Pakistan providing 'whatever support' Saudi Arabia needs for its defence: DG ISPR

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has announced that Pakistan is providing "whatever support is needed" to defend Saudi Arabia from attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. This declaration came during an interview with Independent Arabia, as Saudi Arabia continues to face deadly strikes from Houthis in recent weeks.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed two defense pacts, the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance, which includes Turkey, aimed at collective deterrence.

When questioned about the military support Pakistan is providing, the DG ISPR emphasized that Saudi Arabia's "sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the security, foremost the security of the Two Holy Mosques, is paramount." He reiterated that no alliance would disclose the specifics or quantification of the assistance provided. Pakistan's reaction to the Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia has been one of anger, with citizens and political and military leaders expressing outrage over the threat to the holy sites.

Lt Gen Chaudhry stated that there are no "ifs and buts" regarding the security of the holy sites and that Pakistan's support to Saudi Arabia will remain defensive if the attacks continue. He emphasized that the alliance's purpose is purely defensive, as outlined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which provides collective deterrence. If deterrence fails, the mechanism will be re-established through all available means.

Regarding Iran's involvement, the DG ISPR noted that Pakistan has been engaging with all parties, including Iran, to promote restraint and reduce tensions. He clarified that the formation of the alliance is not country-specific and does not have an offensive intent. The Makkah pact is intended to maintain peace, stability, and security in the region, and any actor threatening those values will interact with the collective deterrence mechanism.

Pakistan urges Muslims to unite, stressing that escalating conflicts will harm all parties involved.