ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security, with the country’s military spokesperson saying Islamabad would take extensive measures to protect the Kingdom if it comes under attack.
Speaking to Arab News on Thursday, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia was both diplomatic and military. He stressed that Islamabad’s commitment also covered the protection of Makkah and Madinah.
The remarks come amid a rise in Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. According to Arab News, the latest incidents have increased pressure on the Kingdom’s air-defense capabilities, while debris from an intercepted drone in Taif reportedly killed one person and injured two others.
Chaudhry’s comments follow the signing of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, which provides for collective defense among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. Under the arrangement, an armed attack against one of the participating countries is treated as an attack against all three.
The detailed military provisions of the agreement have not been made public. Pakistan already maintains a significant military presence in Saudi Arabia, with Arab News reporting that Islamabad had previously deployed troops, JF-17 fighter aircraft, drones and an HQ-9 air-defense system to the Kingdom.
When asked whether Saudi Arabia had requested additional Pakistani forces, air-defense equipment or direct involvement against the Houthis, Chaudhry did not disclose whether any such request had been received.
He also stopped short of clarifying whether Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent falls within the scope of the defense commitments. Previous statements by Pakistani officials have offered differing positions on the issue.
At the same time, Islamabad is pursuing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation in the region. Army chief and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday, although Iranian state media did not specify whether the Houthi attacks were discussed.
Chaudhry said Pakistan’s political and military leadership remained in close contact with Saudi authorities while Islamabad continued consultations with regional countries in search of a peaceful and negotiated resolution.
He also pointed to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding reached between Washington and Tehran in June, describing it as a framework that Pakistan believes could help address the wider regional crisis.
