Pakistan has reiterated its steadfast commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s security amidst escalating hostilities with Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The assurance was delivered by Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in an interview with Arab News. Clips from the interview were shared on social media on Friday, highlighting Pakistan’s readiness to go to any lengths to defend the kingdom.
Escalating Tensions
The backdrop to these statements is the intensifying conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, with the latter making strategic advances along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. The Houthis have also launched missile and drone assaults on Saudi territory, prompting Riyadh to intensify airstrikes against them. Recently, the Saudi-led coalition accused the Houthis of targeting Makkah, an action that has drawn widespread condemnation across the Muslim world. The Houthis, however, have denied these allegations, labeling them as false.
Pakistan’s Pledge
In his interview, Lt. Gen. Chaudhry emphasized that Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia is both diplomatic and physical, stressing the physical aspect of their alliance. He assured that Pakistan would stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Saudi Arabia, ready to protect the kingdom and the sacred sites of Haramain Sharifain against any threat. This commitment, he stated, is rooted in a deep historical bond between the two nations.
Furthermore, the military spokesperson highlighted ongoing communication between Pakistan’s political and military leadership and their Saudi counterparts. He also mentioned Pakistan’s efforts in collaboration with regional countries to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Strategic Agreements and Diplomatic Efforts
Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia was formalized through the “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” signed last September, which ensures that an attack on either nation would be regarded as an assault on both. Additionally, the recent Makkah Defence Alliance, including Turkiye, reiterates this stance, promoting collective defense among member states.
Lt. Gen. Chaudhry clarified that the Makkah defence pact is purely defensive, with no regional ambitions, aiming solely at deterrence. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Sajjad Haider Khan, stressed the importance of addressing the Houthi conflict through diplomatic dialogue rather than coercive methods.
Pakistan remains committed to implementing its agreements with Saudi Arabia, although operational details remain confidential. The focus is on fostering dialogue and diplomacy to bring peace and stability to the region.
