ISLAMABAD -Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Monday that Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security, and foremost, the security of Haramain al-Sharifain are paramount and non-negotiable.
In an interview with Independent Arabia, he emphasised that it is absolute as far as Pakistan is concerned. He said whatever support is needed to do that is being provided and will be provided.
Commenting on the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance, the DG ISPR described its evolution over a short period as phenomenal. He highlighted the decades and even centuries-old ties among the three countries, rooted in mutual trust and respect. He said they share a common vision of promoting peace, stability and prosperity for their people and the region.He also highlighted the establishment of the alliance’s General Secretariat and Strategic Political and Defence Committee, noting that its manifestation is also there on the ground. The DG ISPR said that the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance is purely defensive in nature.
He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained close coordination across multiple domains, including military for decades, emphasizing that this would continue.
Responding to a question, the DG ISPR said the alliance is not restricted to the three countries. He said it remains open to all those countries who believe in collective deterrence, peace, stability and security of the region.He said Pakistan’s political and military leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir, had already conveyed the country’s clear message on the issue. The military spokesperson said attacks on holy sites in Saudi Arabia had triggered profound anger among the Pakistani people as well as the country’s political and military leadership.
Emphasising the need to prevent further escalation, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said expanding the military conflict in the Middle East was in nobody’s interest and that no country would benefit from escalating tensions at any level.
He stressed that reaching a negotiated settlement was imperative, warning that the failure of diplomatic efforts followed by military confrontation would activate the collective deterrence of the Makkah Alliance.
Clarifying the alliance’s objectives, the DG ISPR said its leadership and strategic direction were clear and that the bloc had no aggressive intentions.
The newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, Dr. Rajeh Tami Albugamy, called on the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, in Rawalpindi on Monday.
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest and regional security dynamics were discussed.
Both dignitaries expressed satisfaction over the progress made under the framework of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and underscored the importance of strengthening defence collaboration, institutional linkages and strategic coordination.
The Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and expressed confidence that his tenure would further contribute to strengthening the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, rooted in shared faith, mutual trust and strategic partnership.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis say they carried out several attacks against Saudi energy, airport, and military targets, including an Aramco site in Yanbu, the Shaybah oilfield, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha airport. There was no immediate Saudi confirmation and Reuters cannot immediately verify the claims.
Meanwhile, Six Saudi citizens were injured and three homes and three vehicles sustained material damage when a projectile launched by the Houthi militia struck a residential area in the city of Najran on Sunday, the Saudi General Directorate of Civil Defense revealed.
The Civil defense teams responded to the incident and followed standard procedures. The directorate stressed that attempts to target civilian objects are a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.
