'Not related to defence': Govt responds to Fazl's remarks about Makkah pact countries' meeting in Tehran
Federal ministers on Thursday responded to Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s remarks regarding a recent huddle in Tehran comprising the Makkah defence pact countries and Iran. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the meeting was not related to defence. Hence, Asif said his presence was not required, while Naqvi explained the reasons…
Federal ministers responded on Thursday to Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman's remarks about a recent Tehran meeting involving Makkah defence pact countries and Iran. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the meeting was not related to defence, thus his presence was unnecessary. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi explained his participation.
Iran and member countries of the Makkah Defence Alliance, including Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff, attended the meeting. They agreed to continue dialogue to strengthen cooperation among the four regional nations. Fazl referred to the development during his address in the National Assembly, questioning the need for the interior minister's presence at the Tehran huddle.
Asif affirmed that no defence pact was shaping in Tehran and that the discussion was not focused on Pakistan's defence or related matters. He clarified that CDF Munir had taken on a role for Pakistan in peace and dialogue following the military conflict with India. Pakistan has since signed two defence pacts, the Makkah defence pact and the Badr Memorandum of Understanding.
Asif emphasized that the meeting in Tehran was not the defence ministry's mandate and advised Fazl to show more dignity.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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