Pakistan has expressed unwavering solidarity with Iran following recent Israeli attacks, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif announced during the budget discussion. He pledged Pakistan’s commitment to defending Iranian interests at all international forums, including the United Nations.

Condemning the Israeli aggression, Asif described Iran as a neighboring and fraternal country. He called for an immediate meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to demonstrate the unity of the Muslim Ummah in the face of this crisis.

Reiterating Pakistan’s long-standing policy, Minister Asif stated that Pakistan neither recognizes Israel nor maintains diplomatic relations with the country.

He also alluded to recent tensions with India, asserting that India paid a heavy price for its aggression against Pakistan, suffering a significant blow to its international standing. He credited the strength and resolve of Pakistan’s armed forces and its people for forcing a retreat from the “five times bigger enemy.” He emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to defend itself and the nation’s full support for its armed forces.

Asif further acknowledged the sacrifices of Pakistan’s security forces in the fight against terrorism, expressing confidence in a future victory. On the economic front, he expressed optimism regarding improved economic indicators and the renewed confidence of international financial institutions in Pakistan’s economic trajectory, predicting a robust economy in the years to come.