Houthi attacks: FO says Pakistan-Saudi defence pact implementation will take time

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have bilateral defence cooperation while implementation of their recently signed defence agreement will require some time, Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said on Thursday.

Speaking at a weekly media briefing in Islamabad, the spokesperson condemned Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia and said Pakistan has expressed solidarity with the Saudi leadership and people. He said Pakistan would continue to support Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Bilateral defence cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is continuing,” the spokesperson said, adding that Pakistani forces are present in Saudi Arabia for training and logistical purposes. He said the implementation of the defence agreement would take time, adding that further aspects of bilateral defence cooperation would emerge soon.

On Kashmir, the spokesperson said that the dispute remained an unresolved issue on the United Nations agenda. He said Indian claims and tactics could not change the disputed status of Kashmir. He added that the official UN map reflected the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir and that Indian actions had no legal standing.

The Foreign Office spokesperson also condemned the demolition of a mosque in Saharanpur, India, saying the incident had revived memories of the Babri Mosque demolition.

Addressing reports about restrictions on Afghan students, Mr Khan said the impression that Pakistan had imposed a ban on Afghan students was incorrect. He said no decision had been taken to impose a blanket ban on Afghan students, adding that those holding valid visas and enrolled in degree programmes would be allowed to complete their education.