A landmark defense agreement with Saudi Arabia would have been impossible without the crucial support of Pakistan’s armed forces, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry announced on Friday, highlighting the military’s vital role in national diplomacy.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament House, Chaudhry praised the Field Marshal for performing essential duties for the nation. He described the pact as a rare diplomatic achievement, unparalleled in the last 80 years, resulting from the peak joint efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the military leadership. The minister urged that matters of national significance should remain above political disputes.

During his interaction with the media, the minister launched a sharp critique of Awami National Party (ANP) leader Aimal Wali Khan, terming his recent statement ‘irresponsible and intolerable.’ Chaudhry alleged the remarks were motivated by a desire for personal publicity and claimed Aimal Wali loved Afghanistan more than Pakistan, attributing his party leadership solely to his family’s political legacy.

He further noted that the public had rejected the ANP’s brand of politics, which he cited as the reason for the party’s continued loss of seats.

Shifting focus, the Minister of State emphasized the government’s objective to cultivate a secure and appealing environment for foreign investment. This initiative, he explained, is central to the administration’s strategy for bolstering the national economy.

Chaudhry also addressed a recent incident at the National Press Club, expressing profound regret. He conveyed that the government, along with the ministries of Interior and Information, had condemned the episode. An unconditional apology has been extended to the journalism community, with an assurance that those accountable will face action.

Reaffirming the government’s dedication to media liberty, Chaudhry stated, ‘Parliament is incomplete without journalists.’ He assured that any subsequent actions related to the matter would be undertaken only after consulting with the Press Club’s management.