The Spokesperson strongly condemned recent Houthi attacks on civilian and economic sites in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity.
Ansar M Bhatti
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador Sajjad Haider Khan, the newly appointed Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered his first weekly press briefing on Thursday, outlining Pakistan’s active diplomatic engagements and reaffirming solidarity with Saudi Arabia amid regional challenges.
The Spokesperson strongly condemned recent Houthi attacks on civilian and economic sites in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran, reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity. “Pakistan stands in full solidarity with the leadership, government and brotherly people of Saudi Arabia,” he said, pledging continued support for efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
Ambassador Khan highlighted Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar’s recent telephone conversations with counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Kuwait and Norway. These discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, advancing regional cooperation, and coordinating positions on pressing international issues.
On Palestine, Pakistan joined Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Türkiye and the UAE in condemning Israeli proposals advocating the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. The joint statement categorically rejected such attempts, warning of grave implications for regional peace. Pakistan also welcomed the UK’s decision to ban imports from illegal Israeli settlements, urging other nations to adopt similar measures in line with international law.
Turning to Central Asia, Ambassador Khan noted Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Kyrgyzstan on 2 September, during which 17 agreements and MoUs were signed. The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in energy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, tourism, the digital economy, and defence, while reaffirming commitment to CASA-1000 and enhanced connectivity through Pakistan’s seaports.
The Spokesperson also addressed regional developments, rejecting India’s “politically motivated assertions” regarding the Hindu temple at Adda Siraj, Narowal, which was damaged by torrential rains. He condemned the demolition of a century-old mosque in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, describing it as part of a broader Islamophobic campaign targeting Islamic heritage in India.
On humanitarian efforts, Pakistan dispatched 100 tons of relief goods to Nepal on 6 September to support flood and landslide victims. The assistance included tents, blankets, mats, hygiene kits and medicines.
Concluding the briefing, Ambassador Khan announced that Pakistan will host the 14th South Asian Games from 4 to 11 April 2027, with events across Islamabad, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The eight-day competition will feature 28 sports and attract over 6,000 athletes and officials from across South Asia.
