ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said it was fully committed, in letter and spirit, to implementing the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) with Saudi Arabia as well as the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. “However, when, how, where and what force will be used against which objectives, in which modes, and other matters involving operational confidentiality require us to maintain some discretion at this stage.”
Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan stated this while addressing a weekly media briefing on Thursday.
He said Pakistan stood unwaveringly, shoulder to shoulder, with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain, a responsibility that every Pakistani holds close to his heart.
READ MORE: Pakistan condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
He said Pakistan continues to closely follow the evolving situation in the Middle East in view of the continued Houthi attacks.
Pakistan remains concerned over the continuing escalation and its implications for regional peace, security, maritime navigation, and global energy supplies. Pakistan continues to advocate dialogue and diplomacy as the only sustainable means of resolving differences and avoiding further escalation.
Responding to a query, Khan said “Pakistan categorically rejects India’s baseless and legally untenable assertions concerning the Pakistan-China Boundary Agreement of 1963 and the Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission. China is not only our neighbour but also an all-weather strategic cooperative partner.”
It is a mockery of international law that India speaks of legality in an attempt to challenge the validity of the Boundary Joint Commission. India must carry out its own introspection, especially regarding its illegal and unilateral decisions of August 5, 2019.
“The situation in the Bab al-Mandab is exceptionally serious and a matter of concern, and we need to bring peace to the entire region,” Khan said, adding “Houthis must also stop their activities, and in this regard, our discussions basically revolve around bringing peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy, and not through coercive measures.”
The spokesperson stated, “Our partnership with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye in the area of security and defence is well recognized, and it did not start yesterday. I mean, we have had this long-standing relationship for quite some time. The Makkah Accord, in essence, formalizes and further strengthens many aspects of the ongoing cooperation and existing long-term bilateral cooperation among these three countries.”
Responding to a question regarding the bounty on Maulana Masood Azhar, Khan said, “Yes, we have seen this report that India is criticizing Pakistan. Pakistan, as a sovereign state and responsible member of the international community, remains fully cognizant of its obligations under international law, and Pakistan routinely undertakes the necessary measures and actions to fulfill its international obligations and in accordance with applicable laws.”
India’s nefarious attempt meant to malign Pakistan to draw the world’s attention away from state-sponsored terrorism being perpetrated by India, the greatest sponsor of the crime-terror nexus, not only in our region but, one can say, globally. Pakistan will continue to uphold the rule of law and remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of its people, he said.
FO Spokesperson said it is regrettable that the BCCI reportedly declined to allow the Indian women’s team to go on stage and receive the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi Sahib, who is the President of the ACC.
As rightly pointed out, this is not the first time it has happened. Last year, they did the same thing, with the Indian men’s cricket team refusing to go and receive the trophy.
From Pakistan’s perspective, he stated that sports should not be weaponized, and these should be allowed to take place.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026