Saudi Arabia's security, Two Holy Mosques' protection non-negotiable priority: DG ISPR

In an interview with Arabic newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, the military spokesperson said the security of Saudi Arabia and the Two Holy Mosques was Pakistan’s top priority, adding that Islamabad was ready to take all necessary defensive measures to protect the Kingdom amid the prevailing circumstances.

He said Pakistan would continue providing all required support to Saudi Arabia for defensive purposes, including military personnel, defence capabilities, training and logistical assistance. Regarding Pakistan’s military presence in the Kingdom, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistani troops were already deployed in Saudi Arabia and performing various duties, including defence assistance, military exercises and manoeuvres.

DG ISPR confirms Pakistani troop presence in Saudi Arabia under Makkah Agreement. He said practical implementation of the obligations under the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance had begun following recent attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, which had raised deep concern in Pakistan.

The DG ISPR reiterated Islamabad’s strong condemnation of attacks on Saudi cities, airports and civilian and economic infrastructure, describing them as a direct threat to the Kingdom’s sovereignty and regional stability. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a bilateral defence agreement in September last year, followed by the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye on August 7.

Both agreements treat an attack on one member as an attack on all. Commenting on engagement with Iran, Chaudhry said the October 26 meeting in Tehran between representatives of the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance and Iran aimed to establish a framework for de-escalation and strengthen regional cooperation.

He said the participation of Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, in the meeting, along with his visit to Tehran days earlier, reflected Islamabad’s commitment to dialogue and the peaceful resolution of regional disputes. The participants agreed to continue dialogue and cooperation among the four countries to promote peace and stability in the region, he added.