'Not related to defence': Govt responds to Fazl's remarks about Makkah pact countries' meeting in Tehran

Federal ministers on Thursday responded to Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s remarks regarding a recent huddle in Tehran comprising the Makkah defence pact countries and Iran. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the meeting was not related to defence. Hence, Asif said his presence was not required, while Naqvi explained the reasons for his participation. The remarks came after the JUI-F chief questioned Asif’s absence and Naqvi’s presence at the meeting. The meeting brought together top officials from Iran and member countries of the Makkah Defence Alliance — including Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin.

On Iran’s side, President Masoud Pezeshkian, Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were present. The huddle agreed to “continue their dialogue to bolster cooperation among the four regional nations, including in the areas of regional peace and security”. On Wednesday, Fazl referred to the development during his address in the National Assembly (NA) and commented: “A defence pact is taking shape in Iran, a meeting is under way (there), and the defence minister is sitting here. ” Amid laughter and desk thumping in the Lower House, he referred to Naqvi’s presence at the Tehran huddle and questioned: “The interior minister is required there as well? ” Then, taking a jibe at Asif, he repeated the defence minister’s phrase that he had used against the PTI. “There is your respect and stature — koi sharam hoti hai, koi haya hoti hai (have some shame, show some modesty),” he said, breaking into laughter. Responding…