Pakistan vows unconditional defense of Saudi Arabia

Pakistan's military has declared it will go to "any extent" to defend Saudi Arabia, offering unconditional security support to the kingdom. The commitment was made by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry in an interview with Arab News.

Lt Gen Chaudhry emphasized that Pakistan's stance is both diplomatic and physical. "We will go to any extent for the security of Haramain Sharifain and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia." he stated. He described the commitment as stemming from a deep-rooted historical bond between the peoples and leaderships of both nations.

Military and diplomatic context

The remarks come amid intensified fighting between the Saudi-led coalition and Yemen's Houthi rebels. The Houthis have launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory and made gains along Yemen's Red Sea coast. This week, the Saudi coalition accused the rebels of targeting the holy city of Makkah, a claim the Houthis swiftly rejected as a lie.

Pakistan's politico-military leadership remains in continuous contact with Saudi officials, according to the ISPR chief. He also stated that Pakistan is working with regional countries to seek a negotiated, peaceful outcome to the conflict.

Foundation in formal agreements

The pledge is underpinned by formal defense agreements signed between the two nations. Last September, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in Riyadh. This pact treats an attack on either country as an act of aggression against both.

Further institutionalizing the alliance, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye signed the Makkah Defence Alliance last month. Its key stipulation and inaugural meeting details are outlined below.

Lt Gen Chaudhry clarified that the Makkah pact is purely defensive, intended for collective deterrence without regional aspirations.

Foreign office stresses diplomacy

Separately, Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to Saudi security in both intent and spirit. However, he stressed that the Houthi conflict should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, not coercive measures.

The Houthis must also stop their activities, and in this regard, our discussions basically revolve around bringing peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy, and not through coercive measures, Khan said. He declined to specify potential operational responses, citing confidentiality.

Lt Gen Chaudhry reiterated the military's position in another clip, asserting that Pakistan is already present for the protection of the holy sites and the kingdom.