Key Points
- FO says any foreign military presence in Afghanistan requires Kabul’s consent
- Pakistan reaffirms solidarity with Qatar, condemns Israeli strikes at Arab-Islamic Summit
- President Zardari in China signs MoUs on agriculture, training, and recycling
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday emphasised that its newly signed Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) with Saudi Arabia is rooted in historic bilateral ties and is not directed against any third country.
The Foreign Office (FO) clarified that the pact reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and achieve peace in the region and the world, underscoring long-standing defence and strategic cooperation.
“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”, said Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, at his weekly media briefing on Friday.
Former Ambassador Hussain Haqqani commenting on the implications of the pact, emphasised that the pact reflects a deepening of ties between the two countries, with potential long-term impacts on regional security alignments.
Commenting on Pakistan’s reaction to US President Donald Trump’s statement on retaking Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base the FO spokesperson said Pakistan had “taken serious note of recent statements about reoccupying Bagram” and emphasised that “the future and destiny of Afghanistan must always remain in the hands of its own people.”
He stressed that “no foreign military installations or bases can be considered without Afghan approval.” The Taliban government in Kabul also rejected the proposal, stating that Afghanistan would not allow foreign troops to return, according to Al Jazeera.
During the briefing, Khan highlighted Pakistan’s role at the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha on 15 September following Israeli airstrikes on Qatar.
The Prime Minister, in his speech, reaffirmed “Pakistan’s complete solidarity with Qatar and other brotherly Muslim states that have been victims of Israeli aggression.” The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, in the preparatory session on 14 September, presented a seven-point plan to counter Israeli actions, which the Prime Minister later endorsed. The joint communiqué condemned Israel as “a serial violator of international law.”
On the President’s ongoing state visit to China, the Foreign Office reported that Asif Ali Zardari visited Chengdu, Shanghai, and Xinjiang, meeting provincial and CPC leadership. In Chengdu, he toured the AVIC aircraft complex, praising the JF-17 and J-10 fighter programmes as “symbols of Pak-China friendship.”
In Shanghai, he witnessed the signing of memoranda on agriculture, vocational training, and recycling. Former diplomat Hina Rabbani Khar told Geo News that “these agreements with China are practical steps towards technological cooperation and food security, complementing Pakistan’s defense and economic engagements abroad.”
The spokesperson also briefed on Pakistan’s recent diplomatic contacts, including calls by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister with counterparts in Germany, Egypt, and the United States. The Foreign Office confirmed that Egypt’s Foreign Minister “warmly felicitated Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on the signing of the SMDA, calling it an important milestone in strengthening trust and cooperation.”
Additionally, Pakistan joined a joint statement with 14 other countries expressing concern over the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. The statement urged respect for international law and warned that “any violation of international law and human rights of the participants, including attacks in international waters or illegal detention, will lead to accountability.”
The briefing concluded with Pakistan’s condolences over the passing of Prof. Abdul Ghani Bhat, former Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, paying tribute to his lifelong commitment to the Kashmir cause.
