No ‘discussion’ on military action against Houthis: Foreign Office

Foreign Office spokesperson, Sajjad Haider Khan, has said that there is no ‘discussion’ around military action against Houthi positions in Yemen following attacks on Saudi Arabia on September 8. Khan addressing his first ever FO briefing on Thursday, said that Pakistan had signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA) with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye and would act in accordance with its requirements if necessary.

“I think it’s all a hypothetical situation as of now,” he said responding to a question. “Pakistan has signed a joint defence agreement, which is a fact, and Pakistan will act upon its own agreement in terms of the requirements. But as of now, there is no discussion of this kind that you have referred to.”

MJDA mechanisms still being developed

Khan said the MJDA was an umbrella agreement and that the mechanisms required for its implementation were still being developed.

“We have some forces already there for training purposes and for other logistical purposes also,” he said, referring to Pakistan’s existing bilateral defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

“Primarily, when such organisations are formed, it takes a little while to firm up the things and mechanisms and frameworks,” Khan said. “This is an umbrella, so to say, agreement. And under this agreement now you will have the subsequent mechanisms, you know, what kind of mechanisms are to be established, and then after that things will move forward.”

“At this stage, I think we should not talk about the operationalisation of this topic,” he added.

Pakistan backs peace in Yemen

On Yemen, Khan said Pakistan wanted peace and stability in the country and continued to support international efforts towards that objective. He said Pakistan had previously maintained an embassy in Yemen but was forced to close it because of the security situation.

Khan also reiterated Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and prosperity, noting that Riyadh was part of Pakistan’s defence alliance and trilateral defence cooperation agreement.

“Pakistan has been and continues to pursue dialogue and diplomacy for peace and stability in the broader region,” he said.

Khan said the primary objective of the Makkah agreement was to strengthen regional peace and stability and formalise and reinforce existing long-term cooperation among the three countries.

“The agreement is purely for defensive purposes,” he said.

Iran sanctions under review

On possible trade sanctions against Iran, Khan said the Ministry of Commerce was conducting an impact assessment. He said Pakistan did not have a large volume of trade with Iran and that any decision would be taken in accordance with the country’s national interest.

Asked about a Reuters report concerning Pakistan’s position on the Yemen situation, Khan declined to comment, describing it as unsubstantiated.

“Since it’s already an unsubstantiated report, I would not like to comment on this thing,” he said.

MJDA expansion

Addressing the expansion on Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA), Khan said agreement was a defensive alliance aimed at safeguarding the security and stability of the region.

He said Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan were holding frequent meetings on the alliance, adding that its expansion was not currently under consideration as the three countries were still discussing how such an expansion could be carried out. “In the future, other countries will be allowed to join,” Khan said.

Condemnation of Houthi attacks

FO reaffirmed its support for the kingdom’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. Khan said the attacks targeted Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, and reiterated Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability.

“Pakistan strongly condemns the reprehensible Houthi attacks targeting civilian and economic sites in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Haider said during his weekly media briefing.

He added that Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and prosperity, and for the government and people of Saudi Arabia.

Haider said Pakistan would continue to back efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.

Dar steps up regional diplomacy

The spokesperson also briefed journalists on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s recent diplomatic engagements with regional and international counterparts.

On September 6, Dar held separate telephone conversations with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, discussing bilateral ties, regional and international developments and follow-up on understandings reached under the Strategic, Political and Defence Committee of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

He also spoke with his Egyptian counterpart on strengthening bilateral relations, with both sides agreeing to meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

On September 9, Dar again spoke with the Egyptian foreign minister, with the two discussing national and regional developments and agreeing to maintain close consultations through the Regional Four Foreign Ministers Group, comprising Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt.

Dar also held a telephone conversation with Kuwait’s foreign minister on September 7, during which they discussed bilateral relations, cooperation in areas of mutual interest and regional developments. The two ministers agreed to meet in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Pakistan reiterates multilateral commitment

The FO spokesperson said Dar also spoke with the newly elected secretary general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation on September 3 and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the OIC and the interests of the Muslim Ummah, particularly on Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir.

The OIC secretary general appreciated Pakistan’s support and role in the organisation, Haider said.

On September 4, Ugandan presidential envoy and UN secretary general candidate Ambassador Olara Otunnu met Dar to discuss global developments and challenges facing multilateralism.

Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and stressed the need to strengthen the United Nations’ role in addressing contemporary global challenges.

Haider also said Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement remained focused on regional cooperation, economic ties and multilateral coordination, including through a number of recent bilateral agreements and proposed joint projects.