Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said Pakistan is providing support to Saudi Arabia. In fact, he called it “whatever support is needed” to defend the kingdom. Indeed, the kingdom faces attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The DG ISPR Saudi defence support pledge came during an interview with Independent Arabia. Specifically, it aired on Sunday, October 18.
Specifically, the military spokesperson spoke of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stressed “the security, and foremost the security of the Two Holy Mosques, is paramount”.
“It’s non-negotiable; it’s absolute as far as Pakistan is concerned.”
He added: “So whatever support is needed to do that is being provided and will be provided.”
According to him, no alliance makes public the specifics. In addition, no alliance reveals the quantification of the support it provides.
Why the DG ISPR Saudi defence support statement matters now
The remarks land at a moment of sharp escalation. In fact, Saudi airports and cities have come under repeated Houthi attacks in recent weeks. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have only recently formalised two defence pacts. Specifically, these aim at collective deterrence. The first is the bilateral Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. The second is the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance, which also includes Turkiye.
Commenting on the public mood at home, Lt Gen Chaudhry said the national mood was angry.
“On the streets, from a young boy and girl up to our political and military leadership, is one of anger.”
In addition, he asked why anyone in their right mind would attack or threaten the holy places. Indeed, he declared there could be no “ifs and buts” on their security.
Purely defensive alliance, says DG ISPR
Asked whether Pakistan’s support would remain strictly defensive, the DG ISPR gave a clear answer. Specifically, the question assumed the Houthi attacks continued. He said all three members of the Makkah alliance were clear on one point.
“Absolutely clear that this alliance has no offensive intent; it is purely defensive.”
Citing Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, he spoke of collective self-defence. Moreover, he said the mechanism sends a strong and clear message.
It warns “those elements of instability, of chaos, in the region”.
He said “the response will be collective” if they wage war against any of the three countries.
“If that deterrence doesn’t work,” he said, “then that deterrence has to be re-established.”
Furthermore, he added that this would use “all means that are available to the three countries”.
Pakistan engaging Iran to lower the temperature
Asked whether Islamabad had issued any warning to Tehran, Lt Gen Chaudhry answered. The question followed the Saudi deputy foreign minister linking the Houthis to Iran. He said Pakistan had been engaging all parties involved, including Iran. Specifically, he cited “the singular intent of restraint and to reduce the temperatures”. He reiterated that all of Pakistan’s interactions were based on one aim. Indeed, that aim was “dialling down the escalation”.
On reports linking the alliance’s formation to deterring Iran or Israel, he responded. He said the pact was not “country-specific”. Moreover, it had no offensive intent.
“It is formed to have peace, stability and security in the region,” he said.
“So any actor which threatens that peace, stability and security, it automatically interacts with this collective deterrence mechanism.”
What Feature Pakistan’s reporting shows so far
The DG ISPR’s interview is the clearest public articulation yet. It shows how Pakistan sees its role under the new pacts. Our earlier reporting tracked the build-up. For example, the Foreign Office stated the Makkah alliance’s forces in Yemen remain defensive. In addition, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif outlined what direct involvement under the pact would mean. Furthermore, Houthi attacks on Saudi airports at Abha and Riyadh killed three people earlier this month. Finally, the agreement itself was sealed when COAS Field Marshal Munir and FM Dar met Saudi leadership in Riyadh.
Closing the interview, Lt Gen Chaudhry urged the Muslim world to unite. “We need to stop attacking each other,” he said. In addition, he noted Pakistan had been pressing the same message on all parties. Indeed, this has continued since the US-Iran war erupted. He warned that if negotiations fail, the region could slide into military conflict.
“This instrument of collective deterrence of the Makkah alliance will definitely come into play, as it is coming into play.”
Frequently asked questions
What did the DG ISPR say about Saudi Arabia’s defence?
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan is providing support to defend Saudi Arabia. He called it “whatever support is needed”. Finally, he called the security of the Two Holy Mosques non-negotiable and absolute.
Which defence pacts link Pakistan and Saudi Arabia?
Two pacts link the countries. The first is the bilateral Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Islamabad and Riyadh. The second is the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance, which also includes Turkiye.
Is the Makkah alliance offensive or defensive?
Defensive, according to the DG ISPR. He said all three members are clear the alliance has no offensive intent. Specifically, he cited UN Charter Article 51 on collective self-defence as its basis.
Has Pakistan warned Iran over the Houthi attacks?
The DG ISPR said Pakistan is engaging all parties, including Iran. Specifically, the aim is restraint and reducing tensions, rather than issuing warnings.
