Makkah defence agreement purely defensive, aimed at regional peace: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said the trilateral Makkah defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey had no aggressive objectives and was solely aimed at defence, regional peace, development and prosperity.

Addressing a federal cabinet meeting, the prime minister said the agreement, signed in Makkah by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and himself, was a source of strength for the Muslim Ummah.

He said Pakistan had longstanding defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia and had for decades shared responsibility for the protection of the Two Holy Mosques. He added that Pakistan also enjoyed decades-old defence cooperation with Turkey and that the new trilateral agreement was an extension of these existing ties.

“The agreement is absolutely not aggression against anyone. It is solely for defensive purposes and for peace, development and prosperity in the region,” the prime minister said.

Shehbaz praised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their efforts towards the agreement, saying it was the result of years of work.

Turning to security, the prime minister reiterated the government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism, saying operations were continuing against Fitna al-Khawarij.

He paid tribute to security personnel killed in recent incidents in Hangu, Swat and other areas, including Major Hafiz Ehsan Elahi, Captain Hamza Akram and DSP Diyar Khan.

“Our brave sons have made great sacrifices in the war against terrorism. These sacrifices will not go in vain,” he said.

The cabinet offered prayers for the security personnel who lost their lives.

The prime minister also expressed grief over the death of PML-N leader Iqbal Chanar and paid tribute to his political services and longstanding association with the party.

Speaking about elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Shehbaz said the PML-N had emerged as the majority party after securing clear success in the first two phases, describing the result as an expression of public confidence in Nawaz Sharif’s leadership.

He said the PML-N would restart the journey of development and prosperity in Azad Kashmir and thanked voters for their support.

The prime minister said lawlessness and anarchy would not be allowed and that political and constitutional issues should be resolved through dialogue.

He said an all-party conference held in Muzaffarabad before the elections had discussed the issue of refugee seats and proposed that the matter be placed before the newly elected assembly, where a majority decision in accordance with the Constitution and law would be accepted.

Shehbaz alleged that some elements had deliberately attempted to worsen the situation in Azad Kashmir and said those seeking peaceful dialogue would be given an opportunity after formation of the new government, while those attempting to create unrest would not be allowed to do so.

The prime minister also said preparations were under way to celebrate Independence Day on August 14 in a traditional and dignified manner in coordination with the provinces.