Pakistan Reaffirms Defence Commitment to Saudi Arabia Under Makkah Agreement

Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to Saudi Arabia's security under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry described the pact as a defensive framework intended to strengthen bilateral military cooperation, deter potential threats and promote regional peace and stability.

A continuation of longstanding cooperation

In an interview with US broadcaster CNN, Lieutenant General Chaudhry said the agreement builds on decades of close defence cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He noted that Pakistani military personnel have served in the Kingdom for many years across different fields and capacities.

He said the agreement should be viewed as a continuation of the longstanding strategic relationship between the two countries rather than the creation of an entirely new military alliance.

Clarifying how the agreement would be implemented, the DG ISPR said any measures undertaken under the pact would remain strictly defensive. Operational commanders would determine practical arrangements, including the deployment and employment of military personnel according to operational requirements.

He said the agreement was designed to strengthen collective security and improve coordination in responding to emerging regional challenges.

Collective defence and deterrence

Lieutenant General Chaudhry said the collective defence principle, under which an attack against one member would be regarded as an attack against all, could serve as a deterrent against hostile actions and contribute to regional stability.

He also clarified that the arrangement was not intended to designate any country as an adversary. Instead, it would establish a mechanism through which both countries could safeguard their security interests and respond to potential threats.

Reiterating Pakistan's position, the military spokesperson said protecting Saudi Arabia's security remained a central objective of the agreement and affirmed that Pakistan would honour its commitments under the pact.

His remarks reflect the continued importance Islamabad attaches to its defence partnership with Riyadh amid evolving regional security dynamics and the need for stronger cooperation to address shared challenges.

Pakistan backs diplomacy in the region

Addressing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran, Lieutenant General Chaudhry said Pakistan had previously played a facilitating role in encouraging dialogue and remained committed to supporting initiatives that could narrow differences between the two sides.

He said Islamabad wanted to prevent further escalation and believed that sustained diplomatic engagement and negotiations offered the most constructive path toward a peaceful resolution.

The DG ISPR also highlighted Pakistan's role as an impartial mediator in efforts to secure a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. He reaffirmed the country's commitment to facilitating dialogue, reducing tensions and supporting regional peace.

His comments underscored Pakistan's dual emphasis on maintaining its longstanding defence commitments with Saudi Arabia while continuing to encourage diplomatic solutions to conflicts affecting the wider region.