ISLAMABAD, Thursday, October 9, 2025 (WNP): The federal cabinet on Thursday ratified the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, marking a major milestone in defence cooperation between the two brotherly nations.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif presided over the meeting, during which members paid rich tribute to the leadership of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia for their efforts in strengthening bilateral ties.

The prime minister also briefed the cabinet in detail on his recent official visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Nations General Assembly, and Malaysia.

On the recommendation of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the cabinet approved the donation of 15 unflyable aircraft — eight Cessna and seven Fletcher — of the Plant Protection Department to various institutions for educational, commemorative, or exhibition purposes. The remaining four flyable Beaver aircraft will continue to be used for anti-locust operations.

It was noted that earlier attempts to auction these aircraft had proved unsuccessful, prompting the decision to repurpose them for institutional benefit.

Additionally, the cabinet, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Water Resources, granted in-principle approval to the WAPDA Security Force Act, 2025 for the establishment of a specialized force to safeguard major dams and hydropower projects under WAPDA’s management.

The cabinet further ratified the decisions taken by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) in its meeting held on October 2, 2025, and by the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases on September 22, 2025.

However, it was decided that a Special Cabinet Committee would further deliberate on the proposed amendments to the Alternate Medicines and Health Products Enlistment Rules, 2014 before final approval.