‘No defence pact discussed in Tehran,’ Khawaja Asif responds to Fazl

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif dismissed Maulana Fazlur Rehman's claims regarding Pakistan's involvement in regional diplomacy, asserting that Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had visited Tehran for peace efforts, not to negotiate defence agreements. Asif clarified in the National Assembly that no defence pact discussions were taking place in Tehran, and there was no need for the defence minister's attendance at the meeting.

He responded to Fazl's remarks from the previous day, where the JUI-F chief questioned the absence of the defence minister amid claims of a defence agreement being discussed in Tehran. Asif urged political parties to recognize Pakistan's role in fostering regional peace and stability, regardless of their political disagreements.

He commended Chief of Army Staff Munir's efforts, asserting they helped prevent a confrontation. Asif mentioned that two defence agreements were signed: one with Turkey and Saudi Arabia, and another with Turkey, Qatar, and Indonesia. He denounced these agreements as unrelated to the Tehran meeting. Asif called for national unity during challenging times and criticized Fazl's political record, questioning his contributions to the Kashmir cause during his tenure as chairman of the Kashmir Committee.

He also criticized the imposition of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, alleging that Fazl would not have made his remarks if his party had been part of the provincial government. Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi lauded Pakistan's enhanced international standing due to its role in regional peace and stability, paying tribute to security personnel who sacrificed their lives for the country.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called on the opposition to contribute to strengthening parliament, urging them to join the Electoral Reforms Committee to address allegations of election rigging and to submit the names of opposition representatives. Responding to a calling-attention notice, Parliamentary Secretary for Education Rabia Naseem Farooqi stated the government was working to increase educational and employment opportunities for young people by establishing a national digital youth hub.

Finally, the Anti-Dumping Duties Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary, and the National Assembly will convene again on Friday at 11am.