Pakistan will go to any length to defend Saudi Arabia: DG ISPR

Pakistan is already present for the protection of Haramain Sharifain and Saudi Arabia and will go to any extent required by the Saudi leadership and people, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on Friday.

In an interview with Arab News, the DG ISPR said Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi security was unconditional and rooted in the “deep-rooted, historical and unbreakable bond” between the peoples and political and military leaderships of the two countries.

“We remain not only committed, but we are already there for the protection of the Haramain Sharifain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said, adding that Pakistan would provide whatever support was required by the Saudi leadership and people.

He said nothing could hinder or weaken Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi security, stressing that Islamabad would “go to any extent” in response to any requirement or request from Riyadh.

Asked whether his statement that “Pakistan is there” meant Pakistani forces were physically present in Saudi Arabia or available whenever needed, the DG ISPR replied: “I think, the words express themselves fully once we say that we are there.”

Pakistan already has a substantial military presence in Saudi Arabia. According to Reuters, in May, Islamabad deployed around 8,000 troops, a squadron of JF-17 fighter jets, drones and an HQ-9 air-defense system to the Kingdom.

The official stressed that there should be no ambiguity about Pakistan’s commitment to the security of Saudi Arabia and the protection of Makkah and Madinah.

His remarks came as Saudi Arabia faces missile and drone attacks by the Houthis, according to the report. Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to Saudi security amid the recent attacks.

The military spokesperson said Pakistan remained committed to the pledges it had made to Saudi Arabia.

He said the Makkah Defence Alliance agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye on August 7, stipulates that an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be considered an attack against all three.

The agreement also envisages enhanced defence cooperation among the three countries, he said, adding that in the event of an attack, the three sides would consult each other and decide on a course of action accordingly.

The DG ISPR said Pakistan’s political and military leadership remained in close contact with the Saudi leadership amid the current regional tensions. Islamabad was also continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and a peaceful resolution of the crisis through dialogue.

According to the official statement on the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, the pact seeks to strengthen joint defence capabilities and collective deterrence against aggression targeting any of the three countries.