{
  "id": 7979657,
  "title": "Pakistan committed to implementing Saudi defence pact, Makkah agreement: FO",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/pakistan-committed-to-implementing-saudi-defence-pact-makkah-7979657",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-17T07:59:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn - Pakistan",
    "slug": "dawn-pakistan",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2030603/pakistan-committed-to-implementing-saudi-defence-pact-makkah-agreement-fo"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pakistan remains committed to implementing the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) with Saudi Arabia and the trilateral Makkah Defence Alliance, according to Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan. This pledge comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, following attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia, including strikes on the holy city of Makkah. The Houthis denied the Saudi claims, calling them a \"lie\" and stating they had shot down a drone headed towards Makkah. While the spokesperson declined to specify the mechanisms or actions Pakistan would take against the Houthi attacks, they emphasized their commitment to upholding the SMDA and Makkah pact. Khan stated that Pakistan has consistently advocated for peace and stability in the region, calling on the Houthis to cease their activities. His comments also addressed diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the Houthi issue, emphasizing Pakistan's preference for dialogue and diplomacy over coercive measures. In addition to the ongoing Middle East situation, Khan announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead Pakistan's delegation at the upcoming 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. During his address, Shehbaz is expected to discuss regional and global developments, the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolution of issues, and Pakistan's stance on various global challenges. The prime minister will also highlight Pakistan's commitment to multilateralism, the UN Charter, regional peace, and international cooperation during his visit.",
  "summary": "Pakistan on Thursday said it remained committed “in intent and spirit” to implementing the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) with Saudi Arabia and the trilateral Makkah Defence Alliance. Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan made the statement during his weekly briefing. The statement comes amid renewed tensions in the Middle East, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels carrying out…",
  "key_points": [
    "Pakistan committed to SMDA and Makkah pact with Saudi Arabia",
    "Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan confirmed",
    "Tensions escalated after Houthi attacks on Saudi holy city"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Dawn",
        "title": "Pakistan committed to implementing Saudi defence pact, Makkah agreement: FO",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/pakistan-committed-to-implementing-saudi-defence-pact-makkah",
        "published": "2026-09-17T07:27:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}