Saudi Arabia Defence: Pakistan Ready to Act, DG ISPR
Pakistan is ready to take “all necessary defensive measures” for Saudi Arabia defence, the head of the military’s media wing has said, calling Islamabad’s commitment to the Kingdom’s security “absolute and non-negotiable”.
Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry gave the assurance in an interview with Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, published on Wednesday, citing the Joint Strategic Defence Agreement with Riyadh and the Makkah Alliance, the trilateral pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed in August.
What the DG ISPR said on Saudi Arabia defence
Chaudhry said the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA) had moved into practical implementation, requiring the rapid deployment of agreed forces and military capabilities inside Saudi Arabia.
They include raising readiness, closer military integration, intelligence sharing and exclusively defensive operations. The security of Saudi Arabia and the Two Holy Mosques was “a top, non-negotiable priority”, he said.
He also urged restraint and de-escalation, warning that further escalation would serve no party’s interests.
Why the alliance is moving now
It came after Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. An October 10 strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed 13 people and wounded more than 300, according to Saudi authorities. The attacks have also hit oil facilities and other civilian and energy infrastructure.
Pakistan has repeatedly condemned the attacks. It condemned the Aramco attack and backed Saudi Arabia this week, and Saudi Arabia intercepted missiles as strikes hit Sanaa on Tuesday.
Two pacts, two purposes
The bilateral Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, signed in September 2025, states that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both”.
The MJDA, signed on August 7 in Makkah by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, covers collective defence, joint readiness and coordination, and treats an attack on any one of the three as an attack on all three. Both are “purely defensive in nature”, Chaudhry stressed.
Troops already in the Kingdom
Pakistani troops are already stationed in Saudi Arabia, Chaudhry confirmed, providing defensive support and taking part in exercises. Islamabad would continue to provide personnel, capabilities, training and logistical help.
Asked about reinforcing the presence or providing air and missile defence and intelligence support, he said the necessary help would continue, giving no troop numbers, locations or operational details.
Pakistan has already deployed about 8,000 troops, fighter jets, drones and an air-defence system to Saudi Arabia, Reuters reported. Turkiye has taken the first step to ratify the Makkah defence pact, and the alliance is due to meet in Islamabad this month.
The Tehran track
Chaudhry said MJDA representatives met Iranian officials in Tehran on October 26 to work on a de-escalation framework.
Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, took part after visiting Tehran days earlier, reflecting Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and peaceful dispute resolution, Chaudhry said.
Participants agreed to “continue dialogue to enhance cooperation among the four countries and contribute to achieving peace and stability in the region”, he said. Field Marshal Munir held mediation talks with Iranian leaders in Tehran in October.
Why it matters
For Pakistan, the statement puts public weight behind a defence commitment so far described in treaty language. The DG ISPR’s words confirm that the Makkah pact is no longer only a signed document: its implementation phase has begun, driven by live attacks on Saudi territory. By pairing the pledge with the Tehran meeting, Pakistan is also signalling that deterrence and dialogue should run together, and that it does not seek a wider regional war. The full interview is in the Tribune’s report and Daily Pakistan’s coverage.
Frequently asked questions
What did the DG ISPR say about Saudi Arabia?
Pakistan is ready to take “all necessary defensive measures” to defend Saudi Arabia, and its commitment to the Kingdom’s security is “absolute and non-negotiable”.
What is the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement?
A trilateral pact signed on August 7, 2026, by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye in Makkah. An attack on any one of the three counts as an attack on all three. It is now moving to practical implementation.
How is the MJDA different from the bilateral pact?
The bilateral Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, signed in September 2025, covers Pakistan and Saudi Arabia alone. The MJDA adds Turkiye, with collective defence and joint readiness across all three.
Are Pakistani troops already in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. The DG ISPR confirmed Pakistani troops are already in the Kingdom, providing defensive support and taking part in exercises. Reuters has reported about 8,000 troops, jets, drones and an air-defence system.
What happened at the Tehran meeting?
MJDA representatives met Iranian officials in Tehran on October 26 to work on a de-escalation framework. Field Marshal Asim Munir took part after visiting Tehran days earlier.
