Pakistan has strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, reaffirming its support for the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and right to self-defence.
Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan, speaking at his first weekly media briefing on Thursday, said Pakistan stood firmly with Saudi Arabia and supported efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
“Pakistan strongly condemns the reprehensible Houthi attacks targeting civilian and economic sites in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the spokesperson said.
He expressed Pakistan’s solidarity with the government and people of Saudi Arabia and wished those injured in the attacks a speedy recovery.
Khan said Pakistan would continue supporting Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability.
No discussion on military action against Houthis
Asked whether Pakistan was considering military action against Houthi positions in Yemen following the attacks, Khan said there was currently no such discussion.
He said any future action would be considered in accordance with Pakistan’s commitments under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA).
“I think it’s all a hypothetical situation as of now,” Khan said.
“Pakistan has signed a joint defence agreement, which is a fact, and Pakistan will act upon its own agreement in terms of the requirements. But as of now, there is no discussion of this kind that you have referred to.”
MJDA mechanisms still being developed
The FO spokesperson described the Makkah agreement as an umbrella defence framework between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, saying mechanisms for its implementation were still being developed.
He said Pakistan already had forces in Saudi Arabia for training and logistical purposes under existing bilateral defence cooperation.
“Primarily, when such organisations are formed, it takes a little while to firm up the things and mechanisms and frameworks,” Khan said.
He added that it was too early to discuss the operationalisation of the agreement.
Khan also said the alliance was defensive in nature and aimed at strengthening regional security and deterrence.
Pakistan supports peace in Yemen
On the situation in Yemen, Khan said Pakistan wanted peace and stability in the country and would continue supporting international diplomatic efforts towards that goal.
He said Pakistan had previously maintained an embassy in Yemen but was forced to close it because of the security situation.
The spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan would continue pursuing dialogue and diplomacy to promote peace and stability across the region.
MJDA expansion not currently under discussion
Khan said expansion of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was not currently under consideration.
He said Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye were holding consultations on the alliance and were focused on developing its structure, procedures and mechanisms.
The spokesperson said other countries could potentially join the agreement in the future, provided they shared similar positions and perspectives.
“At this stage, there are no discussions regarding the expansion of the Makkah agreement,” he said.
Pakistan reviewing possible Iran sanctions impact
Asked about possible trade sanctions against Iran, Khan said the Ministry of Commerce was conducting an impact assessment.
He said Pakistan’s trade volume with Iran was relatively limited and any decision would be made in accordance with the country’s national interest.
The spokesperson also declined to comment on a Reuters report regarding Pakistan’s position on Yemen, describing the report as unsubstantiated.
Dar steps up regional diplomacy
The FO spokesperson also briefed journalists about Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s recent diplomatic engagements with regional counterparts.
Dar held telephone conversations with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Turkiye on September 6, discussing bilateral relations, regional and international developments and follow-up on understandings reached under the Strategic, Political and Defence Committee of the Makkah agreement.
He also spoke with his Egyptian counterpart about strengthening bilateral relations and agreed to meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Dar later held talks with the Egyptian foreign minister on September 9 and agreed to maintain close consultations through the Regional Four Foreign Ministers Group, comprising Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt.
He also spoke with Kuwait’s foreign minister on September 7 about bilateral relations, cooperation and regional developments.
Pakistan reiterates support for multilateral cooperation
Khan said Pakistan remained committed to multilateral diplomacy and cooperation through international and regional organisations.
He said Dar had also spoken with the newly elected secretary general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the organisation and issues including Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir.
The spokesperson said Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement remained focused on regional cooperation, economic ties, peace and stability and strengthening multilateral coordination.
