Inter-Services Public Relations Director-General Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has affirmed that Pakistan’s military presence in Saudi Arabia is part of a longstanding defense partnership. This presence now forms a trilateral arrangement with Turkey, designed to deter any potential aggression against the kingdom.
In an interview, Lt-Gen Chaudhry emphasized that Pakistani forces are deployed in Saudi Arabia across various capacities, reflecting deep-rooted diplomatic, political, and military ties between the two nations. He explained that under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, establishing a collective deterrence mechanism.
He noted that the combined military and diplomatic capabilities of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey serve as a strong deterrent, discouraging adversaries from hostile actions. “Anyone considering aggression will hopefully think multiple times before proceeding,” he stated, highlighting how collective security prevents serious conflicts.
Lt-Gen Chaudhry clarified that the arrangement is not about labeling countries as enemies or friends but is solely focused on defending Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, values, and infrastructure.
When questioned about the number of Pakistani troops stationed in Saudi Arabia, he declined to provide specific figures, citing security considerations.
Regarding the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, Lt-Gen Chaudhry reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful and negotiated resolution. He stressed that Islamabad continues to work actively to bridge differences between the parties, aiming to prevent the conflict from escalating or spreading further.
He emphasized Pakistan’s role as an honest broker in the region, explaining that neutrality in mediation stems from honesty rather than avoiding criticism. He pointed out that Pakistan has openly condemned attacks by all sides, including Iranian, Israeli, and US actions, as well as Iranian attacks on Gulf countries.
“We do not hesitate to express our position because regional peace and stability are directly linked to our interests,” he said.
Lt-Gen Chaudhry warned that expanding the conflict would be detrimental to all parties involved and reiterated that differences should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation.
