Pakistan Ready to Defend Saudi Arabia, Says ISPR Chief

ISLAMABAD: (Special Reporter) – Pakistan is prepared to take all necessary defensive measures to protect Saudi Arabia under the Joint Strategic Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said.

In an interview with Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, the military spokesperson said the alliance’s transition towards practical implementation would require steps to ensure the swift deployment of agreed forces and military capabilities in Saudi Arabia.

He said these measures would include raising operational readiness, strengthening military integration, sharing intelligence and coordinating exclusively defensive operations.

Chaudhry described Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity as “absolute and non-negotiable”, adding that Pakistani troops were already stationed in the Kingdom and performing various duties, including defensive support, joint exercises and military manoeuvres.

He said Islamabad would continue providing the required assistance for defensive purposes, including military personnel, equipment, training and logistical support. However, he declined to disclose specific details about troop numbers, deployment locations or operational arrangements, explaining that such information was not made public by military alliances.

The ISPR chief said the move towards implementing the Makkah Alliance’s commitments followed recent attacks on Saudi Arabia. He strongly condemned strikes targeting airports, cities and civilian and economic infrastructure, describing them as a threat to the Kingdom’s sovereignty and security as well as regional stability.

He said the attacks had caused serious concern in Pakistan, reiterating that the security of Saudi Arabia and the Two Holy Mosques remained a top priority for Islamabad.

At the same time, Chaudhry called for restraint, de-escalation and diplomatic engagement, warning that further escalation would serve no one’s interests.

Discussing regional diplomatic efforts, he said a meeting between representatives of the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance and Iran in Tehran on October 26 was aimed at creating a framework for de-escalation and strengthening regional cooperation.

He added that Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir’s participation in the meeting, following his earlier visit to Tehran, reflected Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolution of regional disputes.

According to Chaudhry, participants agreed to continue discussions to promote cooperation among the four countries and support peace and stability in the region. He did not disclose further details of any agreements reached.

Clarifying the distinction between the Pakistan-Saudi Joint Strategic Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance, Chaudhry said the bilateral agreement provides a framework for defence cooperation and mutual support between the two countries.

The trilateral Makkah framework, involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, focuses on collective defence, joint preparedness and coordination, he explained.

He emphasised that both arrangements were defensive in nature and were not directed against any country. Looking ahead, the three partners intend to strengthen collective deterrence, expand military integration and promote regional stability.