{
  "id": 13138982,
  "title": "FO says Pakistan has 'substantial number of forces, resources' in Riyadh",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/fo-says-pakistan-has-substantial-number-of-forces-resources-in-riyadh-13138982",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-09T14:56:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn",
    "slug": "dawn",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2035943/fo-says-pakistan-has-substantial-number-of-forces-resources-in-riyadh"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Foreign Office spokesperson, Sajjad Haider Khan, stated on Friday that Pakistan currently possesses a \"substantial number\" of forces and resources in Riyadh. This information was provided in response to queries regarding the level of \"active support\" being offered by Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, as part of the Makkah Defence Alliance. The alliance, which also includes Turkey, was established on August 7th and aims to enhance collective deterrence and empower the signatory states to consider an attack against one as an attack against all. During a weekly briefing, Haider Khan emphasized that a joint statement by the three members of the alliance clearly stated their unity in ensuring the deterrence and safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He further clarified that the three countries had decided to rapidly contribute and mobilize resources, with Pakistan already having a significant presence in Riyadh. However, Haider Khan stated that it would not be appropriate to provide further details on operational matters or speculate about the involvement of certain countries. The spokesperson also acknowledged the ongoing conflict involving the Houthis, noting that they have been actively fighting Yemeni forces for some time and have access to resources, but refrained from providing specific names at this stage.",
  "summary": "Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said on Friday that Pakistan already had “substantial number” of forces and resources in Riyadh and it was now up to the Makkah Defence Alliance to assess the threat in Saudi Arabia and make decisions accordingly. The FO spokesperson remarks came in response to a query about the “active support” being offered by Pakistan to Saudi Arabia under…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Times",
        "title": "Makkah defence pact aims to protect Saudi Arabia, says ISPR",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/makkah-defence-pact-aims-to-protect-saudi-arabia-says-ispr",
        "published": "2026-10-09T10:45:39.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Pakistan has ‘substantial’ forces deployed in Saudi Arabia, says foreign ministry",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/pakistan-has-substantial-forces-deployed-in-saudi-arabia-says-foreign",
        "published": "2026-10-09T11:23:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Dawn - Pakistan",
        "title": "FO says Pakistan has 'substantial number of forces, resources' in Riyadh",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/fo-says-pakistan-has-substantial-number-of-forces-resources-in-riyadh",
        "published": "2026-10-09T14:49:15.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}