Pakistan will go to ‘any extent’ to protect Haramain Sharifain, Saudi Arabia: DG ISPR

Pakistan stands ready to go to “any extent” required to protect Saudi Arabia and the Haramain Sharifain, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on Friday, stressing that Islamabad’s support for the Kingdom was both diplomatic and physical.

In an interview with Arab News, the military spokesperson said Pakistan was already committed to protecting Saudi Arabia and would continue to defend the Kingdom against any aggression.

“Pakistan fully stands with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, both diplomatically and physically,” Lt Gen Chaudhry said, stressing the word “physically”.

“We will go to any extent for the security of Haramain Sharifain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To any extent as asked and required by our Saudi brothers,” he said.

‘We are there’ for Saudi security

DF ISPR said there should be “no doubt” about Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia, adding that the Pakistani people stood “shoulder to shoulder” with their Saudi counterparts.

“In a nutshell, we are there and we will continue to defend Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against any aggression,” he said.

Asked whether saying Pakistan was “there” meant a physical presence in Saudi Arabia at present or availability whenever required, the DG ISPR gave a pointed response.

“I think the words express themselves fully once we say that we are there,” he said.

He did not provide details of any specific military deployment or operation.

Commitment described as ‘unconditional’

The DG ISPR said Pakistan’s political and military leadership remained in continuous contact with the Saudi leadership and was also working with regional countries, partners and friends to seek a negotiated and peaceful resolution to the wider crisis.

He said Pakistan’s commitments stemmed not only from the Makkah defence agreement but also from the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

“We remain not only committed, but we are already there for the protection of the Haramain Sharifain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said.

“We are there to protect them. And we will go to any extent further and as required by the Saudi leadership and the people of Saudi Arabia,” he added.

Describing Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi security as “unconditional”, Lt Gen Chaudhry said it was rooted in the “deep rooted, historical and unbreakable bond” between the two countries.

“Nothing stops us. Nothing bars us. Nothing is there which hesitates our commitment from going,” he said. “So whatever is required, whatever is asked, we will go to any extent to that.”