Pakistan Reaffirms Support for Saudi Arabia, Says Action Under Defence Pact Will Be Taken if Required

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Saudi Arabia, strongly condemning attacks by the Houthi movement on Saudi civilian and economic installations.

Speaking at the Foreign Office’s weekly briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said that Houthi attacks posed a threat to peace and security in the region. He stressed that Pakistan strongly condemned attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s civilian and economic infrastructure.

The spokesperson clarified that no discussion had so far taken place regarding any military action by Pakistan under the Makkah defence agreement. However, he said Pakistan would take action under the agreement if and when the situation required it.

He described the Makkah agreement as a defensive alliance and said there was currently no plan under consideration to expand its scope or membership. Pakistan, he added, remained committed to promoting peace and stability in Yemen.

Addressing other issues, the Foreign Office spokesperson said Jammu and Kashmir remained an unresolved issue on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council.

He also said that between 40,000 and 50,000 Pakistanis receive visas and employment opportunities in the United Arab Emirates every year.

Regarding reports of restrictions on visas for Pakistani nationals by Qatar, the spokesperson said the Foreign Office had no knowledge of any such restriction.

He further clarified remarks attributed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz regarding provincial responsibility for terrorism, saying her comments had been taken out of context. He explained that the reference was to militants belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and other terrorist organisations entering Pakistan through border provinces.