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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has categorically rejected reports that its fighter jets are participating in airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, clarifying that the Makkah Alliance is a purely defensive arrangement aimed at safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at the weekly press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, the Foreign Office Spokesperson dismissed what he called “speculative news” regarding Pakistani jets conducting cross-border operations, noting that the Minister for Information has also refuted such claims.
The spokesperson explained that Pakistan Armed Forces have been present in Saudi Arabia since 1982 in various capacities, including logistical arrangements and training missions, and that following the signing of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) last year, some deployment has taken place. He emphasized that decisions regarding the scale, timing, and location of deployments rest with the alliance’s headquarters, based on threat perception and operational requirements.
Makkah Alliance: A Defensive Framework
Responding to questions about whether Pakistani forces would engage Houthi fighters inside Yemen, the spokesperson was unequivocal: “The Makkah Alliance is a defensive organisation. These forces would not cross the border into Yemen to launch attacks against the Houthis. However, they would, of course, be utilised to defend the country’s territory and safeguard its sovereignty.”
The clarification comes amid escalating regional tensions, including recent Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure, which Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned earlier this week. Pakistan has expressed unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom, reaffirming its commitment under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
The spokesperson also addressed concerns about the safety of approximately 2.5 million Pakistanis residing in Saudi Arabia, noting that while the situation remains a matter of great concern, casualties have fortunately been limited and the situation remains under control.
Government Fully On Board: No Parliamentary Vote Required
Asked whether the decision to deploy troops required parliamentary approval, the spokesperson stated that the government is fully on board and that the decision is covered under the applicable rules of business. He noted that the Strategic Political and Defence Committee (SPDC), headed by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister and including the Defence Minister, both elected parliamentarians, has been actively involved in the process.
“This is a whole-of-government approach,” he said, dispelling impressions of a lack of consultation. “Saudi Arabia is a strategic partner of Pakistan, and this partnership is not new.”
UN Secretary-General’s Visit Highlights Kashmir, Regional Peace
The briefing also highlighted the official visit of UN Secretary-General António Guterres to Pakistan from 6 to 8 October, during which he held talks with the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, called on the President and Prime Minister, and visited the headquarters of UNMOGIP.
The spokesperson welcomed the Secretary-General’s acknowledgment of UNMOGIP’s role, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized dispute on the UN Security Council agenda, to be resolved through a free and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices.
Rejection of Indian Cartographic Aggression
Pakistan categorically rejected India’s latest political map issued on 2 October, which purportedly depicts parts of Jammu and Kashmir as Indian territory. The spokesperson termed the move “legally void” and in clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions, affirming that no unilateral action can alter the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir.
Protest Against Indian Border Force Killing
Pakistan lodged a strong protest with the Indian Chargé d’Affaires on 3 October following the killing of two Pakistani civilians by Indian Border Security Force in the Bedian Sector. Pakistan called for an immediate, transparent, and credible investigation and urged India to respect international law and established border procedures.
Moscow Format: No Joint Statement Due to Taliban’s Position
On the 8th Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan held on 5 October, the spokesperson confirmed that no joint statement was issued because the Afghan Taliban delegation refused to retain previously agreed language on terrorism. “For Pakistan, this is a substantive security issue, not merely a matter of wording,” he said, noting that Pakistan’s concerns about terrorist safe havens in Afghanistan remain valid.
Bahrain, Holy See, and Bilateral Engagements
The briefing also covered the official visit of Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, who co-chaired the 3rd Session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission, and the historic first-ever visit of Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-Holy See diplomatic relations.
Rescue Mission from Somalia
Four injured Pakistani crew members of MT Honour 25 and the mortal remains of three nationals were repatriated from Addis Ababa to Karachi on 4 October, with the remaining three crew members returning on 7 October, following sustained efforts by Pakistan’s Missions in Djibouti and Addis Ababa.
Water Security and Indus Waters Treaty
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar delivered a keynote address at the International Water Symposium in Vienna via video message, condemning India’s weaponization of water and reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the Indus Waters Treaty, citing the Court of Arbitration’s Award affirming the Treaty remains in force.
