Pakistan

Pakistan's Commitment to Saudi Arabia's Security Non-Negotiable: DG ISPR

Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reaffirms unwavering commitment to protecting Makkah, Madinah and the Two Holy Mosques; Makkah Joint Defence Alliance enters operational phase amid growing regional security threats

TFD Desk

Published Nov 12, 2026 · 18:25 PKT · 5 min read

Quick read5 key points · 30 sec

Pakistan reaffirms unwavering commitment to safeguarding Saudi sovereignty and Two Holy Mosques, DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said in Asharq Al-Awsat interview.
Makkah Joint Defence Alliance is moving into practical implementation phase to strengthen coordination, rapid deployment and intelligence-sharing among participating forces.
The implementation follows Pakistan-Saudi bilateral defence agreement of September 2025 and Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Turkiye in August 2026.
Pakistani military personnel are already stationed in Saudi Arabia supporting defensive operations, exercises, training and joint manoeuvres, DG ISPR confirmed but declined to disclose numbers or locations.
On October 26, representatives of the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance met Iran to explore de-escalation, with Pakistan's CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir participating.

Summary created with AI from this story. The full story follows below.

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DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry speaking at a press briefing with Pakistani and Saudi flags in the background

TFD Monitoring Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding Saudi Arabia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security, with Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry declaring that the protection of the Kingdom and the Two Holy Mosques remains an absolute and non-negotiable priority for Islamabad.

In an interview with the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, the military spokesperson emphasised that Pakistan was fully prepared to provide all necessary defensive assistance to Saudi Arabia under existing bilateral and multilateral security arrangements.

His remarks came amid escalating regional tensions and reported missile and drone attacks by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement targeting Saudi Arabia's civilian, aviation and energy infrastructure.

The DG ISPR strongly condemned attacks on Saudi cities, airports and vital installations, describing them as threats not only to the Kingdom's sovereignty and territorial integrity but also to civilian safety and regional stability.

He reiterated that Pakistan's longstanding relationship with Saudi Arabia was founded on mutual trust, strategic cooperation, shared security interests and deep religious and cultural ties.

According to the military spokesperson, Islamabad would continue extending defensive support to the Kingdom whenever required, including military personnel, operational capabilities, specialised training and logistical assistance.

He stressed that the protection of Makkah and Madinah, particularly Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi, occupied a position of paramount importance in Pakistan's national security commitments.

Makkah Defence Alliance Enters Implementation Phase

Highlighting developments under the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry disclosed that the arrangement was moving into the practical implementation phase of its collective defence responsibilities.

The process would involve strengthening military preparedness, enhancing coordination among participating armed forces and establishing mechanisms to facilitate the rapid deployment of agreed military personnel and capabilities within Saudi Arabia.

The military spokesperson explained that the participating countries were working towards greater military integration, improved intelligence-sharing arrangements and enhanced operational coordination.

He maintained that the alliance was intended exclusively for defensive purposes and was designed to strengthen deterrence against threats to the sovereignty and security of member states.

The implementation measures follow the bilateral defence agreement concluded between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September 2025 and the subsequent Makkah Joint Defence Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye in August 2026.

These arrangements reflect the participating countries' intention to strengthen collective security cooperation and respond more effectively to regional threats.

Pakistani Military Personnel Already Present in Kingdom

The DG ISPR confirmed that Pakistani military personnel were already stationed in Saudi Arabia in various capacities, primarily supporting defensive operations, military exercises, training and joint manoeuvres.

He explained that Pakistan's military cooperation with the Kingdom was not a new development but part of a longstanding defence relationship extending over several decades.

The latest arrangements, however, are expected to provide a more structured framework for collective defence responsibilities, coordinated planning and operational readiness.

Regarding the possibility of additional deployments or military assistance, the spokesperson indicated that Pakistan would continue providing support according to the Kingdom's defensive requirements.

He did not disclose specific troop numbers, deployment locations or operational details, noting the sensitive nature of military arrangements.

The emphasis on defensive cooperation seeks to distinguish the alliance's stated objectives from offensive military operations or involvement in regional conflicts beyond its agreed security framework.

Pakistan Condemns Attacks on Saudi Infrastructure

The military spokesperson expressed serious concern over recent attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, particularly those directed towards civilian infrastructure and economically important installations.

He reaffirmed Pakistan's condemnation of such operations, warning that attacks on airports, cities and essential facilities could undermine stability across the wider Middle East.

The recent security situation has increased the importance of coordinated air defence, intelligence cooperation and military preparedness among regional partners.

Pakistan's defence commitments, according to the DG ISPR, are intended to reinforce Saudi Arabia's ability to protect its territory and population against external threats.

The latest statements also demonstrate Islamabad's determination to maintain close strategic ties with Riyadh despite the increasingly complicated regional security environment.

Diplomatic Engagement With Iran Also Emphasised

Alongside reaffirming Pakistan's defence obligations towards Saudi Arabia, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry highlighted Islamabad's continuing efforts to promote regional dialogue and reduce tensions.

Referring to discussions held in Tehran on October 26 between representatives of the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance and Iran, he said the meeting was intended to explore possibilities for de-escalation and strengthen regional cooperation.

The participation of Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, in the diplomatic engagement reflected Islamabad's broader commitment to supporting peaceful solutions to regional disputes.

The military spokesperson said the participating countries had agreed to maintain dialogue aimed at promoting regional peace, stability and cooperation.

His remarks underscored Pakistan's approach of maintaining strong defence commitments towards Saudi Arabia while supporting diplomatic engagement intended to prevent a wider confrontation.

Defence Cooperation Reflects Historic Bilateral Ties

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained close defence and security relations for decades, supported by military training programmes, professional exchanges and cooperation between their armed forces.

The relationship extends beyond military matters to encompass trade, investment, energy cooperation and longstanding people-to-people connections.

Saudi Arabia remains an important economic and strategic partner for Pakistan, while the protection of the Two Holy Mosques carries profound religious significance for millions of Pakistanis.

The latest statements by the DG ISPR reinforce the importance Islamabad attaches to this relationship amid growing uncertainty in the Middle East.

The transition of the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance towards operational implementation could further institutionalise security cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.

However, the effectiveness of the arrangement will depend on continued military coordination, intelligence cooperation and the participating countries' ability to maintain regional stability without contributing to further escalation.

The defence framework also places renewed emphasis on the importance of deterrence, sovereignty and the protection of civilian populations.

Pakistan's position reflects its stated commitment to supporting the security of Saudi Arabia while encouraging dialogue and diplomatic engagement across the region.

As regional tensions continue, the DG ISPR's latest remarks send a clear message that Islamabad considers the Kingdom's security and the protection of the Two Holy Mosques an enduring national priority.

Source attribution: This report has been independently rewritten, reorganised and expanded for The Financial Daily, based on Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry's interview originally published by Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat on November 11, 2026, with supporting information reported by Arab News Pakistan on November 12, 2026. Statements concerning defence commitments, operational arrangements and diplomatic discussions are attributed to the DG ISPR.