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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday strongly condemned “reprehensible attack on civilian infrastructure supplying electricity to Masjid-e-Nabawi, calling it a grave provocation and a matter of deep concern and anguish for millions of Muslims worldwide.
“The sanctity of two holy mosques and safety of worshippers and pilgrims must be respected under all circumstances. We call for an immediate and unconditional end to such reckless actions, which also constitute a grave threat to regional peace and security”, Foreign Office said in a statement.
Pakistan reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and expressed its full support for Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
“We stand firmly with Saudi Arabia in its efforts to safeguard two holy mosques, protect its people and ensure safety of pilgrims. Pakistan has been, and will continue to be, fully committed to making every effort to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region”, statement added.
In the latest developments regarding efforts to rescue Pakistani crew members from hijacked ship MV Honour 25, Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, in a message on social media, said following sustained efforts by Foreign Office and its Embassy in Djibouti, four of ten Pakistani crew members —Yasir Khan, Aqeel Khan, Amin bin Shams and Usman Ghani — affected by hijacking of MV Honour 25 off the coast of Somalia had been safely retrieved and were scheduled to arrive in Karachi on October 3.
“The mortal remains of three Pakistani crew members —Rafi Ullah Khan, Syed Kashif Umer and Mahmood Ahmed Ansari — who tragically lost their lives are being repatriated to Pakistan. All necessary legal and other formalities are being fast-tracked to expedite the process”, he said.
He pointed out remaining three Pakistani crew members — Imran Ali, Yasin Muhammad and Syed Yousuf Hussain — continued to be aboard the vessel, along with the captain.
“We are actively coordinating with our friendly countries to facilitate their safe extraction and earliest possible return to Pakistan”.
Later, in a press conference at Foreign Office, Foreign Minister announced an emergency meeting of Strategic Political and Defence Committee, established under Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA) between Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. The meeting is expected to be held next week in Saudi Arabia to specifically discuss Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan is ensuring there is a political way out of current regional situation.
“The full meeting of Strategic Political and Defence Committee will soon be held in Riyadh, where current ground realities, particularly situation in Saudi Arabia, will be examined under Makkah Accord. Whatever course of action is decided will be shared with public once the meeting is finalised, and it will also be shared with you when the meeting is held”, he added.
The Deputy Prime Minister was addressing a press briefing regarding Pakistan delegation’s engagements at 81st session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September, as well as high-level meetings held on its sidelines.
Dar said he had reminded his Iranian counterpart that, as far as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia were concerned, Pakistan had a trilateral agreement that it was bound to honour.
Iran, he said, denied any association “both with Houthis and with Iraqi militia”, while Pakistan’s advice was that Houthis should be engaged politically rather than through “kinetic action”.
For the time being, he said, this was a brainstorming session he had held with Iranian Foreign Minister and a suggestion made in good faith. He added the decision would be taken by three countries comprising Strategic Political and Defence Committee at their meeting in Saudi Arabia.
Explaining potential expansion of Makkah Pact, DPM Dar said although he would not name the countries, “at least six countries” were keen to join the accord. However, this would not be possible until secretariat of Makkah Agreement was made fully operational, which could take up to one year.
Dar also announced UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would visit Pakistan soon, before his term ends on December 31.
Dar reiterated government’s policy, saying its sole demand from Taliban regime was to stop terrorist attacks on Pakistan being carried out from Afghan soil. “We want this assurance not orally but in writing”, he said.
He added although closure of borders with Afghanistan was also putting strains on Pakistan’s economy, what was more important was blood of Pakistan’s security forces, who continued to lose their lives in these terrorist attacks.
He issued a crystal-clear warning to India that any attempt to violate Indus Waters Treaty and stop flow of water to Pakistan would be viewed as “an act of war, as has been asserted by our civilian and military leadership”.
Reuters adds: Pakistan’s foreign minister told the news conference Iran has suggested engaging Houthis politically after attacks by the group, an idea a committee of Makkah defence Pact will discuss at an emergency meeting in Riyadh next week.
Dar said Iran had distanced itself from the Houthis and Iraqi militias, and that President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi both want the matter concluded. He said he had also briefed Tehran on the defence pact and how Pakistan would honour it. “There is no written, solid offer. It is brainstorming between two foreign ministers,” Dar said, describing the political approach as a suggestion made in good faith. It would be discussed as an alternative to “kinetic action”. Dar also said there should be no fee or charges to cross Strait of Hormuz.
