Makkah Joint Defence Agreement aimed at promoting peace, not aggression: PM Shehbaz

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkiye Joint Defence Agreement will serve as a means of strengthening regional stability and promoting peace, development and prosperity.

He made these remarks while presiding over a meeting of the Federal Cabinet in Islamabad on Monday, where he discussed the recently signed defence pact in Makkah by himself, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

PM Shehbaz said the agreement represents a further strengthening of the longstanding defence ties between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.

He noted that Pakistan’s armed forces have been cooperating with their Saudi counterparts for many years, including in efforts to protect the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. He said that the new agreement builds upon these existing defence arrangements.

The premier said that the proposed framework had remained under consideration for several years before the three countries finally reached an understanding and formally signed it.

PM Shehbaz appreciated Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their untiring efforts and contribution towards bringing the agreement to completion.

He made it clear that the defence pact should not be viewed as a move directed against any particular country. Rather, he said, its central purpose is to create conditions conducive to peace, economic progress and prosperity in the region.

During the cabinet meeting, Shehbaz Sharif also remembered the security personnel who were martyred in recent terrorist incidents in different parts of Pakistan, including Hangu and Swat. He paid tribute to Major Hafiz Ehsan Elahi, Captain Hamza Akram, DSP Diyar Khan and other personnel who sacrificed their lives while defending the country.

The prime minister offered prayers for the departed souls and conveyed his condolences to the families of the martyrs. He also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Iqbal Channar of Bahawalpur, whom he described as a longtime political associate.

PM Shehbaz said security forces were continuing their operations against Khawarij terrorists without interruption. He expressed confidence that the sacrifices made by the country’s security personnel would ultimately yield positive results and would never be in vain.

He said Pakistan would soon overcome the menace of terrorism and enter a new phase in which peace and stability would allow the country to accelerate its journey towards development.

The prime minister also spoke about the ongoing electoral process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), saying the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had won a clear majority in the seats contested so far in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad. He said this included the seats reserved for Kashmiris residing in other parts of Pakistan.

PM Shehbaz thanked the people of AJK for supporting PML-N in the elections and expressed the hope that, under the leadership of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, the region would move towards a renewed era of economic development and prosperity.

Addressing the recent unrest in AJK, the prime minister said the government could not permit lawlessness under any circumstances. He stressed that differences and grievances should be addressed through dialogue and constitutional means.

PM Shehbaz said that those intentionally creating disturbances in the region were acting at the prompting of external forces.

The prime minister said the government had also arranged an All Parties Conference (APC) in Muzaffarabad to deliberate on the matter of reserved seats. He said the consensus reached at the conference was that those demanding changes to the reserved-seat system should first allow the elections to be completed and subsequently place their demands before the newly formed assembly.

He added that the matter could then be considered and settled in accordance with the Constitution and prevailing law.

PM Shehbaz said that the new government would continue engaging with all stakeholders who were prepared to resolve their concerns through peaceful dialogue. At the same time, he warned that no one would be permitted to undermine law and order or create instability.

Speaking about preparations for Independence Day, the prime minister said the nation was getting ready to celebrate August 14 with its traditional enthusiasm and spirit.

He added that the federal and provincial governments would stand alongside the people and participate in the celebrations to mark the national occasion in a befitting manner.