Pakistani Troops Already Deployed in Saudi Arabia to Protect Two Holy Mosques: ISPR

Pakistani troops are already deployed in Saudi Arabia in multiple operational capacities as part of longstanding defence cooperation, with the security of the Kingdom, including the two Holy Mosques, remaining a key focus of the newly activated Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, speaking in an interview with CNN on Wednesday, said Pakistani forces “have been there for decades” and are performing duties in various capacities.

He said the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye in August 2026 builds on decades of military, diplomatic and people-to-people ties between the countries rather than representing a sudden new military deployment.

The remarks came after an emergency meeting of the Makkah alliance in Riyadh earlier this week, where the three countries agreed to implement collective defence commitments and pursue the rapid deployment of agreed forces and capabilities.

The agreement stipulates that an armed attack against any one member would be treated as an attack against all three countries.

Pakistani officials have described the pact as defensive in nature, aimed at strengthening collective deterrence and enhancing the security of Saudi Arabia, particularly the protection of the two Holy Mosques.

The development comes amid continued Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and growing regional security concerns.

The ISPR chief’s remarks also clarify that Pakistan’s military presence in Saudi Arabia is not a new deployment resulting from the agreement but is part of longstanding defence cooperation between the two countries.