RAWALPINDI/ ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and met Prince Khalid Bin Salman, the defence minister of Saudi Arabia, to discuss measures to stop Iranian attacks on the Kingdom within the framework of Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA).
Both sides discussed the gravity of security situation arising from Iranian drone and missile attacks on the Kingdom. The discussions focused on joint measures required to stop these Iranian attacks within the context of SMDA, stated the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
It was stressed that unprovoked aggression undermines efforts towards regional security and stability and precludes options for peaceful settlement of disputes.
The two sides expressed the hope and a desire that the brotherly country, Iran, would exercise prudence and wisdom to avoid any miscalculation, thereby, strengthening the hands of friendly nations seeking a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
“We discussed Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and the measures needed to halt them within the framework of our Joint Strategic Defence Agreement,” Prince Khalid Bin Salman said on ‘X’. He further expressed the hope that Iran would exercise wisdom and avoid misguided actions.
“They discussed Iranian aggression against the Kingdom within the framework of SMDA between the two brotherly nations and deliberated on ways to halt the aggression,” the KSA Ministry of Defence stated on ‘X’.
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday held separate telephonic conversations with senior regional leaders to discuss the evolving situation in the Middle East and underscore the importance of peace and stability.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar spoke with the United Arab Emirates’ Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and exchanged views on the developing regional situation.
During the conversation, the deputy prime minister expressed concern over recent attacks in the region, including those targeting the United Arab Emirates, and conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the UAE government and its people.
In a separate call, Dar also spoke with Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi. The two leaders discussed the regional situation, while AlBudaiwi appreciated Pakistan’s strong partnership and solidarity with the GCC.
Both sides emphasized the need for de-escalation and highlighted the importance of dialogue and cooperation to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Meanwhile, Dar also held a telephonic conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The two leaders exchanged views on recent developments in the region and agreed to remain in contact.
Saleh Zaafir adds: Iran’s capital Tehran currently has no foreign envoys, as all heads of diplomatic missions left the city as soon as the US-Israel aggression began late last month.
The Foreign Office also offered Pakistan’s Ambassador Muddassar Tipu the option to return to headquarters, but he chose to remain in Tehran.
Highly placed diplomatic sources told The News on Saturday evening all Pakistani students studying at Tehran University and other institutions have safely returned home.
Interestingly, Ambassador Tipu decided to stay and two diplomats, who work closely with him, are also still in Tehran.
Sources pointed out the residence of Pakistani ambassador is located in the Inqilab area, where headquarters of Pasdaran-e-Inqilab (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is also situated.
Ambassador Tipu is currently under transfer and has already been designated as Pakistan’s ambassador to Uzbekistan. He is expected to move to Tashkent in a couple of months to assume his new assignment, replacing Ahmed Farooq.
The ambassador’s residence is next to the Embassy of Azerbaijan, and the entire area is considered highly sensitive. Sources emphasised no Pakistani has been trapped or injured during the recent heavy bombardment in Tehran.
However, five to six Pakistanis were injured during the US-Israel attacks in June last year.
Pakistan’s Press, Education, Cultural and Tourism Counsellor Ms Farhat Jabeen has returned to Pakistan on the instructions of headquarters. She belongs to Information Service of Pakistan (ISP).
The Pakistan Embassy is located on Fatemi Street, directly across from a large training centre of Islamic Republic of Iran Army, commonly known as Artesh. This area came under heavy attack last week.
However, no one from the Pakistani Embassy was injured and the embassy compound remained safe.
Artesh is a conventional armed force of Iran and one of the country’s two main military services.
