Pakistani Troops Have Served in Saudi Arabia for Decades
Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has confirmed that Pakistani troops are already present in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to CNN correspondent Ivan Watson, the military spokesperson said Pakistani forces have been in the kingdom for decades. He added that they serve across multiple capabilities and domains.
Longstanding Pakistan-Saudi Military Ties
Lt Gen Chaudhry linked the existing military presence to the broader relationship between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye.
He said the Makkah Defence Alliance did not emerge suddenly. Instead, it builds on longstanding diplomatic, political, military, and people-to-people ties among the three countries.
The remarks came as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye moved to implement their collective defence commitments.
Makkah Defence Alliance Moves Toward Implementation
The three countries held an emergency meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee in Riyadh.
Following the meeting, the Foreign Office said the members had agreed to take practical steps under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. The plan includes providing agreed military forces and capabilities for rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia.
Moreover, the measures aim to improve military readiness, integration, and collective capacity.
Pakistan Says Its Role Is Supportive
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also addressed Pakistan’s role in the alliance. He said Pakistani and Turkish forces have a presence in the theatre but are not currently conducting combat operations.
According to Asif, both countries are providing support while Saudi forces handle combat operations. He also noted that Pakistan is involved in reconnaissance activities.
Background to the Defence Pact
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye signed the Makkah Defence Pact on August 7. The agreement seeks to strengthen collective deterrence among the three countries.
Under the pact, an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all. The framework also provides for closer military coordination when security threats emerge.
Growing Regional Security Cooperation
The latest developments highlight the longstanding defence relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. They also point to deeper military coordination involving Türkiye.
As a result, the Makkah Defence Alliance is moving from a diplomatic framework toward practical security cooperation in the region.
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