The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has rejected a report published by The New York Times about the use of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) aircraft against the Houthis.
In a fact-check shared by the ministry on Thursday, the report was described as “fake and fabricated”.
What did the ministry say?
Taking to the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, the ministry said international media organisations should avoid speculative reports about the possible use of Pakistan’s military forces under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
“NYT above referred story attributing employment of PAF aircraft against Houthis is fake and fabricated,” it said.
“International Media houses are again asked to avoid speculative reporting with regards to employment of Pakistan’s Military Forces under Makkah Joint Defence Agreement,” the post read further.
It said that any details about the deployment or use of Pakistani military forces, if needed, would be shared by the relevant authorities.
The ministry also urged media organisations to rely on official information instead of speculation.
“Details of any employment, if necessary will be given by concerned authorities,” it read further. The statement ended with the message, “Truth Prevails over Falsehood.”
Are Pakistani troops present in Saudi Arabia?
Yesterday, Director-General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that Pakistani troops were already in Saudi Arabia in different roles.
During an interview with CNN, he was asked whether Pakistani troops or personnel were already in Saudi Arabia under the Makkah alliance. Lt Gen Chaudhry said Pakistani forces had been in Saudi Arabia for decades.
He said the Makkah alliance was not formed “in a vacuum”. He also pointed to the long-standing diplomatic, political and military ties between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
He further highlighted the strong people-to-people ties between the three countries.
The DG ISPR said Pakistani troops were already present in Saudi Arabia in “multiple capabilities and domains”.
