Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday emphasized that the trilateral defence agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye is designed to foster peace, security, and prosperity within the region, and is not aimed against any nation.
Speaking at a federal cabinet meeting, the prime minister highlighted that this pact builds on the existing cooperation among the three countries. He noted that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had already entered into a defence agreement last year, while Pakistan and Turkiye have maintained strategic and defence collaboration spanning several decades.
Shehbaz Sharif underscored that the agreement should be understood as part of the longstanding partnership rather than a new isolated arrangement. He reiterated that the trilateral defence pact is not intended as an act of hostility toward any country but rather serves as a source of strength for the Muslim Ummah.
In a significant development, the prime minister congratulated Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their dedicated efforts in finalizing the agreement, which had been in progress for several years.
Highlighting the importance of protecting religious sites, Shehbaz Sharif stated that guarding the Haramain Sharifain holds special meaning for both the people and armed forces of Pakistan. This responsibility reinforces the deep ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The prime minister also pointed out that Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye have maintained close political, economic, and defence relationships, with Islamabad and Ankara particularly sharing extensive military cooperation and defence industry connections.
Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the government’s firm commitment to eradicating terrorism from Pakistan. He affirmed ongoing security operations against militant groups, referred to as Fitna al-Khawarij, expressing confidence that the country will eventually be free from terrorism.
Paying tribute to the sacrifices made by security personnel in recent attacks, the prime minister honored Major Hafiz Ehsan Elahi, Captain Hamza Akram, Deputy Superintendent of Police Diyar Khan, and others who lost their lives in the fight against terrorism. He assured that these sacrifices will not be in vain and that efforts to defeat militancy will continue relentlessly.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the security forces’ around-the-clock operations against militant threats, underscoring that the armed forces and security institutions remain committed to safeguarding the nation while the government pursues policies promoting peace, stability, and development.
In another address, the prime minister commented on the recent elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), stating that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured a majority, reflecting public support. He attributed this success to the leadership of PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and thanked the people of AJK for their confidence.
Looking ahead, Shehbaz Sharif promised that the PML-N government would initiate a new phase focused on development and public service in Azad Kashmir. He condemned attempts by certain elements to incite unrest in the region, stressing that no civilized society tolerates lawlessness and that dialogue remains the key to resolving issues.
The prime minister warned that the government would not permit any disruption or anarchy, emphasizing that peace and respect for the rule of law are vital for the political and economic progress of Azad Kashmir.
Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks came amidst political tensions surrounding the AJK electoral process, with the government affirming that the elections allowed the people to exercise their democratic rights. He assured that the government would honor the mandate while prioritizing development and public welfare in its agenda.
