Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the recently signed defense agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye as “entirely defensive,” aiming to strengthen deterrence, regional stability, and peace.
Signed in Makkah on August 7, the agreement establishes a collective defense framework, treating an attack on one as an attack on all. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed it aligns with Article 51 of the UN Charter on self-defense. The OIC, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Somalia support the agreement, with Iran also expressing interest in regional security cooperation.
During a federal cabinet meeting, Shehbaz also addressed the political situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). He stated the incoming government would engage in dialogue with peaceful protesters but would not tolerate lawlessness. He noted past efforts to resolve disagreements through political dialogue and claimed that some elements exacerbating the situation were acting on “enemy” directives.
This discussion occurred as the 2026 AJK Legislative Assembly elections neared their final stage, with the PML-N having already secured 24 of 45 seats. The third phase of polling began on August 10 in Bagh and Haveli districts. Polling in seven constituencies in Poonch and Sudhanoti was deferred due to security concerns. Muslim Conference leader Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan was defeated in LA-14 Dhirkot.
Pakistan’s broader security situation was also a focus. Shehbaz highlighted the August 2 suicide bombing in Swat, which killed 17, and an attack on a police checkpost in Hangu, which martyred DSP Diyar Khan.
He paid tribute to Captain Hamza Akram and Major Hafiz Ihsan Elahi, killed during counterterrorism operations in Hangu and North Waziristan. He affirmed ongoing operations against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants and expressed confidence in overcoming terrorism.
The cabinet offered condolences on the death of PML-N MNA Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar. Shehbaz recalled his long association with Channar and Nawaz Sharif, dating back to 1985.
