'Not defence ministry's mandate': Asif responds to Fazl's remarks about his absence at Tehran huddle

On Thursday, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif addressed remarks made by Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding his absence from a recent defense huddle in Tehran. The meeting was attended by officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, as well as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei.

During his speech in the National Assembly, Fazl referenced the development and questioned the presence of Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the Tehran discussions. Asif refuted claims of a defense pact taking shape in Tehran and clarified that CDF Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir had assumed a role focused on peace and dialogue following last year's conflict with India.

The minister emphasized that the meeting was not within the defense ministry's mandate and that Pakistan had signed two defense pacts since then. He further stated that the CDF had played a role in preventing a confrontation, particularly regarding the Yemen situation. Asif urged Fazl to exhibit greater dignity and acknowledge Pakistan's contributions to international peace efforts, despite past political differences.