(Abdul Basit Alvi)
The recent remarks by Pakistan’s Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protecting Saudi Arabia, particularly Makkah and Madinah, collectively known as the Haramain Sharifain, from Houthi aggression. The attacks on Saudi Arabia have included missiles and drones targeting civilian areas, cities, airports, oil facilities, and economic infrastructure, while the reported drone attack toward Makkah caused exceptional anger and distress because of the city’s religious significance as the location of the Kaaba and Masjid al-Haram and the direction of Muslim prayer. In an interview with an Arab television channel, the DG ISPR said Pakistan stands with Saudi Arabia in defending the Haramain and will go to any extent to protect it from aggression. He described the Pakistan-Saudi relationship as an unbreakable historical bond rooted in shared faith, values, mutual respect, and decades of cooperation between their peoples, armed forces, and political leadership. The relationship, which dates back to Pakistan’s founding and Saudi Arabia’s early recognition of the country, includes economic development, trade, education, culture, defence, military training, and the past deployment of Pakistani troops in Saudi Arabia. Pakistan’s military capabilities, including its armed forces and nuclear capability, provide substantial capacity to deter aggression and support allies. The DG ISPR also explained that the Mecca agreement between Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia is defensive in nature, intended to promote peace, regional stability, mutual support, and deterrence. Its precise implementation arrangements remain confidential because revealing military plans and security information could enable adversaries to prepare countermeasures. If any one of the three countries is attacked, the response and course of action will be collectively determined by all three and implemented accordingly, rather than through unilateral action. He indicated that there is no objection to the agreement, reflecting its acceptance as a defensive arrangement rather than an aggressive or controversial one.
The Houthi conflict in Yemen and repeated attacks on Saudi Arabia are treated as threats to regional peace, Gulf stability, the security of the holy sites, and the wider Muslim world, with the attempted strike toward Makkah regarded as an especially serious escalation because of its potential danger to lives, property, and the sanctity of the Haramain. Pakistan’s position reassures Muslims that the holy sites are not undefended, reinforces ties with Saudi Arabia and the Arab world, and emphasizes Pakistan’s reliability as a partner committed to its obligations while leaving operational decisions to the three countries collectively. The Pakistani public is united in supporting the army’s commitment, proud of its professionalism, courage, discipline, leadership, and readiness to protect the country, faith, and holy lands. This commitment is a noble opportunity, privilege, honour, and responsibility, providing comfort that Pakistan has a strong army prepared to face challenges and fulfil its commitments. The whole nation is standing with the Pakistan Army, united in its support for the defence of the Haramain, love for Saudi Arabia, and opposition to Houthi aggression, demonstrating national solidarity and Pakistan’s willingness to stand by its friends. The international community is urged to take the threat seriously, protect Saudi Arabia and the holy sites, and support peace and regional security. Other countries are encouraged to share this responsibility by supporting the protection of the holy lands and the Muslim world, making the DG ISPR’s message a call for unity, collective action, and the defence of faith, peace, and sacred places.
The relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is a model of brotherhood and cooperation. It is a relationship that is based on shared faith and shared values. It is a relationship that has stood the test of time. It is a relationship that has grown stronger over the years. The defence cooperation is a key pillar of this relationship. The Mecca agreement is a formal expression of this cooperation. The DG ISPR’s statements have reaffirmed this cooperation. They have shown that the two countries are united in their commitment to defend the holy sites. They have shown that they are prepared to work together to face any challenge. This is a source of great strength for both countries. It is a source of great strength for the Muslim world. It is a source of great hope for the future.
The people of Pakistan are a generous and brave people. They are always ready to help their brothers and sisters in faith. They have shown this in many ways. They have provided aid to many Muslim countries in times of need. They have provided troops for peacekeeping missions. They have provided training to many armies. They have always stood up for the rights of Muslims around the world. The defence of the Haramain is a sacred duty for them. They consider it a privilege to be able to serve the holy sites. They are proud that their army is at the forefront of this effort. They are proud that their country is playing a leading role in protecting the holy land. This is a source of great honor for them. It is a source of great pride for their nation.
The DG ISPR’s interview with the Arab TV channel was a masterful piece of communication. It was clear. It was direct. It was reassuring. It sent a strong message to friends and foes alike. It told friends that Pakistan stands with them. It told foes that Pakistan will not back down. It told the world that Pakistan is a responsible and reliable ally. It told the Muslim world that Pakistan is committed to the defence of the holy sites. This is exactly what needed to be said. This is exactly what needed to be heard. The DG ISPR is a skilled and professional spokesman. He represents the Pakistan Army with dignity and honor. He represents the people of Pakistan with pride and commitment. His statements have been widely praised in Pakistan and in the Muslim world. They have strengthened the morale of the people. They have strengthened the bonds of friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The threat from the Houthis is not over. They may continue to attack. They may continue to threaten the holy sites. They may continue to try to destabilize the region. But they should know that they will not succeed. They should know that there are those who will stand up to them. They should know that Pakistan will not let them harm the holy sites. They should know that Pakistan will go to any extent to defend Saudi Arabia. This is the message of the DG ISPR. This is the message of the Pakistan Army. This is the message of the people of Pakistan. This is the message of the entire Muslim world. The holy sites are sacred. They are protected. They are defended. They will remain safe and secure. The enemies of Islam will not prevail. The defenders of the faith will prevail. This is the promise of history. This is the promise of faith. This is the promise of Pakistan. The nation stands with its army. The army stands with the holy sites. The holy sites stand in the hearts of all Muslims. This is an unbreakable bond. This is an eternal commitment. This is the truth that the DG ISPR has spoken. This is the truth that the world must understand. This is the truth that will guide the future.
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