‘No defence pact discussed in Tehran,’ Khawaja Asif responds to Fazl

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday rejected Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s criticism of Pakistan’s role in regional diplomacy, saying Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had visited Tehran to facilitate peace, not to negotiate a defence agreement.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Asif said no defence agreement was being discussed in Tehran and there had been no reason for the defence minister to attend the meeting.

He was responding to remarks made by Fazlur Rehman in the National Assembly a day earlier, when the JUI-F chief questioned the defence minister’s absence while, he claimed, a defence agreement was being discussed in Tehran.

Asif said political parties should acknowledge Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability, regardless of their political differences. He particularly praised the efforts of Chief of Army Staff Munir, saying they had helped avert a confrontation.

The defence minister said he had been present when two defence agreements were signed: one involving Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, and another involving Pakistan, Turkiye, Qatar and Indonesia. He said neither agreement was under discussion at the Tehran meeting.

Calling for unity during what he described as testing times, Asif said there were issues on which national unity should be unconditional.

He also criticised Maulana Fazl’s political record, questioning his contribution to the Kashmir cause during his decade as chairman of the Kashmir Committee. Referring to the imposition of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Asif alleged that the JUI-F chief would not have made his remarks had his party been given a share in the provincial government.

Other proceedings

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said Pakistan’s international standing had improved because of its role in regional peace and stability. He also paid tribute to security personnel who had sacrificed their lives for the country.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called on the opposition to play its part in strengthening parliament. He urged the opposition to join the Electoral Reforms Committee to address allegations of election rigging and asked the leader of the opposition to submit the names of its representatives.

Responding to a calling-attention notice, Parliamentary Secretary for Education Rabia Naseem Farooqi said the government was working to expand educational and employment opportunities for young people. She said a national digital youth hub had been established to help young people explore available opportunities.

The Anti-Dumping Duties Amendment Bill, 2026, was also introduced in the House by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary.

The National Assembly will meet again on Friday at 11am.