Islamabad: Foreign Office Spokesperson Ambassador Sajjad Haider Khan has said that Pakistan stands in unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In line with the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, our commitment to Saudi Arabia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and security remains resolute. We reaffirm the Kingdom's legitimate right to defend its people and protect its critical infrastructure.
This was stated by FO Spokesperson Ambassador Sajjad Haider Khan while addressing the weekly press conference on Friday. FO Spokesperson said that today, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the repeated Houthi terrorist attacks against Saudi Arabia and commended the vigilance of the Saudi armed forces and the Coalition in protecting civilian lives.
Earlier on 2 October, Pakistan strongly condemned the Houthi militia's attack on the Taibah power distribution station in Madinah while terming the attack deeply reprehensible and a grave provocation, underscoring the importance of protecting the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques and the safety of worshippers and pilgrims under all circumstances.
Sajjad Haider Khan said that Pakistan stands in unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In line with the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, our commitment to Saudi Arabia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and security remains resolute. We reaffirm the Kingdom's legitimate right to defend its people and protect its critical infrastructure. He said that the emergency meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee of the Makkah Alliance for Defence was held in Riyadh on 5 October.
He said that the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, along with Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, attended the meeting. The meeting brought together the respective Foreign Ministers, Defence Ministers, and Chiefs of General Staff of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Trkiye.
Discussions focused on recent regional developments and cooperation under the framework of the Makkah Agreement.
He said that the Committee reviewed the security situation and threats facing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reaffirmed its commitment to collective defence, and strongly condemned attempts to target Makkah and Madinah, as well as attacks on cities, civilians, and economic infrastructure. The Committee also decided to move towards the practical implementation of collective defence commitments and approved measures to enhance readiness, military integration, and the collective capacity of the three countries to confront threats. In this context, the Parties reaffirmed that the security of each country is an integral part of the collective security of the three countries and reiterated their determination to defend their security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in accordance with the provisions of the Makkah Agreement.
Sajjad Haider Khan said meanwhile, in another development on the regional front, Pakistan participated in the 8th Meeting of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, held on 5 October in Moscow. SAPM/Special Representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq and Pakistan's Ambassador to Kabul represented Pakistan at the consultations.
Sajjad Haider Khan said that the Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Ant³nio Guterres, undertook an official visit to Pakistan from 6 to 8 October 2026. The visit reaffirmed Pakistan's longstanding partnership with the United Nations and provided an opportunity to exchange views on major regional and international developments.
On 6 October, the Secretary-General held talks with Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Discussions covered regional and international peace and security, Palestine, Jammu and Kashmir, Afghanistan, terrorism, peacekeeping, sustainable development, climate change, and multilateralism.
He said that the DPM/FM briefed the Secretary-General on Pakistan's efforts for dialogue and de-escalation, reiterated Pakistan's position on Jammu and Kashmir, raised concerns over India's decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, and highlighted the continued use of Afghan soil for terrorist attacks against Pakistan. The Secretary-General also called on the President of Pakistan, who conferred upon him the Nishan-e-Imtiaz in recognition of his distinguished international service and contribution to global peace and development. On 7 October, the Secretary-General called on the Prime Minister and also held meetings with the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, and the Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control.
Sajjad Haider Khan said that during the visit, he also visited the headquarters of UN Military Observer Group for India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) and attended a briefing at the National Disaster Management Authority on Pakistan's disaster preparedness and early warning capabilities. The Foreign Service Academy also hosted a special talk by the Secretary-General on strengthening multilateralism and the role of the United Nations.
He said that the DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the UN Charter, international law, and peaceful settlement of disputes, while the Secretary-General underscored the need for stronger multilateral cooperation and a more representative and effective United Nations.
The Secretary-General concluded his visit on 8 October, reaffirming the close partnership between Pakistan and the United Nations and Pakistan's continued commitment to multilateralism, dialogue, and diplomacy.
Sajjad Haider Khan said that alongside these important multilateral engagements, Pakistan continued its bilateral diplomatic engagement and outreach. He said that on the bilateral front, on 6 October, UK Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Stephen Doughty, held a meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister.
He said that the two sides reviewed Pakistan-UK bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, education, security, and other areas of mutual interest. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments and agreed to work towards the early operationalization of the Pakistan-UK Bilateral Political Dialogue.
Sajjad Haider Khan said that earlier, on 3 October, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott called on the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister.
He said that another important bilateral development was on 7 October, whereby the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister received Belarusian National Security Adviser Lieutenant-General Aleksandr Volfovich. The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum in Pakistan-Belarus ties. They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation across areas of mutual interest and exchanged views on regional and international developments.
He said that the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, undertook an official visit to Pakistan from 7 to 8 October, at the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister. During the visit, the two dignitaries held detailed discussions on bilateral cooperation and regional developments, co-chaired the 3rd Session of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Ministerial Commission, and interacted with the media. The two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, economic, defence, and security ties, labour and manpower, cultural exchanges, and other areas of mutual interest. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments and cooperation at multilateral forums. The visit reflected the positive momentum in Pakistan-Bahrain relations and the shared commitment of both countries to further deepen bilateral cooperation and advance mutually beneficial ties.
He said on Thursday, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, arrived in Islamabad for an official visit to Pakistan from 8 to 10 October 2026. This is the first-ever visit to Pakistan by a Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See.
The visit also coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Holy See. During his meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, including interfaith harmony, dialogue, and peace, as well as regional and international developments. The visit marks an important milestone in the longstanding relations between Pakistan and the Holy See. It reflects their shared commitment to further strengthening mutual understanding, cooperation, and trust, while promoting interfaith harmony and peace.
Sajjad Haider Khan said that following the killing of two Pakistani civilians by the Indian Border Security Force in the Bedian Sector along the International Border on 2 October, the Indian Charg© d'Affaires was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 3 October, and a strong protest was lodged. Pakistan categorically rejected the unprovoked and disproportionate use of lethal force against unarmed civilians and called upon India to conduct an immediate, transparent, and credible investigation, take appropriate legal and disciplinary action against those responsible, and share the findings with Pakistan.
He said that India was also urged to respect international law, fundamental human rights, relevant bilateral arrangements, and established border procedures, exercise maximum restraint, and take effective measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
Sajjad Haider Khan said coming over to the rescue mission of Pakistani nationals from Somalia, on 4 October, four injured Pakistani crew members of MT Honour 25, along with the mortal remains of three Pakistani nationals, were repatriated from Addis Ababa to Karachi, while the remaining three crew members returned on 7 October.
Our Missions in Djibouti and Addis Ababa facilitated their stay and onward travel as part of the Government's sustained efforts to ensure the safe return of all surviving crew members.
Sajjad Haider Khan said that finally, on 6 October, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar delivered a keynote address via a video message at the International Water Symposium convened by the Embassy of Pakistan in Austria in collaboration with the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. The Symposium brought together diplomats, academics, and experts to discuss water security, transboundary river governance, and obligations under international law. In his address, the DPM/FM condemned India's weaponization of water, reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the Indus Waters Treaty, and highlighted the Court of Arbitration's Award affirming that the Treaty remains in force and its obligations must be respected. He underscored that shared rivers should remain instruments of peace and cooperation, not coercion, and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to defending its rights under the Treaty.