(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Many of the questions have already been asked by my colleagues. There is an understanding amongst GCC countries that an attack on one member is considered as an attack on all, and Netanyahu, in a recent statement, has said that he will attack Qatar again. So, is there a bar if Qatar or any other country wants to join this agreement?
(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Sir, an important agreement like SMDA requires discussions and extensive homework, when did these discussions initiate? Were they initiated pre- or post-Pahalgam Incident and the Pakistan-India standoff that ensued in wake of the Pahalgam Incident?
(Zeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): A few years ago, a force of 28 Muslim countries, which was led by the former Army Chief of Pakistan, General Raheel Sharif, was founded. What came of that agreement? Secondly, now that SMDA has concluded, which would consider an attack on Pakistan or Saudi Arabia as an attack on both, there is a question making rounds on social media that will the debt owed by Pakistan also be considered as mutual by Saudi Arabia?
(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): Sir, historically, the US has been providing security to Arab countries. In the aftermath of the attack on Qatar and this agreement, is there any change in the outlook of Muslim countries? Are they looking at Pakistan now for provision of security?
(Shahzad Mirza, Daily Media): My question is regarding the Defense Agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, is a similar agreement expected between Pakistan and China?
(Syed Asif Ali, Din News): Now that the agreement has been signed by both sides, will it come into effect immediately or will it be ratified by the Cabinet and the Parliament? What would be the way forward?
Spokesperson: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy a long and distinguished history of brotherhood and cooperation. Pakistan-Saudi Arabia, bilateral relations are unique, enduring, and multifaceted. The leadership of the two countries shared the common vision to take it to new heights. The relationship lives in the hearts of the people of the two countries. The people of Pakistan have special sentiments for Saudi Arabia, the land of Mecca and Medina, and they hold the royal family in high esteem for being the custodian of the holy sites. Since the 1960s, defense cooperation has served as one of the principle pillars of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia’s all-encompassing bilateral relations. The strategic mutual defense agreement formalizes this decades old and robust defense partnership. It is defensive in nature and not directed against any third country. It will contribute to regional peace, security and stability. The statement issued by two countries is self-explanatory, and I have also provided the broader context, any misplaced attribution or speculation of hypothetical scenarios is unwarranted.
(Anas Mallick, Capital TV): Two questions, the Prime Minister is already on a visit abroad, he is expected to be in the US later this week. Can you update as to when he is due to address the upcoming UNGA Session and if he will be meeting with the US president as well? That is question one. My second question is that the Indian Prime Minister has once again, laughably, said or reiterated that the so-called Operation Sindoor is still ongoing, and that the Indian soldiers brought Pakistan to its knees, and that it was not afraid of any “nuclear threats”. He also spoke about a new India. Would like your comments on the matter.
Spokesperson: Okay, sir, I will try to respond to the second question. The remarks reflect a dangerous tendency to distort facts, justify aggression and glorify the conflict for domestic consumption. Pakistan’s resounding success in neutralizing the Indian fighter jets and military targets is an indisputable fact. Instead of misleading their compatriots, the Indian leaders would be well advised to acknowledge the losses incurred by their armed forces. India should reflect on its own campaign of orchestrating targeted assassinations, subversion and terrorism in foreign territories, rather than maligning others for terrorism. Besides, the Indian narrative of an alleged nuclear threat by Pakistan is a misleading and self-serving construct and an attempt to veil its own escalatory impulses while shifting blame onto Pakistan. It is well known that Pakistan deterred India through its conventional capabilities, affirming that discipline and restraint remain its guiding principles. India’s continued reliance on disinformation, jingoism and chest-thumping risk destabilizing South Asia. However, as a responsible country, Pakistan remains committed to peace, regional stability and a meaningful dialog for resolution of all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir.
Some of my colleagues from press also pointed out the Prime Minister’s speech is scheduled for 26th September, but we will reconfirm it to you. And finally, about the meetings, they are still being firmed up, so, as soon as the details are finalized, we will communicate it to our colleagues in the media.
(Adeel Bashir, Roze News): Sir, we have seen a press conference held by the Prime Minister of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir government and political leadership a few days ago, where they displayed a cypher which detailed how India is financing a few organizations outside Pakistan and inside the AJK for an uprising. Would you like to share the exact nature of this cypher’s credibility?
Spokesperson: The press conference is self-explanatory. What I can add is India’s involvement in promoting terrorism, subversion and espionage in Pakistan is well known. India should desist from creating disturbance on foreign soil and improve its own human rights record.
(Shaukat Piracha, Aaj TV): We saw how recent floods devastated swathes of land in Pakistan. We also saw the flooding of the Kartarpur Sahib, a sacred site for Sikhs. Is the Kartarpur Sahib now fully functional? My second question is that there are media reports that the Government of India has denied Sikh pilgrims from making pilgrimage to Pakistan in November for the commemoration of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary. Would like your comment on this development because the agreement or protocol for religious visits is still in place. And if you allow me, I have another question regarding the Pak-Saudi Agreement which is that Pakistani forces and civilians face a security threat from terrorist hideouts on Afghan soil and Saudi Arabia itself has also faced terror in the past, will the security concerns of both countries be taken into consideration?
Spokesperson: About the question on Sikh pilgrims, we have seen the relevant news reports but we have not received any official intimation in this regard. Pakistan is a proud custodian of many religious sites of the Sikh faith. Every year, it welcomes thousands of Sikh pilgrims from across the world. As always, it would be glad to receive pilgrims for different holy sites, especially for visits covered under the bilateral protocol on visit to religious sites of 1974. Katarpur Sahib was, of course, affected in terms of the flooding during the recent monsoon rains, but now it is fully clean and clear. In terms of functionality, the broader point is that Pakistan has never closed Kartapur Corridor despite recent hostilities by India. On the other hand, it is the Indian side that has not been allowing pilgrims to avail the corridor since May 2025. As always, we are ready to welcome the pilgrims from the Indian side. For questions relating to what is and what is not covered by the agreement or what could happen in a hypothetical scenario, I will restrict myself to the statement I have delivered right now.
(Tahir Khan, NNI): Let me start by repeating the question of Mr. Saleh Zafar that President trump has talked about Bagram airbase, but there’s one point that he said that it is at the distance of one hour from China, so he might be thinking of monitoring China. Secondly, there were some reports that Ambassador Sadiq is being sent to give a stern warning to the Taliban Government about what is happening here. Are they friends? Moreover, there are reports that Pakistan has some of the Afghan envoys in Islamabad in this regard but I heard that Pakistan might have sent a protest note to an Afghan Ambassador in which there is indignation regarding his recent meeting with the leaders of opposition. Is it true?
(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Sir, let me comment on the report by Mr. Tahir khan which was published in Dawn regarding the release of prisoners. My query is that Zalmay Khalilzad has pressed upon the leadership of Pakistan that they should engage with the leadership of Afghan Taliban rather than creating hostile situations between both countries. He has talked about engagement again, sir.
(Zeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Sir, Prime Minister visited Bannu and said that Afghanistan should choose whether Pakistan or TTP. And before this, Army Chief visited Peshawar in January and there in a meeting with the political leadership he said that we have given several warnings to the Taliban Government but they are showing non-compliance. Sir, what are its diplomatic repercussions because our diplomatic relations upgraded after January as well and Ambassador Sadiq Khan is also playing his role so, what are we going to…
(Asghar Ali Mubarak, The Daily Mail International): Sir, regarding strong statements delivered by the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal in Bannu at the funeral of 16 martyrs, has foreign office diplomatically conveyed it?
Spokesperson: Sir, I’ll divide your questions into two parts. The Prime Minister’s statement is very clear, and it’s in the public domain. It authoritatively explains Pakistan’s position very clearly. I don’t have much to add to that. Basically, what I can say is that Afghanistan is a close neighbor. We want a brotherly relationship, as it should be between two good neighbors. I have been in briefings repeatedly highlighting that the core impediment remains the sanctuaries enjoyed by the terrorists there. So, the Prime Minister’s message is very clear. Kabul has to select Pakistan or TTP. I don’t have anything to add to that. So Prime Minister’s message, which is a policy statement, has been communicated to the Afghan side through diplomatic channels also, this I can confirm. But regarding specifics about each diplomatic interactions we don’t release details to media.
Ambassador Sadiq, holds a very important position. His visits to Afghanistan is part of his mandate. These visits are regular and they have been happening in the past. You have the full grasp of the past visits and his important role in Pakistan-Afghan relations. Right now, with the clarity of the Prime Minister’s message, we don’t think there is any further reinforcement of message needed. But if another visit by Ambassador Sadiq is planned, we will brief friends in the media. We hope our Afghan friends will make the right choice, they will choose the right partner, which is Pakistan, friendship with Pakistan and neighborly relations with Pakistan.
About Zalmay Khalilzad’s statements, we don’t comment on every individual’s opinion. Media is full of various assessments and statements. Khalilzad’s, proclivity against Pakistan is well known; this hostility is one of the constants, and I think the only time he is not thinking of Pakistan is when he is sleeping!.
On Bagram, in terms of our diplomatic position, this is an issue between Afghanistan and the United States. Of course, whatever happens in our region, we follow it. But I don’t have any comment to offer.
(Zahid Farooq Malik, Daily Metro Watch): Two to three members of the Federal cabinet Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Sanaullah and others said that after signing of defence pact with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan is going to sign similar defence agreements with other Gulf countries. Jawad Sami also suggested that Iran should be included in the defense agreement as well. Gulf Cooperation Council is trying to implement the policy that attack on one country is attack on all countries, so if Muslim countries form a military alliance and Pakistan attacks Afghanistan to eliminate terrorists, or if Pakistan faces similar situation, how Pakistan will see it?
Spokesperson: I will divide your question into two parts. First is, in your question, you have mentioned statements made by ministers, I am not aware of these. What I have articulated is the position of the government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Pakistan-Saudi defense agreement. That is the first part. Secondly, Sir, regarding questions like if agreement is to be expanded, whether it is an Ummah agreement etc. all this is too speculative and hypothetical for me to comment on.
(Amna Ali, Daily Express): How Pakistan will benefit economically from this agreement and secondly, is Saudi Arabia interested in investing Pakistan’s missile program?
Spokesperson: Anwar Abbas also asked the question regarding the economic aspect of the agreement. First of all, Pakistan-Saudia relationship is a multifaceted relationship. Defense has been a very critical and important component of it. Just as defense is important, economic cooperation is also an important component. But at the same time within the overall ambit, these are different tracks.
Secondly, Pakistan Saudi Arabia relationship in terms of this overall domain is guided by, Pakistan-Saudi Supreme Coordination Council, an overarching framework of cooperation. It has three pillars, and one of them is economic. While the pillars of cooperation are interlinked, they are designed to improve cooperation independently of the other areas. So economic cooperation remains robust, and we look forward to further deepening economic cooperation between the two countries. About the details of the defense cooperation or the defense production sector, I am not in a position to comment on that, but overall defense relations remain robust and solid.
(Namrah Sohail, PTV): Sir, prominent Kashmiri leader, Mirwaiz Omar Farooq has said that him and thousands of other people were not allowed to attend the funeral of senior Hurriyat leader, Professor Abdul Ghani Bhatt and he also maintained that Abdul Ghani Bhatt’s family was hurried to complete the funeral process. What is your comment on that?
(Raziq Mehmood Bhatti, Kashmir Express): In IOJK, some extremist Hindu adults stopped old citizens who were going for prayers and they were harassed and threatened of murder. Such inhumane acts have increased. Did Pakistan also protest against the closure of ‘Darsgahs’ which was run by a trust or did Pakistan take steps for its reopening?
Spokesperson: Evidently, these developments are yet another manifestation of Indian authorities’ high handed and brutal approach vis-a-vis the Kashmiri people. You would also recall the callous handling of the mortal remains of Sayyed Ali Shah Gilani and the inhuman treatment meted out to his family and loved ones upon his death. It seems that the local Indian authorities are afraid even of the funerals of Huriyat leaders. However, the Kashmiri people’s strong desire for realization of their rights to self-determination cannot be suppressed through such oppressive tactics.
(Waseem Abbasi, Arab News): The United States has announced revocation of this exemption offered to India on development of Chahabhar Port. How does Pakistan view this development?
Spokesperson: It is a cardinal principle of our policy that we do not comment on relations between two sovereign states and how they manage their relations. This is a matter between India and the United States.
(Syed Baqir Sajjad, Daily Dawn): Sir, would you like to state if our nuclear policy or nuclear doctrine remains India specific and I believe the doctrine is a living document, so do we regularly review it and also coordinate our position with the relevant stakeholders like the United States?
Spokesperson: Sir our doctrine is an internal thing. In that sense, we don’t coordinate with anyone. We have strategic stability dialogues with a number of countries where we exchange our views and brief each other on our assessments. This is an ongoing process, but the doctrine which we have evolved and continue to do so, is something internal to us. It is not linked to what other countries tell us or say to us. I am not here to comment on the specificity of the doctrine, but our position is well known.
(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Sir, please inform us: First when DPM/FM Ishaq Dar met with the Iranian Foreign Minister then Marco Rubio telephoned FM. Similarly, it happened in America. Now, when Arab Islamic Summit was being held, before that we received telephone call from Marco Rubio. So do we play the role of America’s messenger or America has got our back?
Spokesperson: This question has been asked in previous media briefings as well. We have explained that we have a long-standing relationship with the United States, decades of partnership and friendship. It is very dense and rich in terms of trade, investment, Pakistani Diaspora, people-to-people contacts, education, culture and also issues like counter-terrorism. We have very robust dialogue architecture. It is an important relationship. We continue to remain invested in this partnership.
Similarly, regarding Iran, you have seen our position in the recent escalation in the region. Iran is a very close friend, and a partner of Pakistan, a brotherly country, a very important neighbor and a very important country in the region as well. So, with Iran, we maintain these centuries old contacts and it is one of the constants of our foreign policy. We will continue to play our role in terms of trying to support diplomacy and to help deescalate the situation. Whatever we can do, we will continue to do, but trying to speculate the timing of one call and synchronizing it with the next. I would, shy away from that.
(Anwer Abbas, 24 News): Sir, the recent Defense Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, is it the extension of old agreement that was signed in the 60s in which security of holy sites, airports, royal palaces were in Pakistan’s hands. So, is it an upgradation or is it a new agreement? Secondly, under this agreement, if Pakistani troops are stationed in Saudi Arabia, will they be deployed within Saudi borders or will they engage in combat outside the Saudi borders, if Saudi Arabia gets attacked by any country?
Spokesperson: Second part is again speculative. But the first part of question, the kind of details you are giving, I do not have those details. What I explained, in my statment, defense cooperation is a core pillar of Pakistan – Saudi relations. There are various MOUs and arrangements. So, this is basically a consolidation of those.
(Muhammad Saleh Zaafir, The News): Sir, this week 75th birthday of Indian Prime Minister Modi was celebrated. Did Pakistan send any felicitation, any engagement, any flower or any rose flower?
Spokesperson: No.
(Zaheer, Samaa): Sir, Saudi Arabia leads Muslim countries and the pact which was signed between the two countries, will it have any impact on the Muslim world particularly on Gaza?
Secondly, American weapons are being used in Saudi Arabia and in the Middle East, India has been a close partner of the US, with whom relations are currently low right now due to tariff issue. Will Pakistan not face the reaction of the US, due to affecting the strategic balance because of Indian pressure?
Spokesperson: On this again, I will stick to the statement I have read. On the question of analysis, I will leave that to analysts.
(Khawaja Nayyar Iqbal, Media Today): According to reports, India is buying and procuring huge stocks of weapons and ammunitions. What is Pakistan stance on this?
Spokesperson: This question has been asked repeatedly. It remains a source of concern for us, and this is what we articulate and explain to our friends regarding the kind of destabilizing impact India’s mad rush for defense procurement is having on the stability of the region.
