rki.news | Sources Dawn
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Friday that the Strategic Political Defence Committee (SPDC) of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement would meet in Riyadh soon.
Dar said the meeting was agreed in principle by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye during their meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The SPDC comprises the three countries’ foreign ministers, defence ministers and army chiefs.
He said the upcoming meeting would examine the current situation and developments concerning Saudi Arabia, particularly amid Houthi attacks. A separate meeting of the three military chiefs was held in Riyadh on September 25.
Dar said Pakistan had also discussed the Houthi attacks with Iran. According to him, Iran denied association with the Houthis and Iraqi militia and suggested political engagement rather than military action.
He said the SPDC would decide the next steps after its upcoming meeting. Dar also said at least six countries had expressed interest in joining the defence pact, but expansion would only be possible after the agreement becomes fully operational.
Separately, Dar said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had accepted Pakistan’s invitation to visit the country, likely before his term ends on December 31.
Makkah Defence Committee to Meet Soon in Riyadh
