Key Takeaways
- Pakistan rejected a New York Times report claiming PAF jets participated in a Saudi-led operation against Houthis.
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting described the report as 'fake and fabricated'.
- Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.
Pakistan has firmly rejected a New York Times report that claimed Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets were involved in a Saudi-led operation against the Houthis. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting categorically dismissed the report as 'fake and fabricated'.
The ministry urged international media organizations to avoid speculative reporting on the use of Pakistan’s armed forces under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA). The MJDA, signed in August, aims to provide for collective defence in the event of an external armed attack on any of the three signatories: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye.
The rejection comes in the wake of recent developments where Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye agreed to immediately implement their collective defence commitments under the agreement. This includes the 'rapid deployment' of agreed military forces and capabilities in the Kingdom, as stated by the Foreign Office.
During the first-ever meeting of the alliance’s Strategic Political and Defence Committee in Riyadh, attended by the top military and political leadership of the three countries, the decision was made. The three sides emphasized that the deployment would be carried out under approved arrangements and in line with their respective national laws, with the primary goal of enhancing readiness, military integration, and collective capacity.
The ministry’s statement also highlighted that 'details of any employment, if necessary, will be given by the concerned authorities.' This indicates that while the PAF is part of the agreement, specific details of its involvement remain to be disclosed by the relevant authorities.
Pakistan’s stance on the matter underscores its commitment to the MJDA and its desire to maintain transparency and avoid any misinterpretations or speculations. The country’s response is seen as a reaffirmation of its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, while also ensuring that its military operations are conducted in accordance with international norms and agreements.
The rejection of the New York Times report is part of a broader effort by Pakistan to manage its public image and ensure that its military operations are accurately reported. This move also aligns with the country’s diplomatic strategy to maintain a positive relationship with regional powers while safeguarding its sovereignty and military autonomy.
