Commitment to Saudi security absolute: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that Pakistan’s commitment to protecting Saudi Arabia’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity is absolute and non-negotiable.

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, Lt Gen Chaudhry said Pakistani troops were already deployed in Saudi Arabia and performing various duties, including defence assistance, military exercises and manoeuvres.

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

The ISPR DG 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.

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 Chief of Army Staff and 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.