Defence Minister Asif denies defence pact discussions at Tehran huddle
Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif addressed claims by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding a recent meeting in Tehran on Thursday.
Minister clarifies meeting scope and mandate
Asif stated that the discussions held in Tehran did not concern Pakistan's defence or involve a defence agreement. He explained that the gathering was outside the official mandate of his ministry. The Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir attended the event to broker peace instead.
Political exchange during National Assembly
Maulana Fazlur Rehman questioned why the Defence Minister was absent while the Interior Minister participated in the regional dialogue. Asif responded by noting that Munir helped stop a war and prevented deterioration in Yemen. The minister also highlighted his personal participation in two other recent defence agreements.
2 outlets, different leads
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Dawn
'Not defence ministry's mandate': Asif responds to Fazl's remarks about his absence at Tehran huddle
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Geo News
‘No defence pact discussed in Tehran', Asif hits back at Fazl
Reported by
2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.