President Asif Ali Zardari has strongly appreciated the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces, for turning longstanding fraternal relations among Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan into a stronger strategic partnership. The praise came during a meeting at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Friday where the Prime Minister called on the President to congratulate him on Independence Day.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefed the President on the historic Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed on August 7 among the three countries. Under this important pact reached during the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit for Joint Defence, an armed attack on any one of the three nations will be treated as an attack on all of them. This collective defence commitment marks a significant step forward in regional security cooperation.
President Zardari expressed his best wishes for the effective implementation of the trilateral agreement. He particularly highlighted its potential to promote defence cooperation, regional peace and stability, and the overall security of the Muslim Ummah. The President also appreciated the professional capabilities of Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies in their ongoing operations against terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij. Both leaders reiterated their firm resolve to completely eradicate the scourge of terrorism from the country.
In addition to defence and security matters, President Zardari stressed the urgent need for practical measures that can provide relief to ordinary citizens facing economic difficulties amid the current regional situation. He called for ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential commodities at reasonable prices so that the public can better manage their daily lives.
The President further expressed hope that Pakistan’s active diplomatic efforts for regional and global peace would continue to strengthen the country’s international standing. He noted that the positive outcomes of such diplomacy should eventually reflect in the national economy and improve the lives of the people. The meeting underscored the shared commitment of the civilian and military leadership to safeguard national interests while advancing meaningful partnerships with key Muslim countries.
