Pakistan to question exclusion of Islamic countries from anti-terror alliance

E-Paper | March 18, 2026

ISLAMABAD: The adviser to prime minister on foreign affairs, Sartaj Aziz, told Senate that the exclusion of some Islamic countries from the Saudi-led 34-nation anti-terror alliance will be discussed at international level.

Answering a question posed by Senate chairman on exclusion of Syria, Iraq and Iran from the Saudi-led alliance, Aziz said on Monday the issue would be discussed in upcoming meetings in the next couple of weeks and also in the upcoming Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) summit.

"We have some ideas about the issue which are yet to be discussed,” he added.

Aziz, while winding up a motion moved by Senator Sehar Kamran about success and failure of Pakistan's foreign policy, said the prime objective of country's foreign policy was to protect Pakistan's interests, sovereignty, security and non-interference in other countries' affairs.

He was of the view that Pakistan took principled stance on all issues including those of Middle East and Arab countries.

Spelling out the top priorities of country's foreign policy,Aziz said that Pakistan believes that a peaceful neighbourhood is essential for economic revival and progress, adding the country's focus was on trade and investment and not aid.

Aziz added that when the PML-N came into power, the prime minister wrote letters to all missions that economic diplomacy was the country's top priority.

Talking about recent terrorists incidents in Afghanistan, he said that it was Afghanistan's internal issue, adding that "Pakistan has no favourite group in Afghanistan and it is committed to durable peace in the neighbouring country".

Aziz claimed that that due to successful foreign policy of Pakistan, Indian government came upon the table to start comprehensive dialogue process with Pakistan on all outstanding issues, as Pakistan has successfully and forcefully presented its case on all international forums.

He also informed the Senators that due to successful foreign visits of Nawaz Sharif, foreign investment and mega projects have been initiated.

He added that due to the foreign policy pursued by the regime, a country like Russia has promised investment in gas pipeline and the Central Asian Countries have also shown willingness to join China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

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Aamir Shahzad

Dec 22, 2015 12:09am

Very balanced and articulate stance on firm grounds of principles. Bravo

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Fahim Khan

Dec 22, 2015 12:19am

The question is why are we included and who authorized it?

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Sikandar

Dec 22, 2015 12:40am

This was first pointed out by Imran Khan. He said "inclusion in this alliance will ignite sectarianism in Pakistan." The big guns of Foreign Office including Zardari, Nawaz and Company were so full of air to be included and welcomed it initially.

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Amin

Dec 22, 2015 01:07am

Incompetent Saudi Arabia must not play these games. Pakistan should lead this alliance and ensure participation of all muslim states.

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just_someone

Dec 22, 2015 01:12am

@Fahim Khan Exactly... Saudi never asked us before including us

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AXH

Dec 22, 2015 01:21am

@Fahim Khan - Since our politicians have portrayed as beggars, therefore, no one bothered to ask us for our consent.

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Adil

Dec 22, 2015 01:27am

@Sikandar. Do u have any source of information or are u just making up facts

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Muzamil Khan

Dec 22, 2015 01:31am

@Fahim Khan "The question is why are we included and who authorized it?" Probably nobody did. Foreign office was surprised by the announcement. Few other countries expressed their surprise at the inclusion too, Indonesia was one of them.

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ayub

Dec 22, 2015 01:32am

Almost all countries included in the alliance are weak militarily except Pakistan. Therefore, large contribution will be from Pakistan.

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elli

Dec 22, 2015 01:36am

@Sikandar the man is immature

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rashid

Dec 22, 2015 01:40am

sovereignty? we got included in an alliance without even knowing about it.

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Syed Meerza

Dec 22, 2015 01:47am

“On the Syrian war, we supported Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity while on Yemen issue we showed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and stressed peaceful resolution of the issue through dialogue process,” said the premier's adviser. My comment on the above: Of course this is the right stand of Pakistan Govt. But, why now NS Govt. is clamoring to join the Saudi led "military" alliance? Given the covert, apparently sectarian agenda of Saudi Arabia, I think NS Govt. should think twice and preferably take the matter to be discussed in the parliament.More so, after the UN resolution No.2254, it is unnecessary to, even, form a Muslim countries military alliance, not to speak of Pakistan joining the alliance, that too, excluding Iraq,Iran and Syria. Does it not smell like sectarian alliance? I am not sure.Can any body cast some view on this please?

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Syed Meerza

Dec 22, 2015 01:54am

Sartaj Aziz seems to be unaware of basics of Geo political moves of the aforesaid countries.They are not favoring Pakistan. It is their "own" vested interest.

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Dec 22, 2015 01:56am

Glad they are at least thinking about including Iran-lead block.

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Hamid

Dec 22, 2015 01:58am

Very old chap, needs to be replaced with younger people with vision. This chap is more like a history book now.

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Abdul

Dec 22, 2015 02:05am

We have to be careful before joining ant sectarian coalition. Saudi Arabia is very much scared of warming up of Western/Russian and Iranian relationship after the nuclear deal. They are also worry of Arab spring which is bad for their own monarch system. Though they are promoting it in Syria.

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Farhan

Dec 22, 2015 02:09am

Without Iran this allaince will be called Sunni alliance.

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Dec 22, 2015 02:12am

Oman and Indonesia are also not part of it...why is that? I believe maybe they refused to be part of it...and I think pakistan should learn from that

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Asif

Dec 22, 2015 02:16am

The point is what we have go to do with all the mess in Middle East? That is their war and they need to sort this out simple is that.

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Mar Paulus VII

Dec 22, 2015 02:32am

It is amazing to me that we cannot, once and for all, be totally on the side of civility, no matter what the cost. Either live and be humans or give up all aid from civil countries and try to make it totally on our own. Either way, for our children sake, make a decision and stick with it, as ONE NATION UNDER ALLAHA'S GRACES. ONE NATION, ONE GOD, ONE PEOPLE, ONE MISSION - PEACE.

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Nizamuddin Ahmad Aali

Dec 22, 2015 02:43am

In case Sartaj Aziz is naïve, he should ask his boss. The exclusion is faith based dictated by KSA. Say NO to alliance, our army is not for others.

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tanvir

Dec 22, 2015 02:55am

As if they do not know why those countries were excluded.. an open secret... and they are trying simply delaying tactics so people would forget and go with other matters..

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tarik

Dec 22, 2015 03:33am

Pakistan is a Democratic country ? This matter must had been debated in the both houses of Parliament before saying yes. Only in dictatorship & Kingship societies matters are decided by the single person. Aren't our hands alredy full ?

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Akram

Dec 22, 2015 03:54am

They forgot to say please.....Saudis, ask us nicely then we may consider it.

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Arif

Dec 22, 2015 04:23am

Pakistan Army is the only well trained army in whole Muslim Ummah. But before getting included, we should safeguard our own interest and security issues at home

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Mehtab

Dec 22, 2015 04:23am

How can anyone ask dictators' alliance where our consent was not even asked before showing our flag at the announcement of surprised Saudi decision. Hope we will not be the part of destructive policies of Middle East.

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rational mind

Dec 22, 2015 04:40am

Pakistan is a nuclear power. How can KSA unilaterally announce Pakistan's inclusion?

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Syed Ahmed, Canada

Dec 22, 2015 05:03am

Inclusion of Pakistan in the Saudi-led 34-nation anti-terror alliance is to distract Pakistan Army from the operation Zarb-e-Azb and the cleansing operation being carried out leainge the state at the mercy of the corrupt elements, financial terrorists and land grabbers. It should opt to get out forthwith.

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Mehak Gulab

Dec 22, 2015 05:33am

Absolutely... Lately but surely... Humanity, Global sense prevails and resonate in our relations .. Cheers!

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AHA

Dec 22, 2015 05:54am

Pakistan should have not included in it. Many actions out of this group will be against Pakistan.

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Ayub

Dec 22, 2015 05:59am

On whose approval this important decision has been made? The matter should be placed before the parliament for debate. The government can not make such a sensitive decision without sanction from the parliament. This strategically sensitive issue, which can impact our relation with neighboring countries, and can flare up sectarian unrest; therefore, it is necessary that chosen representatives of the people should be taken into confidence.

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P Setra

Dec 22, 2015 06:06am

It is KSA alliance, that is why. Sad, but that is a fact. But ISIS ?? Strange world.

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Mike

Dec 22, 2015 06:42am

Aziz has always made bad decisions while in power till to date for pakistan I am not sure who made him advisor

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aga khan

Dec 22, 2015 06:46am

@Fahim Khan; Good luck to you. You will Never get the answer you have posed. All deception.

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Kamran A. Rauf

Dec 22, 2015 07:04am

Its time to keep a safe distance from the drowning ship. As small boats always keep distance when a large ship began to drown. The same goes to Monarchy system in Arabia. Safe distance is essential for keeping our folks safe...

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Aurangzeb

Dec 22, 2015 07:10am

A balanced and mature country like Pakistan must be included in this organization.

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Ali Zaidi

Dec 22, 2015 07:12am

Avoid bloodshed. Say no to war.

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Guest101

Dec 22, 2015 07:15am

The three countries are actually fighting against KSA and UAE. There is no reason for them to be included.

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Zafar Ahmed

Dec 22, 2015 07:16am

We should take care of Pakistan's interests, sovereignty, security and non-interference in other countries' affairs. This anti-terror alliance should consists of all members of OIC .Inclusion in this alliance will not bring stability & peace in Pakistan .

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Pakistani

Dec 22, 2015 07:16am

What about Indonesia ?

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Shakir Muneer

Dec 22, 2015 07:25am

Its time to say Good bye to the Monarchies and their systems. Its better for Pakistan to get rid of this mess sooner the possible it would be.

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Canada

Dec 22, 2015 07:28am

The writing is on the wall, this is an anti shia alliance and not an anti terrorist alliance. How could you exclude Syria and Lebanon when they suffer the most from terrorism? PK has a lot to learn from India and Switzerland and that is neutrality.

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P Setra

Dec 22, 2015 07:38am

@rational mind Same stance as Yemen? Decline it..

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Good Point

Dec 22, 2015 07:47am

Weird it may sound but Pakistan should make alliance with India. That will make both countries doubly secure, strong and PK will benefit in economy, tourism. Together they should spread peace in the world ..restart the old legacy of saints.

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Citizen

Dec 22, 2015 09:08am

Questioning Saudi? Let the Advisor think about the consequences....:.

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Syed Meerza

Dec 22, 2015 09:52am

@Asif : Yes Asif.It is a complete mess in the Middle East.There are already 40 countries and groups involved in this fighting.It will be an absolute folly if Pakistan gets involved in their fight.Say a big "NO" to Saudi led alliance.It is a clever,covert and dangerous move to attract Pakistan in to their, apparently, endless broil.

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Observer1

Dec 23, 2015 04:37am

@Akram They dont know what PLEASE means.

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Irfan UK

Dec 24, 2015 02:31pm

I think Pakistan needs to ask Saudis why they did not bother to ask Pakistan about including them first. The second thing is that Pakistan must make sure that all muslim countries are included in the alliance. We can only win if we are all united. Pakistan has already said that they would not be interested in toppling Asad and that is a very good move.

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