ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has ratified the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, paving the way for enhanced collaboration in defence and security matters.
The cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, also paid tribute to the leadership of both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia for their commitment to advancing strategic relations and regional stability.
During the session, the cabinet approved the donation of 15 non-operational aircraft belonging to the Department of Plant Protection to various institutions across the country for educational, commemorative and exhibition purposes.
Meanwhile, the four operational aircraft will continue to be utilized by the department for anti-locust operations, which remain vital for safeguarding agricultural productivity. This decision follows previous unsuccessful attempts to auction the aircraft, prompting authorities to allocate them for more beneficial public use.
Furthermore, the cabinet granted in-principle approval for new legislation aimed at establishing a specialized security force to protect major dams and hydropower projects under the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). This initiative reflects the government’s focus on securing critical national infrastructure against potential threats.
The ratification of the defence pact is widely seen as a strategic milestone that will bolster defence, security, and counter-terrorism cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, reinforcing long-standing ties rooted in shared interests and mutual trust.
