(Abdul Basit Alvi)
Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed in an interview with CNN that Pakistani troops have been stationed in Saudi Arabia for decades, undertaking training, advisory, and defensive missions across multiple domains of warfare. Since the 1960s, Pakistan has trained thousands of Saudi soldiers and, at Riyadh’s request, deployed military units to protect the Kingdom’s long borders, reflecting a historic partnership encompassing diplomatic, political, military, and people-to-people relations. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed on August 7 in Makkah between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, formalizes this longstanding cooperation by stipulating that an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be treated as an attack against all, establishing a framework for collective defence, mutual support, and deterrence. The alliance combines Saudi Arabia’s financial resources and energy wealth, Türkiye’s advanced defence technology and industrial capacity, and Pakistan’s experienced military with expertise in counter-insurgency and conventional warfare. Emerging amid escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, threats to Saudi oil infrastructure and civilian areas, persistent Houthi missile and drone attacks from Yemen, and broader regional instability, the agreement aims to deter aggression and promote stability rather than target any specific country or designate any nation as an enemy or friend. Its implementation will depend on the prevailing security environment and operational requirements, with military commanders deciding the deployment, composition, timing, and use of forces according to emerging threats. The agreement therefore represents the formalization of decades of defence cooperation rather than an entirely new military relationship, supported by established infrastructure and operational ties.
For Pakistan, the agreement brings responsibilities to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s defence and regional stability, alongside benefits that include stronger strategic relations with two influential regional powers, potential Saudi financial support for Pakistan’s struggling economy, opportunities for defence technology cooperation with Türkiye, and enhanced diplomatic standing in the Middle East. Within Pakistan, the arrangement has generated considerable national pride because protecting the holy places of Makkah and Madinah, collectively known as the Harmain, is regarded as a sacred responsibility and a blessing for the country and its armed forces. The army’s professionalism and dedication have strengthened public confidence and national pride in its service to the Muslim Ummah. Pakistan’s military cooperation also complements its diplomatic role in efforts to resolve the US-Iran conflict through dialogue. Maintaining a long border and deep cultural and religious ties with Iran, a strategic partnership with the United States, and close relations with Gulf Arab states enables Pakistan to facilitate communication, support backchannel diplomacy, and host talks aimed at ending the conflict and preventing its further spread. Its mediation efforts have received international recognition, strengthening its global standing and creating opportunities for wider strategic engagement. Together, the Makkah agreement and Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives represent complementary approaches to regional security: military strength to deter aggression and diplomatic engagement to resolve disputes peacefully. The agreement’s future and the deployment of Pakistani troops will depend on developments in Yemen, the continuing Houthi threat, the unresolved US-Iran conflict, and shifting Middle Eastern interests and alliances. Pakistani forces already stationed in Saudi Arabia provide a tangible defensive capability, while operational commanders will continue adapting deployments to changing circumstances. The DG ISPR’s confirmation thus reinforces Pakistan’s position that its troops are present under a formal agreement and a decades-old partnership to defend the Kingdom and contribute to regional peace and stability, a mission regarded by Pakistanis as a source of honour and pride.
The Makkah Alliance has also attracted interest from other countries in the region. Reports indicate that several other countries of the Middle East are eager to join this agreement . Iran has also appreciated this agreement . If Iran’s inclusion into the agreement becomes possible, it will lead to regional religious harmony. It will ensure regional security as no force or country will be able to attack any country from outside. The trilateral framework could potentially expand to include countries such as Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain .
The economic dimension of the Pakistan-Saudi relationship cannot be ignored. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly stepped in to support Pakistan financially during periods of economic stress. This financial support has been crucial for Pakistan’s stability. In return, Pakistan provides military expertise and manpower. This symbiotic relationship has endured for decades. The new defense agreement formalizes this arrangement and provides a framework for future cooperation.
The operational readiness of the Pakistani forces deployed in Saudi Arabia is a matter of professional competence. The DG ISPR indicated that the forces are already operating in multiple domains. This suggests that the infrastructure for joint operations is in place. The commanders on the ground will decide how to utilize these forces. The flexibility built into the agreement allows for rapid adaptation to changing circumstances. This is essential in a region where threats can emerge quickly and unpredictably.
The diplomatic efforts of Pakistan in mediating between the US and Iran have been widely acknowledged. The DG ISPR’s statement that Pakistan has played this role in the past, is doing it now, and will continue to do so reflects a long-term commitment to regional peace . This commitment is rooted in Pakistan’s national interest. A peaceful region allows for economic development and stability. Pakistan wants to avoid being drawn into conflicts that could destabilize its own borders. The mediation efforts are therefore both principled and pragmatic.
The Makkah agreement has been welcomed by Islamic countries and the OIC . Somalia also welcomed the agreement . This broad acceptance reflects the legitimacy of the initiative. The agreement is seen as a constructive step toward regional security. It is not viewed as a divisive or sectarian alliance. The DG ISPR’s emphasis that the agreement is not meant to declare anyone as an enemy or a friend aligns with this positive reception.
The future deployment of additional troops will depend on the threat assessment. Reports suggest that Pakistan is preparing for the possibility of a substantially larger deployment, with plans for up to 25,000 additional troops reportedly under consideration . This reflects the seriousness with which Pakistan views its commitments. The decision to deploy will be based on operational requirements and consultations with allies. The flexible framework of the agreement allows for graduated responses to emerging threats.
The sacred dimension of this mission cannot be overstated. The defense of the Haramain Sharifain is a duty that resonates deeply with the Pakistani people. The two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah are the most sacred sites in Islam. Any threat to these sites is a threat to the entire Muslim Ummah. Pakistan’s role in defending these sites is therefore not just a military mission. It is a sacred trust. The nation feels immense pride that its army has been given this responsibility. The DG ISPR’s confirmation has reinforced this sense of pride and purpose.
The DG ISPR’s confirmation of Pakistani troops in Saudi Arabia is a significant development. It clarifies Pakistan’s position and reinforces the defensive nature of the Makkah agreement. The troops have been there for decades. They will continue to serve in various capacities. The operational commanders will decide the specifics of deployment. The agreement is a guarantee of stability. Pakistan’s role as a mediator is complementary to its military commitments. The nation stands behind its armed forces. The sacred service of defending the holy places is a source of immense pride. The Pakistan Army has brought honor to the country. The whole nation feels proud of its strong army and the higher ranks it has achieved in the service of the Muslim Ummah.
