Pakistani troops are already present in Saudi Arabia in several roles and areas, Director-General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said today.
During an interview with CNN, the DG ISPR was asked whether Pakistani troops or personnel were already in Saudi Arabia as part of the Makkah alliance.
Lt Gen Chaudhry said Pakistani forces had been present in Saudi Arabia for decades. “Pakistani troops have been there for decades… in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
He said that the Makkah alliance was not formed “in a vacuum”. He highlighted the long-standing diplomatic, political and military ties between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
Further, he also mentioned the strong people-to-people links between the three countries.
“So I can share with you that Pakistani troops, in multiple capabilities and domains, are already there,” the DG ISPR said.
What did Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye agree on?
The remarks came after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye agreed to immediately implement their collective defence commitments.
The three countries also agreed to ensure the “rapid deployment” of agreed military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia.
The decision was made during an emergency meeting of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in Riyadh on Monday. Pakistan’s Foreign Office shared the joint statement issued after the meeting.
The three countries said the deployment would take place under approved arrangements. It would also follow the national laws of each country.
They said the measures were aimed at improving military readiness and integration. The steps would also strengthen their collective military capabilities.
What is the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement?
Under the agreement, an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all three members.
The latest decision comes as the three countries move to implement their collective defence commitments under the agreement.
