Defence Minister Says No Defence Pact in Tehran Huddle

Tehran Huddle Meeting

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi responded to JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s remarks about their absence at a Tehran meeting.

JUI-F Questions Ministerial Presence

Maulana Fazlur Rehman questioned why Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was absent and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was present at the Tehran huddle.

Tehran Meeting Participants

The meeting included Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin.

Iranian Delegates

Iranian officials present included President Masoud Pezeshkian, Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Tehran Huddle Agreement

The huddle agreed to continue dialogue to bolster cooperation among the four regional nations, including in regional peace and security.

Fazl’s NA Remarks

Maulana Fazlur Rehman claimed a defence pact was taking shape in Iran and questioned why Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was absent.

Fazl’s Criticism of Ministers

Fazl criticized Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for lacking respect and suggested he show some modesty.

“_koi sharam hoti hai, koi haya hoti hai_ (have some shame, show some modesty)”

Defence Minister’s Response

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif denied any defence pact was taking shape in Tehran and stated the meeting was not related to Pakistan’s defence.

CDF’s Role in Huddle

Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir assumed a role for Pakistan following last year’s military conflict with India.

Two Defence Pacts Signed

Pakistan has signed two defence pacts, the Makkah defence pact and the Badr Memorandum of Understanding.

Defence Ministry’s Mandate

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated the meeting in Tehran was not the defence ministry’s mandate.

CDF’s Peace Role

The CDF had gone to Tehran as a messenger of peace to pave the ground for the huddle.

Naqvi’s Senate Response

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi clarified his participation in the Tehran meeting was to handle the ongoing crisis in Iran.

Naqvi’s Defence of Participation

Naqvi stated he was tasked by the prime minister to handle the crisis in Iran, not to participate in defence discussions.

“_sahib”

Naqvi’s Criticism of JUI-F

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accused JUI-F of using Islam for business and politics.

JUI-F’s Response to Naqvi

JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza accused the government of staging a 'programme to sling mud' at Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Fazl’s Past Contradictions

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif accused Fazl of past contradictions, including mediating with Kabul for political gain.

Fazl’s Political History

Maulana Fazlur Rehman served in the Musharraf government, was an opposition leader, and chaired the Kashmir Committee.

Asif’s Advice to Fazl

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif advised Fazl to work hard and not envy others.

“_Mehnat kar, hasad na kar_ (work hard and don’t envy)”

Fazl’s Address Criticized

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described Fazl’s address as 'blackmail' and warned against power based on compromises.