Pakistan-Saudi Defence Pact Not Against Any Country, Says PM Shehbaz

APP

London: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday clarified that the recently signed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence pact was not aimed against any country, stressing that Pakistan was not part of any power struggle but remained focused on pursuing economic stability and growth.

“Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are brotherly nations with centuries-old ties. This pact is not against anyone but a formalisation of those relations,” he told reporters in London. The premier said the agreement also reflected shared religious values alongside mutual strategic interests.

Shehbaz underlined that Pakistan’s priorities lay in reducing poverty and unemployment while tapping its potential in agriculture, artificial intelligence, minerals, and youth development.

Gaza and UNGA Engagement

The prime minister termed his visits to New York and Washington “fruitful and successful,” highlighting a high-level meeting on the Gaza crisis co-chaired by US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Leaders from Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Jordan, and Egypt also attended.

“There was an encouraging discussion, and I am confident it will lead to a ceasefire in Gaza,” he said, condemning what he called “unprecedented Israeli oppression.”

At the UN General Assembly, Shehbaz said Pakistan raised its voice on Palestine, Kashmir, and water rights, while also recalling what he described as India’s defeat in the recent conflict.

Pakistan-US Relations

Shehbaz said his meeting with President Trump, also attended by Field Marshal Asim Munir, helped revitalize Pakistan-US ties. Discussions focused on trade, investment, energy, IT, AI, and mining, with Trump reportedly assuring support for expanding bilateral cooperation.

He added that Pakistan had nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation efforts in global conflicts, including Ukraine, Ethiopia-Egypt, and the DRC.

National Unity and Security

The prime minister stressed that he and the military leadership were “on one page” regarding foreign policy, the economy, and national security. He vowed to continue operations against militant groups including the TTP, BLA, and other outfits threatening Pakistan’s stability.

Shehbaz acknowledged that terrorism had resurged due to “imprudent decisions of the past” but said law enforcement agencies were actively countering threats.

Economic Outlook

On the economy, he noted that macro-level stability had been achieved, but growth remained a key challenge. He said recent floods, which killed over 1,000 people and destroyed thousands of villages, had slowed recovery. An audit to assess damages is currently underway.

Expressing his vision for a self-reliant Pakistan, Shehbaz said:

“My greatest desire is to see Pakistan free from loans and generating its own revenue. The time has come, and with support from our partners in the Gulf, the US, and China, progress is within reach — what we need most is the will to act.”