Senator Sherry Rehman on Tuesday urged Pakistan to turn its Sustainable Development Goals commitments into investments that improve everyday lives. Addressing the National SDGs Investment Fair 2026, she called for measurable progress on education, poverty, water security and climate resilience. “When we talk about the SDGs or development, too often they are seen as a box to tick off.” Rehman cited 26 million out-of-school children, 39.5 percent multidimensional poverty and 55 percent of the population lacking safe drinking water. She put Pakistan’s population above 259 million, making it the world’s fifth-most populous country. She also cited 17.7 percent acute malnutrition, above the WHO emergency threshold, and stunting among around 40 percent of under-fives. These figures underscored the urgency of investment, she said. Pakistan ranks 106th among 123 countries in the 2025 Global Hunger Index, which classifies its hunger level as serious. Rehman thanked UNDP for connecting investors with development projects across jurisdictions. She said Pakistan needed institutional, regulatory and financial structures that could turn priorities into viable investments. UNDP’s SDGs Plus Programme reports developing a $7.9 billion investment pipeline for climate and development sectors. Its work includes provincial partnerships and innovative financing. Rehman identified public-private partnerships as a major implementation route amid pressure on government resources. She said the finance minister had recognised Sindh’s approach to bringing both sectors together. Highlighting Sindh’s new Karachi wastewater treatment and reuse plant, she urged investment in recovering water for productive use. Such projects could strengthen water security and urban resilience while sharing risks. She urged businesses to apply environmental, social and governance standards alongside corporate social responsibility. “This is not simply about creating a bridge for one project; it is about creating the plumbing for future projects and future PPPs.” Rehman said governments must provide policy certainty, credible regulation and financial planning as climate risks unsettle investors. The 2022 floods caused more than $30 billion in combined damage and economic losses, according to the post-disaster assessment. This included $14.9 billion in damage and $15.2 billion in losses. She also urged investors to support smaller projects without allowing trials to continue indefinitely. “Pilots are essential, but they have to have a pathway to scale.” Projects needed plans for revenue, maintenance, climate resilience and social benefits five or ten years after initial funding, she said. Institutional support, political ownership and financial credibility would determine whether announcements produced lasting results. Rehman linked poverty, hunger, education, water, waste, energy and employment, urging investment strategies that address these connections. She cited estimates that narrowing the gender participation gap could increase Pakistan’s GDP by up to 60 percent. “If we invest in water, we protect health. If we invest in education, we build human capital. If we invest in women, we expand the economy. If we invest in resilience, we protect future growth. That is what the SDGs should mean in practice.”
UN Chief Hails Pakistan’s Role in US-Iran Mediation
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Pakistan’s “pivotal role” in US-Iran mediation on Tuesday and urged the parties to resume diplomacy. He spoke alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar during his October 6 visit. “I salute Pakistan’s leadership for helping to create the conditions for dialogue between the US and Iran and mediating that conflict.” “Your efforts helped deliver the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, the subsequent ceasefire and the framework for future negotiations. Every Pakistani should be proud of that pivotal role,” he said. Guterres called for an end to the conflict and restoration of navigational rights under international law. He also linked lasting regional peace to Palestinian self-determination. Pakistan’s Foreign Office lists his visit as October 6–8, clarifying the supplied report’s reference to a two-day trip. His programme includes meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. He will also visit UN military observers and the National Disaster Management Authority. Guterres honoured Pakistan’s peacekeeping contribution, recalling more than 180 Pakistani personnel who died serving peace. He praised Pakistan and Denmark for leading Security Council Resolution 2823, which strengthens accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers. Its 153 co-sponsors represented a record for a Security Council resolution, he said. The UN chief also acknowledged Pakistan’s decades of hosting millions of Afghan refugees. He stressed that returns must “proceed in a voluntary, safe and dignified way”. On terrorism, Guterres recognised Pakistan’s suffering and backed efforts to confront the threat. He stressed international law, human rights and the rule of law as foundations for effective security responses. Climate vulnerability featured prominently in his remarks. Guterres recalled witnessing the devastation of Pakistan’s 2022 floods, which affected approximately 33 million people and killed 1,700. He praised Pakistan’s clean-energy transition and role in establishing the Loss and Damage Fund. However, he urged developed countries to fulfil their responsibilities. “The G20 represents 80 per cent of global emissions. We need a drastic reduction in those emissions this decade,” he said. Dar raised Kashmir, Afghanistan, counterterrorism and India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. Pakistan’s government separately confirmed that their meeting covered these regional disputes and Islamabad’s facilitation of US-Iran dialogue. “We underscored the need to ensure that India stops weaponising water and fulfils its obligations under the IWT.” Dar also alleged that militants continued using Afghan territory for attacks against Pakistan and sought international assistance. He highlighted Resolution 2788 on peaceful dispute settlement and supported Guterres’ UN80 reform initiative. He said reforms must preserve the organisation’s core responsibilities and developing countries’ priorities. Guterres’ decade as secretary-general ends on December 31. His visit follows talks with Shehbaz at the UN General Assembly last month. The UN said the trip would also assess Pakistan’s progress on disaster preparedness and resilience since the 2022 floods.
Fatima Fertilizer Wins GCNP Human Rights Award 2026
Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited has secured first position in the Human Rights category at the Global Compact Network Pakistan Sustainability Awards 2026. The company announced the recognition on Tuesday, linking it to responsible business practices, inclusion and support for employees, farmers and communities. The award follows Fatima Fertilizer’s adoption of the United Nations Development Programme’s SDG Impact Framework in November 2024. UNDP confirmed at the time that the company became Pakistan’s first private-sector entity to adopt the framework through its collaboration. Fatima Fertilizer says it has mapped its activities against 15 Sustainable Development Goals and 49 targets across eight priority impact areas. Focus on employees, farmers and communities The company connects its sustainability programmes with its role in Pakistan’s agriculture sector and the wellbeing of surrounding communities. Its initiatives cover farmer livelihoods, food security, employee wellbeing, women’s empowerment, education and skills development. Environmental stewardship, climate action, resource efficiency, digital inclusion and responsible agricultural practices also form part of its approach. “Being recognised in the Human Rights category is a meaningful affirmation of our people-centred approach to sustainability. At Fatima Fertilizer, we remain committed to creating lasting value for our employees, farmers and communities while advancing responsible business practices and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Rabel Sadozai, Director Marketing and Sales, Fatima Fertilizer. The company said the recognition adds to its national and international sustainability and impact awards. It also reaffirmed plans to incorporate sustainability into business strategy, operations and long-term value creation. UNDP framework provides reporting foundation UNDP and Fatima Fertilizer launched the company’s first SDG Sustainability Framework report in Islamabad on November 21, 2024. The development agency says it used its Impact Lab tool to help map the company’s contributions to the global goals. The tool gives businesses a structured way to assess their sustainability footprint, develop an SDG profile and select relevant indicators. UNDP’s published account identifies energy efficiency, waste reduction, responsible water and paper use, and tree planting among the framework’s themes. It also highlights employee safety and health, gender diversity, inclusion and leadership development. At the launch, UNDP Pakistan Resident Representative Samuel Rizk welcomed the integration of SDG targets into the company’s business strategies and operations. Seven development goals highlighted In its award announcement, Fatima Fertilizer highlighted contributions to seven specific goals within its broader SDG mapping. These include SDG 2, Zero Hunger; SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being; and SDG 4, Quality Education. The company also identified SDG 5, Gender Equality, and SDG 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth. SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, complete the list. The UN Global Compact’s wider principles call on businesses to respect human rights and avoid complicity in abuses. Its guidance also urges companies to identify and address harmful impacts across their operations and value chains.
Steve Jobs’ Furniture Story Still Shapes Apple Design
Apple CEO John Ternus has pointed to a story about Steve Jobs and a chest of drawers to explain the company’s design standards. The lesson, he said, applies equally to premium devices and the lower-priced MacBook Neo. Speaking after the laptop’s launch earlier this year, Ternus recalled Jobs’ admiration for craftsmanship in places customers would rarely see. His remarks describe a product philosophy focused on the inside of a device as much as its exterior. They also offer insight into his priorities after succeeding Tim Cook as chief executive on September 1. The lesson behind the furniture story “Steve was moving a piece of furniture, a chest of drawers, and pulled it away from the wall and looked at the back and was just reflecting on the carpenter who had made it beautiful. It finished the back as beautifully as the rest of it, even though nobody was going to see it right and I think about that all the time because I think that perfectly exemplifies what we do here,” Ternus said. For Ternus, the carpenter’s attention to an unseen surface captures Apple’s approach to hardware. Internal components deserve care even when customers never open the casing. He connected that principle directly to the MacBook Neo, which Apple introduced on March 4. MacBook Neo brings the philosophy to cheaper hardware “We’ve been talking about the MacBook Neo. Here is our most affordable Mac we’ve ever made, and it’s absolutely beautiful. And if you open it up and look inside, it’s just as beautiful,” he said. “And that’s true about all products – an iPhone Pro Max or a MacBook Pro or an iPad Pro, but it’s also true on a MacBook Neo,” he added. His comparison emphasised consistency in craftsmanship across different price categories. It did not suggest that the entry-level laptop offers identical specifications to Apple’s professional machines. Apple’s launch documentation identifies the Neo’s processor as the A18 Pro. The company positioned the laptop as a way to bring the Mac experience to more people. The device also formed part of Ternus’s hardware portfolio before his promotion. A design priority under new leadership Ternus joined Apple’s product design team in 2001 and became vice president of hardware engineering in 2013. He joined the executive team as senior vice president in 2021. His responsibilities spanned generations of iPhones, Macs and Apple Watches, alongside work on the iPad and AirPods. Apple’s succession announcement also credited him with advancing durability, materials and repairability. Cook moved to executive chairman when Ternus took over. Ternus framed the furniture story as a guide to continued product development. “That’s what we do, and so, it’s just been really good just to think about that and reflect on that because that is probably the best kind of clue as to where we’re going in the future. We’re going to keep pushing in that same way,” he said.
Corolla Facelift Pakistan: Toyota Drops Outgoing Model
Toyota Indus has discontinued the current pre-facelift Corolla in Pakistan as it prepares to introduce an updated version. The automotive publication said company officials confirmed the development after it contacted them. The decision clears the way for a minor facelift featuring cosmetic changes and additional equipment. The Corolla nameplate will continue in Pakistan. The upcoming model updates the existing sedan rather than introducing a new generation or a major redesign. The development follows the appearance of a facelifted Corolla in Pakistan earlier this month. It’s photographs were released on October 4, offering a preview before the formal launch. What changes will the Corolla facelift bring? The spotted vehicle showed a revised front grille, new alloy wheels and parking sensors. According to the discontinuation report, the outgoing version does not offer those sensors. It also had reworked headlights, a slimmer upper grille and a redesigned front bumper. At the rear, the photographs showed revised tail lamps and changes to the bumper. Read More: Corolla Facelift Pakistan: Toyota Drops Outgoing Model The vehicle carried Altis and 1.8 X badges, while its overall body shape remained largely unchanged. These details point to an exterior refresh of Pakistan’s existing Corolla Altis. However, the spotted car does not establish which features Toyota will offer across every variant. Toyota has yet to confirm the facelift’s complete equipment list, according to the report. Buyers therefore await details on cabin changes, safety equipment and the distribution of new features across the range. Engine specifications await confirmation The available reporting does not confirm major mechanical changes for the upcoming Corolla facelift. Toyota’s published specification sheet for the outgoing Corolla Altis X lists 1,598cc and 1,798cc petrol engines. The smaller engine produces 120 horsepower and 154Nm of torque. The larger unit delivers 138 horsepower and 173Nm. The existing lineup includes the 1.6 manual, 1.6 CVT-i, 1.6 CVT-i Special Edition, 1.8 CVT-i and 1.8 CVT-i Grande. Those specifications describe the outgoing range. They do not confirm the engine and transmission combinations Toyota will use for the refreshed model. The current specification sheet also lists a 2,700mm wheelbase, 4,620mm overall length and a 55-litre fuel tank. Toyota has not released corresponding confirmed specifications for the facelift in the material reviewed. Launch date and prices still pending The updated Corolla will launch soon, but its reporting does not provide a confirmed date. Prices, the final variant lineup and booking arrangements also remain unannounced. Toyota’s website continued to display the Corolla X during checks for this report. Read More: Toyota and Hyundai Investigated Over How They Use Driver Data The discontinuation report does not explain how Toyota will handle outstanding orders or whether dealers still hold outgoing stock. For prospective customers, the next announcement will need to clarify delivery schedules alongside prices and specifications. It will also establish whether the parking sensors and other visible additions extend beyond the photographed variant.
HBL and PAFLA Plan International Payment Solutions for Freelancers
Habib Bank Limited (HBL) and the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) have signed an agreement to expand banking services for freelancers across Pakistan. The partnership combines financial products with training to help freelancers manage overseas earnings and develop their businesses. Under the memorandum of understanding, HBL will offer PAFLA members specialised banking products, foreign currency accounts, international payment solutions and digital banking services. Faisal Malik, Head of HBL Konnect, signed the agreement alongside PAFLA President Dr Imran Batada, a Global CIO Award winner. HBL President and CEO Muhammad Nassir Salim and Head of Retail Aalishaan Zaidi attended the ceremony. PAFLA representatives included Co-founder and Chairman Ibrahim Amin, Co-founder Fahad Sheikh, and Chief Growth and Strategy official Farheen Fatima. Senior officials from both organisations also attended. Banking access and skills development The partnership extends beyond account services. HBL and PAFLA plan financial literacy workshops, educational sessions and professional development programmes to help freelancers improve their skills. Both organisations aim to support sustainable entrepreneurship, income growth and economic empowerment through these initiatives. They will also organise joint events, community engagement activities, industry partnerships and awareness campaigns to strengthen Pakistan’s freelancing sector. In its announcement, PAFLA highlighted the practical challenges freelancers face when serving overseas clients. These include receiving international payments, managing foreign earnings and building a financial profile that supports business growth. HBL chief highlights AI challenge Salim said the partnership would support freelancers as technology changes the skills employers and clients need. “Freelancers are playing an increasingly important role in Pakistan’s digital economy, creating new opportunities and connecting local talent with global markets. At HBL, we are committed to supporting their growth through tailored financial solutions and greater digital inclusion. As AI reshapes the future of work, investing in freelancer upskilling is no longer optional but imperative. PAFLA can serve as a key enabler in helping freelancers build future-ready capabilities, navigate disruption, and unlock sustainable growth opportunities. Together, we aim to empower freelancers and strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy,” he said. Amin said freelancers increasingly contribute to Pakistan’s digital economy by bringing in foreign exchange, creating jobs and reducing unemployment. He stressed that banks should support skill development and financial literacy alongside their banking services. The partnership announcement puts Pakistan’s freelance workforce at nearly three million and describes the country as the world’s fourth-largest freelancing market. Existing banking services provide a foundation HBL already offers a Freelancer Digital Account. Its published guidance allows customers to request a linked Exporter’s Special Foreign Currency Account at an eligible branch. The State Bank of Pakistan introduced a dedicated framework for freelancers’ accounts in October 2023. It sought to facilitate account opening and banking access for residents receiving overseas payments for digital and online services. The HBL-PAFLA announcement did not specify a rollout timetable, product fees or workshop registration arrangements.
Medvedev Loses Nearly $220,000 After Ball Hits Spectator in Beijing
Daniil Medvedev faces losing roughly $220,000 and 200 ranking points after his China Open disqualification, putting his ATP Finals hopes under pressure. Officials defaulted the Russian during Monday’s Beijing semifinal against Novak Djokovic after he struck a ball into the crowd, hitting a spectator. Medvedev trailed 5-7, 3-5, with Djokovic serving for the match. After Djokovic won a point with a forehand volley, the ball rebounded off the advertising boards towards Medvedev. He swung a backhand into the stands behind him. The spectator covered his face before staff escorted him away for medical attention. Medvedev raised his left hand in apology and accepted the decision. He later denied deliberately causing the incident and said he wanted to apologise personally. Prize money and ranking points at stake The default costs Medvedev his tournament earnings and semifinal ranking points. ATP rules also provide for forfeiture of tournament hospitality following a default, subject to specified exceptions. The potential financial loss is the second-largest associated with a professional tennis default. Djokovic forfeited $250,000 after hitting a line judge with a ball at the 2020 US Open. His fourth-round disqualification also ended his pursuit of the title and its $3 million winner’s cheque. Read More: Flair Travel Joins Hands with Pakistan Tennis Federation in Major Boost for Sports Tourism For Medvedev, whose career earnings total approximately $52.9 million according to the report, the ranking damage could prove more consequential. He was eighth in the season’s race with 3,030 points, just 330 ahead of ninth-placed Alex de Minaur. De Minaur reached the Beijing final after Hubert Hurkacz retired injured from their semifinal. The Australian’s progress adds pressure as Medvedev seeks a place in the eight-player season finale after a disappointing 2025. What the ATP rulebook says The ATP rulebook states: “Players shall not violently, dangerously or with anger hit, kick or throw a tennis ball while on the grounds of the tournament site except in the reasonable pursuit of a point during a match (including warm-up). For purposes of this rule, abuse of balls is defined as intentionally or recklessly hitting a ball out of the enclosure of the court, hitting a ball dangerously or recklessly within the court or hitting a ball with disregard of the consequences.” The chair umpire and tournament supervisor assess the incident and determine the appropriate sanction. Previous cases include David Nalbandian’s 2012 Queen’s Club final default after he kicked an advertising board that injured a line judge. He lost around $51,000. Andrey Rublev and Denis Shapovalov successfully appealed financial and ranking-point penalties following separate defaults in 2024. Why the Finals matter Missing the ATP Finals would mean losing another substantial earning opportunity. However, the $331,000 participation payment cited in the report comes from the tournament’s published 2025 prize schedule. It covered three round-robin appearances. Read More: Pakistani Tennis Player Sets Guinness Record with 59 Serves in One Minute That schedule offered an undefeated champion $5.071 million, rather than a guaranteed payout of nearly $5 million to every winner. Those figures illustrate the stakes but do not establish the confirmed 2026 payments.
Usha Vance Stumbles on Helicopter Steps Carrying Baby
US Second Lady Usha Vance briefly lost her footing while carrying her infant son down helicopter steps at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. She quickly regained her balance and continued with her family ahead of a trip to Alaska on October 5. Video shared by USA Today showed Usha apparently missing a step with Alec Neel Vance strapped to her chest in a baby carrier. She caught herself, remained upright and immediately turned her attention to the infant. Usha appeared to soothe Alec before smiling and continuing. People reported that she held the banister, composed herself and patted the baby’s back while waiting for her husband. OMG. Second lady Usha Vance, 9-Week-Old son in a carrier, diaper bag on her shoulder, loses her footing on the Marine One stairs. 🙏 She steadies herself. The baby stays in the carrier. Everyone’s ok. https://t.co/zBZpim7acw — Mr Producer (@RichSementa) October 5, 2026 Vice President JD Vance followed behind, carrying their four-year-old daughter, Mirabel. The family then walked towards the aircraft waiting to take them to Anchorage. Alaska visit marks personal milestone Vance was due to headline a Republican National Committee rally supporting Senator Dan Sullivan’s reelection campaign against Democrat Mary Peltola. The journey also carried personal significance for Usha: Alaska would complete her visits to all 50 US states. “Usha and a couple of the kids are joining,” Vance told reporters before departure. “This is Usha’s 50th state, which is why we are bringing a nine-week-old baby on a 7.5-hour flight to Alaska,” he said. He then joked about how the journey might affect his appearance at the rally. Read More: JD Vance Issues Rare Warning to Israel as US-Iran Deal Takes Effect “so if I give a speech tonight and I look haggard and stressed out, that’s exactly why.” The Associated Press also reported that the couple took their two youngest children on the campaign trip. Vance described it as their first long flight with the baby. Although Vance called Alec nine weeks old, his reported July 19 birth date puts him at 11 weeks on October 5. A family of six The couple welcomed Alec at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. He joined siblings Ewan, nine, Vivek, six, and Mirabel, four. His arrival marked the first birth to a sitting US vice president’s family in more than 150 years, according to AP. President Donald Trump shared one of Alec’s earliest public photographs before his parents posted their own introduction. Trump’s Truth Social post showed the newborn in hospital alongside his three older siblings. Usha and JD later shared a series of family photographs on Instagram, thanking well-wishers and acknowledging the challenges of photographing four children. Read More: Trump Hands JD Vance High-Risk Mission to Lead Iran Talks in Pakistan “Thank you for all the good wishes as we settle into life as a family of six,” the couple wrote. They introduced their youngest son with “Meet Alec” and invited followers to “enjoy these attempts at taking a decent family photo with four kids!” Monday’s brief stumble occurred as the family moved between aircraft. The footage described in the reports showed Usha recover her footing and continue towards the Alaska-bound flight.
Pakistan, Turkiye Agree Rapid Military Deployment to Saudi Arabia
Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia have agreed to rapidly deploy military forces and capabilities in the kingdom under the Makkah defence pact. The decision followed emergency talks in Riyadh on October 5 amid escalating Houthi attacks. The Strategic Political and Defence Committee (SPDC) approved immediate implementation of collective defence commitments, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said. Deployment will follow agreed arrangements and each country’s national legislation. 🔊PR No.2️⃣7️⃣5️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ Joint Statement: Emergency Meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the Makkah Alliance for Defence, Riyadh -5 October, 2026 🔗⬇️ https://t.co/ynFYzqILzc — Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 5, 2026 The committee pledged to “take the necessary measures to provide the agreed military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment in the kingdom”. The statement did not identify a specific adversary or disclose troop numbers and deployment schedules. Pakistan confirms supportive military role Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan and Turkiye maintained a “presence in theatre”, but only Saudi troops were conducting combat operations. “Whatever assistance they require is being provided. But right now, the Turkish and Pakistani armies are playing a supportive role,” he told Geo News. Read More: Attacks Near Makkah Put Pakistan-Saudi-Turkiye Defence Pact in Focus Speaking by telephone on Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath, Asif said Pakistan was conducting reconnaissance. Saudi Arabia had made “gains and recovered some areas” in Yemen, he added. “The organisational structure of the alliance was formalised during today’s meeting,” Asif said. Pakistan’s delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Asif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. Munir attended as Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff. Their Saudi and Turkish counterparts also participated. Nauman Mahmood named alliance chief The committee appointed retired Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood as the alliance’s first secretary general for three years. Members welcomed him and expressed confidence in his ability to advance its objectives. The three countries condemned “in the strongest terms” attempted attacks on Makkah and Madina and continuing strikes against Saudi cities and civilian and economic facilities. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 , Federal Minister for Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and the Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attended the Emergency Meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee ( S-PDC) established under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on 5 October 2026 in Riyadh today. The meeting endorsed the nomination of Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood(Rtd), Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military) as the first Secretary-General of the Makkah Alliance for Defence . The meeting also strongly condemned the attempted targeting of the Holy Cities of Makkah and Medina, as well as continued attacks against the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The three countries exchanged views on the latest regional developments and expressed their resolve to work closely for regional peace and stability. During the meeting, Pakistan expressed its unwavering solidarity with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and expressed its full support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security. Pakistan also reiterated its continued commitment to making all efforts for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. — Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 5, 2026 Pakistan and Turkiye praised Saudi forces’ readiness and professionalism in countering attacks. The committee approved recommendations from earlier political and military consultations. Members reaffirmed collective defence, stronger deterrence and protection of their sovereignty and territorial integrity. They described each member’s security as an “integral part of the collective security of the three countries”. Yemen fighting intensifies The August 7 agreement treats an attack against one member as an attack against all. Military chiefs previously held emergency talks in Riyadh on September 25. Yemen’s Saudi-backed government launched an offensive on Sunday to recover Houthi-held territory. The Houthis reported Saudi strikes on Sanaa and claimed missile and drone attacks against an Aramco facility south of Riyadh. The escalation followed their seizure of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait. Read More: Nauman Mahmood Named Makkah Defence Alliance Secretary General Diplomacy also remains under consideration. Reuters reported that Dar said Iran had suggested political engagement with the Houthis before the Riyadh meeting. On September 18, military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry pledged Pakistan would go to “any extent” to defend Saudi Arabia. He described that commitment as “unconditional”. Asif had separately promised Pakistan would stand by the kingdom “practically and diplomatically” if fighting escalated.
