Pakistani military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stressed that the transition of the Makkah Joint Defense Alliance into the practical implementation phase of its collective defense commitments entails adopting measures to enable the rapid deployment of agreed-upon forces and military capabilities inside Saudi Arabia. These steps include elevating readiness levels, bolstering military integration, sharing intelligence, and coordinating to conduct exclusively defensive operations.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, the spokesperson stressed his country's readiness, in light of current circumstances and based on the Joint Strategic Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and the Makkah Alliance, to take all necessary defensive measures to defend the Kingdom.
Islamabad's commitment to the Kingdom's security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity is "absolute and non-negotiable", he added.
Capabilities and forces
Regarding Pakistani forces and military capabilities in Saudi Arabia, Chaudhry revealed that Pakistani troops are already present in the Kingdom, operating in various capacities with their primary missions consisting of providing defensive support, exercises, and maneuvers.
Islamabad will continue to provide any required support for defensive purposes, whether in terms of military personnel, military capabilities, training, or logistical assistance, he said.
In response to a question regarding reinforcing the military presence or providing additional capabilities, including air and missile defense and intelligence sharing, he said that the necessary support will continue to be provided without specifying exact details, explaining that military alliances do not disclose troop numbers, deployment locations, or operational specifics.
Joint defense measures
Regarding the military measures to implement the alliance's commitments, Chaudhry explained that the transition to practical implementation of the Makkah Alliance obligations follows the recent attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.
He reiterated Pakistan's strong condemnation of the strikes on airports, cities, and civilian and economic infrastructure, describing them as a direct threat to Saudi Arabia's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, as well as a danger to regional stability and civilian safety.
Chaudhry said that those attacks raise deep concern in Pakistan, stressing that "the security of Saudi Arabia and the Two Holy Mosques is a top, non-negotiable priority,"
He also urged the need for restraint, de-escalation, and resorting to diplomatic solutions, as any further escalation serves the interest of no party.
Talks with Iran
On the diplomatic level, he explained that the meeting between representatives of the Makkah Joint Defense Alliance and Iran, held in Tehran on October 26, aimed to establish a framework for de-escalation and enhance regional cooperation.
He noted that the participation of Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir in the meeting, along with his visit to Tehran days earlier, underscores Pakistan's commitment to promoting dialogue and the peaceful settlement of regional disputes.
The participants agreed to "continue dialogue to enhance cooperation among the four countries and contribute to achieving peace and stability in the region," without disclosing any other specific agreements.
Makkah Alliance and strategic defense agreement with Saudi Arabia
In explaining the differences between the "Joint Strategic Defense Agreement” between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, announced in September of last year, and the Makkah Joint Defense Alliance between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye, announced in August, Chaudhry noted that the bilateral agreement establishes a framework for defense cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
He added that it reflects the two countries' deep historical partnership and provides a structure for mutual support in the face of any aggression.
He added that under the bilateral Joint Strategic Defense Agreement, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan seek to deepen their longstanding strategic partnership, ensure mutual security, and continue practical defense cooperation to protect each country's sovereignty and vital interests.
The Makkah Joint Defense Alliance, meanwhile, is a trilateral framework bringing together Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, establishing mechanisms for collective defense, joint readiness, and coordination, he explained.
Both are purely defensive in nature, and neither entails offensive intentions against any country, he stressed.
Chaudhry added that, looking to the future, the three countries aim to strengthen collective deterrence, deepen military integration, and consolidate regional stability.
