Pakistan will go to any length to defend Saudi Arabia, while its commitment to the kingdom’s security and the protection of Haramain Sharifain remains unconditional, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said in an interview with Arab News.
“There should be no ambiguity about Pakistan’s commitment to the security of Saudi Arabia and the protection of Makkah and Madinah,” the DG ISPR said, adding that Pakistan would continue to defend the kingdom against all forms of aggression.
He said Pakistan stood fully with Saudi Arabia and that the two countries were bound by a “historic and unbreakable” relationship involving their peoples, political leadership and armed forces.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif said Pakistan remained committed to the pledges it had made to Saudi Arabia and was present to safeguard the security and sanctity of Haramain Sharifain.
He said the Makkah Joint Defence 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.
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.
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.
