PM Shehbaz Reaffirms Support for Saudi Arabia Under Makkah Pact

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia’s legitimate right to self-defence, saying Islamabad stands alongside Riyadh in protecting its sovereignty, territorial integrity and regional security under the Makkah Defence Agreement. He made the remarks during a meeting with the alliance’s first secretary-general, Lieutenant General (retd) Nauman Mahmood, who briefed him on plans to strengthen defence and strategic cooperation under the agreement.

PM’s Message

The Prime Minister described the Makkah agreement as a historic milestone for peace, unity and stability in the region, and stressed the importance of the joint defence framework in strengthening cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He reiterated that Pakistan will continue to uphold its commitment to the kingdom’s defence and security, and extended his best wishes to Lt Gen (retd) Mahmood on assuming office.

Briefing on Cooperation

Mahmood briefed the Prime Minister on the strategy to enhance defence and strategic cooperation within the framework of the agreement, which provides for defence coordination between the participating sides.

President’s Meeting

Mahmood’s meeting with the Prime Minister followed his meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari a day earlier, when the President reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and defence cooperation.