The president made the remarks during a meeting with PM Shehbaz at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad.

The prime minister called on the president and felicitated him on Independence Day.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior and Narcotics Control Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan and Senator Sherry Rehman were also present, according to a Presidency statement.

The prime minister briefed President Zardari on the historic agreement reached among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye in Makkah.

President Zardari expressed his best wishes for the effective implementation of the trilateral agreement, particularly in strengthening defence cooperation, promoting regional peace and stability and safeguarding the security of the Muslim Ummah.

The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed in Makkah on August 7 and seeks to strengthen collective deterrence. Under the pact, an attack against one signatory is to be treated as an attack against all three countries.

Turkiye’s Defence Ministry has said the three countries will establish political and military mechanisms under the agreement and deepen cooperation in the defence industry.

Resolve to eliminate terrorism

The meeting also reviewed internal and external affairs, with the leadership paying tribute to the professional capabilities of Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies in operations against militants described by the government as Fitna-al-Hindustan and Fitna-al-Khawarij.

The leadership reaffirmed its resolve to completely eliminate terrorism from the country and ensure Pakistan’s security and stability.

President Zardari also stressed the need for effective measures to provide relief to people facing economic difficulties amid the prevailing regional situation.

He called for ensuring the uninterrupted availability of essential commodities and making them accessible to consumers at reasonable prices.

The president expressed hope that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote regional and global peace would further strengthen the country’s standing in the international community and generate positive effects for the national economy and the lives of the people.

The meeting reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, strategic cooperation with brotherly countries and the protection of its national interests amid evolving regional and global developments.