THERE was never ever any doubt about Pakistan’s firm commitment to help safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) but the remarks made by Director-General, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt. General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry during his interview with Arab News must have sent the desired message to all concerned. He made it clear that the country would “go to any extent” required for the security of the Haramain Sharifain and the Kingdom, adding ‘to any extent as asked and required by our Saudi brothers’.
There is absolutely no doubt that the situation is highly complicated but the statement of the Army spokesperson shows Pakistan has arrived at the right conclusion on how best to address the challenge thrown by the latest twist in the Gulf war. Saudi leadership and the Government deserves credit for responding positively to the repeated advice of Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint in the face of extreme provocations when drones and missiles hit different targets including oil installations. Pakistani advice and the Kingdom’s restraint were motivated by a desire to prevent intra-Muslim confrontation but now that the KSA has been pushed to the wall, it has understandably decided to respond forcefully to defend itself and its economic interests. At the beginning of this new phase in the ongoing war, Pakistan reportedly conveyed a message to Iran to rein in Houthis (which are relentlessly attacking Saudi Arabia) but Tehran declined to oblige claiming it has no control over the proxy. Pakistan is bound to extend all possible support to the Kingdom not only because of unflinching commitment of people of the country to go to any extent to protect the cradle of Islam but it is also bound by two crystal clear accords – bilateral and trilateral – envisaging attack on one country as an attack on others as well. Details are known to insiders but a general reading of the two accords leaves no doubt that Pakistan and Turkiye are bound to provide required support to the Kingdom. This is also evident from the remarks of General Sharif that “in a nutshell, we are there and we will continue to defend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against any aggression”. In a related development, Turkish National Intelligence Organization Chief Ibrahim Kalin, during his visit to Islamabad on Thursday, discussed with Pakistan officials security landscape that emerged in the Middle East following the beginning of the US-Israel war with Iran, rising regional tensions and the conflict’s political, security and economic repercussions for regional countries. The talks highlighted the importance of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in providing common ground among the parties as part of efforts to restore regional stability. It is also important to note that despite the emergence of an awkward situation, Pakistan and Turkiye expressed their resolve to pursue their roles in reducing tensions and keeping diplomatic channels open. This is confirmed also by the latest move of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, who spoke with Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi over the phone, urging Tehran to use its influence on Houthis to halt their strikes on Saudi oil and economic infrastructure. There are also reports China wants Iran to use its influence with the Houthis to help prevent the conflict spreading further across energy routes on which China, the world’s second-largest economy, depends. Iran might have some strategic advantages in the war but there are no guarantees it will emerge a clear victor and therefore, a return to diplomacy and adherence to Islamabad Accord offers a way out for both sides.
