Pakistan, Oct. 30 -- Federal ministers on Thursday responded to Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman's criticism of a recent meeting in Tehran involving Iran and countries party to the Makkah defence pact, clarifying that the gathering was not related to defence.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said his presence was not required at the meeting, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi defended his participation, saying he had been tasked by the prime minister to help manage the ongoing Iran crisis.

The remarks came after Fazl questioned Asif's absence and Naqvi's presence at the meeting.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Asif said no defence pact was being formed in Tehran and the discussions did not concern Pakista...