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Pakistan has said it will stand by Saudi Arabia diplomatically and physically amid the Houthi escalation. The statement signals unconditional security backing even as Islamabad pushes for a negotiated regional outcome.
Islamabad,UPDATED: Sep 18, 2026 22:06 IST
Pakistan will go to "any extent" to defend Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said, asserting that Islamabad's commitment to the Gulf kingdom's security is "unconditional". His remarks came amid an escalation involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthis, who have carried out attacks on Saudi territory in recent days and established control over the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea.
Speaking to Arab News in an interview on Thursday, Chaudhry said Pakistan stood with Saudi Arabia "both diplomatically and physically" and stressed the latter point. His comments also came amid questions over whether Pakistan would assist Saudi Arabia against the Houthis under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed last month by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.
"Pakistan fully stands with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, both diplomatically and physically. And I would like to underscore here the word physically," Chaudhry said. "We will go to any extentto any extent as asked and required by our Saudi brothers." He added, "Our commitment to Saudi security is unconditional," and said this was because of the "deep-rooted, historical and unbreakable bond" between the peoples and leaderships of the two countries.
The spokesman said Pakistan had "remained not only committed, but we are already there for the protection of Haramain Sharifain and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia", referring to Mecca and Medina. His remarks followed Saudi authorities' claim that their air defences had intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca city before it entered the city's prohibited airspace. The Houthis, however, denied targeting Mecca or any Islamic holy site.
Earlier this week, Chaudhry had described the Makkah pact as "defensive" and meant for "collective deterrence", saying it had "no regional aspirations". Asked about a phone call between Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday, he said Pakistan's politico-military leadership remained in continuous contact with the Saudi leadership. He added that Islamabad was also consulting regional governments to seek "a negotiated and peaceful outcome" to the wider crisis. Overall, Chaudhry's remarks underlined Pakistan's stated readiness to back Saudi Arabia while also remaining engaged in regional efforts for a peaceful resolution.
With PTI Inputs
- Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Sep 18, 2026 22:06 IST
