Former Speaker and opposition figure Abdulla Shahid has called for greater transparency over defence and maritime agreements the Maldives has signed with Pakistan.
Speaking to Indian media, Shahid said President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s government must provide details of the deals to the relevant parliamentary committees. He noted that the administration has turned to India for assistance during emergencies while expanding military ties with Pakistan.
The comments follow President Muizzu’s recent visit to Pakistan, during which several agreements were signed. Opposition voices, including former President Mohamed Nasheed, have warned that closer military cooperation with Pakistan risks drawing the Maldives into regional tensions between India and Pakistan and could affect relations with New Delhi.
Shahid argued that the public and parliament have a right to understand the scope and implications of any security arrangements. The government has not issued a detailed public response to the specific call for committee scrutiny.
The episode forms part of ongoing debate over the Maldives’ foreign policy balance in the Indian Ocean.
