Trilateral pact discussions took centre stage as President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reviewed the new defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye and its potential to strengthen strategic cooperation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met President Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Friday and felicitated him on Independence Day, according to an official statement. The prime minister briefed the president on the “historic” Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on August 7. Civil awards Zardari approves honours for 355 Pakistanis and foreign nationals Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be treated as an attack against all three. President Zardari praised Prime Minister Shehbaz and Field Marshal and Chief of Defence Forces Syed Asim Munir for helping transform the longstanding ties among the three countries into a stronger strategic partnership. He stressed the need for effective implementation of the agreement, particularly in defence cooperation, regional peace and stability, and the security of the Muslim world. The meeting also highlighted the professional capabilities of Pakistan’s armed forces and law-enforcement agencies in counterterrorism operations against groups the state describes as Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij. The president and prime minister reaffirmed their determination to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan and protect the country’s security. President Zardari also called for practical measures to provide relief to people facing economic difficulties amid the current regional situation. He stressed the importance of maintaining uninterrupted supplies of essential commodities and ensuring their availability at affordable prices. The president expressed hope that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote regional and global peace would further improve the country’s international standing. He also said stronger diplomatic engagement should translate into tangible benefits for Pakistan’s economy and improve the lives of ordinary citizens. Post navigation Civil awards Zardari approves honours for 355 Pakistanis and foreign nationals
