Pakistan Moves to Activate Joint Defence Mechanism with Saudi Arabia After Recent Attacks

Pakistan has taken steps to activate a joint defence mechanism with Saudi Arabia following recent attacks on the kingdom, with Islamabad seeking to strengthen existing military and defence cooperation to safeguard Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security.

Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, said the two countries were working to further strengthen their defence partnership.

Strongly condemning attacks on Saudi airports, cities, and civilian and economic infrastructure, Chaudhry described the incidents as a direct assault on the kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He warned that such attacks posed a threat not only to Saudi Arabia but also to regional peace and stability.

He stressed that ensuring the security of Saudi Arabia and the two holy mosques remained Pakistan’s highest priority, adding that there could be no compromise on the issue.

However, Chaudhry also called for restraint and diplomatic engagement rather than military escalation to ease regional tensions. He said further expansion of the conflict would benefit no party and urged the countries concerned to take steps to de-escalate tensions and resolve disputes through dialogue.

The military spokesperson noted that Pakistani troops were already stationed in Saudi Arabia, where they were performing various duties.

Regarding engagement with Iran, Chaudhry said a meeting between Iranian officials and representatives of the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance was held in Tehran on October 26. The meeting focused on reducing tensions in the Middle East, strengthening regional cooperation, and exploring ways to maintain peace and security among countries in the region.

On Pakistan-Saudi defence ties, he said the two countries announced a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement last year, establishing a framework for closer military and defence cooperation.

According to Chaudhry, both the bilateral defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance are entirely defensive in nature and are not intended to launch attacks against any country.

He added that Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye were interested in expanding military cooperation, strengthening their joint defence capabilities and promoting regional stability in the future.