Pakistan Ready to Defend Saudi Arabia: Hisham Elahi

Allama Hisham Elahi Zaheer declared on Saturday that a significant number of Pakistani young people would be prepared to stand at the forefront to defend Saudi Arabia and the Two Holy Mosques if the Kingdom requires assistance. In a message disseminated via social media, Hisham Elahi stated that Pakistani youth would remain prepared to safeguard the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques whenever their services are requested.

This assertion reflects Hisham Elahi's stance and does not reflect the federal government or Armed Forces of Pakistan. His remarks stem from recent tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Ansar Allah (also called Houthis). Prime Minister's Coordinator for Religious Harmony Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi recently affirmed Pakistan's full backing for Saudi Arabia and the security of the Two Holy Mosques.

Ashrafi characterized the protection of the holy sites as a non-negotiable red line and stated that Pakistan's government, military, religious scholars, and people stand firmly by Saudi Arabia. He also labeled the Houthis as terrorists and disputed the suggestion that the conflict is a Sunni-Shia war. Furthermore, Pakistan has officially pledged to protect Saudi Arabia under the newly established Mecca Joint Defense Agreement.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has repeatedly reiterated that members of the defense pact, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, will act in accordance with the agreement.