'Not related to defence': Govt responds to Fazl's remarks about Makkah pact countries' meeting in Tehran

On Thursday, Federal ministers responded to JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman's remarks about a recent huddle in Tehran featuring Makkah Defence Pact countries and Iran. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi asserted that the meeting had no connection to defence. Asif stated that his presence was unnecessary, while Naqvi explained the reasons for his participation.

The meeting involved top officials from Iran and member nations of the Makkah Defence Alliance, including Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, Chief of the Army Staff, Saudi Defence Minister, and Turkish intelligence chief. Iran's delegation included President Masoud Pezeshkian, Supreme National Security Council Secretary, and Foreign Minister.

The huddle's outcome was to "continue their dialogue to bolster cooperation among the four regional nations, including in the areas of regional peace and security."

Fazl had criticized the presence of Naqvi at the Tehran meeting during his address in the National Assembly on Wednesday. Asif defended his decision, explaining that Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces participated in the meeting to "pave the ground" as a "messenger of peace" and to avert a confrontation, particularly in the Yemen issue.

He urged Fazl to be more dignified and acknowledged Pakistan's role in the international arena, despite political differences. Naqvi also responded to Fazl's remarks, clarifying that the visit was undertaken to address the ongoing crisis in Iran and not solely for defence purposes. He criticized Fazl and his party for making "disgusting statements" about institutions.