Pakistan providing support to safeguard Saudi Arabia: DG ISPR

Pakistan is actively delivering whatever support is needed to safeguard Saudi Arabia as the kingdom confronts a wave of deadly Houthi drone and missile strikes, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated in an interview broadcast on Sunday. Speaking with Independent Arabia, the military spokesperson emphasized that Islamabad’s backing remains absolute amid escalating regional hostilities.

Makkah Joint Defence Agreement Fosters Collective Deterrence

The military’s public declarations follow the establishment of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed on August 7 by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye. The pact is designed to foster collective deterrence, compelling the three nations to treat an assault on one member as an attack on all three. Lt Gen Chaudhry pointed out that the alliance operates under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, sending an unequivocal signal to hostile actors across the region. If that deterrence doesn’t work, then that deterrence has to be re-established by all means that are available to the three countries, he warned.

Pakistan Rejects Compromises on Security of Holy Sites

Addressing the emotional and strategic weight of the kingdom’s defense, the ISPR chief noted that the attacks on Saudi soil have provoked widespread anger across Pakistan. From ordinary citizens to top political and military leaders, the response is one of fury that anyone would target Islam’s holiest sites. Our reaction is that why would anyone in his right mind attack or threaten Saudi Arabia or the holy places or even give an impression of threatening the holy places, Lt Gen Chaudhry remarked, asserting that there can be no compromises regarding the security of the Haramain Sharifain. He maintained that the kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are entirely non-negotiable for Islamabad.

Military Maintains Defensive Mandate While Pursuing Diplomacy

Despite the rising tensions, military officials insist the alliance maintains a strictly defensive mandate without offensive ambitions against any specific nation. When questioned about potential direct operations in Yemen, the DG ISPR stated Islamabad would review any official request if submitted. Simultaneously, Pakistan has maintained active diplomatic channels with regional stakeholders, including Iran, in an effort to cool down temperatures and halt horizontal escalation. We need to stop attacking each other, Lt Gen Chaudhry stressed, arguing that expanding the scope of military conflicts only serves those who thrive on chaos.