Islamabad, 9 October, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to defending Saudi Arabia under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, describing the pact as a defensive arrangement aimed at strengthening regional security and stability. In an interview with US broadcaster CNN, the military spokesperson said Pakistani forces had been stationed in Saudi Arabia for decades, serving in various capacities and reflecting the longstanding military cooperation between the two countries. He emphasized that the agreement was not a newly formed alliance but was built on an established history of defence cooperation. Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said all measures taken under the agreement would remain strictly defensive, while operational commanders would determine its implementation, including troop deployments and their utilisation. He described the pact as a potential source of regional stability amid emerging security challenges, adding that it would provide collective defence capabilities against potential threats. Under the agreement, an attack on one member would be treated as an attack on all, a principle that could deter hostile actions. However, he clarified that the arrangement was not intended to designate any country as an enemy or an ally. Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security, he said defending the Kingdom was one of the agreement’s primary objectives and that Pakistan would fulfil its obligations. Addressing efforts to resolve the conflict between the United States and Iran, the DG ISPR said Pakistan had previously facilitated dialogue and would continue working to reduce differences and encourage a peaceful settlement through negotiations. He stressed that Pakistan wanted to prevent the conflict from escalating and remained committed to supporting diplomatic initiatives. He added that Pakistan had acted as an honest and impartial mediator in efforts to secure a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.