ISLAMABAD – As tensions continue unabated across the Middle East, Pakistan made its position on Saudi Arabia’s defence clear. ISPR chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed the longstanding presence of Pakistani troops in the Kingdom, while stressing that the Makkah Defence Pact is focused on defence and deterrence.
Pakistan confirmed that its military personnel are already stationed in Saudi Arabia as the newly established Makkah Defence Alliance moves towards implementing its collective security commitments amid escalating regional tensions.
Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry made disclosure in interview with CNN. at the same time, defending Pakistan’s role as a mediator in US-Iran conflict and emphasising Islamabad’s commitment to protecting Saudi Arabia.
Chaudhry called Pakistan an “honest broker” in diplomatic efforts to secure a negotiated settlement between Washington and Tehran, insisting that Islamabad was working to narrow differences and prevent the conflict from spreading further. His remarks come as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye step up security coordination under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, following reported Houthi attacks on Saudi territory and critical infrastructure.
Chaudhry confirmed that Pakistani forces were already present in Saudi Arabia, with personnel operating across multiple military capabilities and domains. He stressed that deployment predates the newly formed alliance, describing Pakistan’s military presence in the Kingdom as part of a longstanding relationship spanning decades.
ISPR chief did not reveal troop numbers, specific assignments or whether additional Pakistani personnel would be deployed under the new arrangement. He said operational details were matters for the relevant military commanders.
The confirmation comes after an emergency meeting of the Makkah alliance’s Strategic-Political and Defence Committee in Riyadh on October 5, where the three countries agreed to begin implementing their collective-defence commitments and arrange the rapid deployment of agreed military capabilities to Saudi Arabia under approved procedures and national laws.
DG ISPR responds to Reports of Pakistani Troops in Saudi Arabia amid Houthi Attacks
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on August 7, 2026, establishing a framework for collective security and military cooperation. The pact is built around the principle that an armed attack against one member would be treated as an attack against all, drawing comparisons with NATO’s collective-defence arrangements.
The latest developments indicate move from political commitments towards practical military coordination. However, the agreement’s full text and the operational details of its implementation have not been made public.
The alliance’s immediate focus is the defence of Saudi Arabia and the protection of Makkah and Madinah amid reported attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi movement. The countries have also emphasised collective deterrence and closer coordination of their respective military capabilities.
ISPR chief stressed that the implementation of the Makkah agreement would remain strictly defensive, signalling that the alliance’s stated purpose was to protect Saudi Arabia rather than initiate a broader military confrontation. He also invoked the right to self-defence under the United Nations Charter and highlighted the importance of collective deterrence in discouraging attacks.
The distinction is significant as the agreement develops amid continuing hostilities involving Houthi forces and Saudi Arabia. Although the three countries have agreed to provide designated forces and capabilities, no publicly disclosed arrangement establishes the precise scope of any new deployment or authorises Pakistani forces to conduct combat operations inside Yemen.
Türkiye has also indicated that its assistance would focus on defensive and technical support, with Ankara ruling out an offensive role against the Houthis.
Makkah alliance is gaining importance amid reports of Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi cities, energy facilities and other strategic locations. The latest security developments have increased pressure on Saudi Arabia and its partners to strengthen defensive coordination, improve readiness and establish practical mechanisms for responding to threats.
October 5 meeting in Riyadh marked an important step towards implementing the agreement, although questions remain about the alliance’s command arrangements, rules of engagement and the precise capabilities each country will contribute.
Pakistan now faces the challenge of strengthening its defence commitments to Saudi Arabia while preserving its diplomatic role in efforts to resolve the US-Iran conflict.
