Pakistan has strongly condemned the reported attempt to target Makkah, calling it a serious threat to the sanctity of the Holy Mosques and Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity.
Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan, speaking at a weekly media briefing on Thursday, described the reported attempt as a “heinous and deeply concerning” act that had hurt the religious sentiments of millions of Muslims worldwide.
He said Pakistan stood firmly with Saudi Arabia in protecting its sovereignty, peace and territorial integrity. Pakistan also condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian areas and infrastructure.
The spokesperson said Pakistan was closely monitoring the deteriorating situation in the Middle East. He reiterated Islamabad’s support for diplomacy and peaceful dialogue as the preferred means of resolving regional disputes and achieving lasting peace.
Pakistan Protests Indian Naval Manoeuvre
Turning to Pakistan-India relations, Khan said an Indian naval vessel carried out what he described as an aggressive manoeuvre near a Pakistan Navy ship inside Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone on September 15.
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He called the incident a serious violation of international law and a bilateral agreement.
Following the incident, Pakistan summoned India’s Chargé d’Affaires to the Foreign Office on Wednesday night. The official said Pakistan formally conveyed its protest to the Indian diplomat.
Pakistan’s Chargé d’Affaires in New Delhi will also lodge a formal protest with India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Khan added.
PM Shehbaz to Lead UNGA Delegation
The spokesperson also confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead Pakistan’s delegation to the high-level segment of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week.
The 81st UNGA session carries the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.” The general debate will run from September 22 to 26, followed by a final sitting on September 28.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, federal ministers and senior officials will accompany the prime minister.
Pakistan to Highlight Global and Regional Issues
During his UNGA address, Prime Minister Shehbaz is expected to outline Pakistan’s priorities on sustainable development, climate change, counterterrorism, Islamophobia, global economic challenges and UN reforms.
He will also address issues affecting countries across the Global South, while highlighting Pakistan’s position on Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.
During the visit, the prime minister will attend several high-level events and hold bilateral meetings with world leaders and the UN secretary-general.
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the meetings will focus on Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism, the UN Charter, regional peace and international cooperation.
