Web Desk: Pakistan’s military spokesperson has confirmed that its troops are already stationed in Saudi Arabia, saying the deployment spans several capabilities and has continued for decades.
Director General Inter-Services Public Relations Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry made the remarks in an interview with CNN, where he confirmed that Pakistani forces are currently present in the kingdom.
“We can confirm that Pakistani troops are already there,” Chaudhry said, adding that Pakistan’s military personnel have maintained a presence in Saudi Arabia for decades.
He said the troops serve in multiple capacities and across different domains, although he did not disclose operational details.
Chaudhry also said the Makkah Defence Alliance should not be viewed as a development that emerged suddenly.
According to the DG ISPR, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have maintained longstanding relations spanning diplomatic, political, military and people-to-people ties.
He said the existing relationship between the three countries provides the broader context for the alliance and Pakistan’s military presence in Saudi Arabia.
CNN senior international correspondent Ivan Watson said the interview marked the first public confirmation by the DG ISPR that Pakistani troops are already deployed in Saudi Arabia.
Watson said Pakistani forces are present in the kingdom under the broader framework of the Makkah Defence Alliance, which brings together Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
However, neither the number of Pakistani personnel in Saudi Arabia nor the specific capabilities they provide were disclosed.
Chaudhry said details concerning the troops and their operational capabilities are classified.
As a result, it remains unclear whether additional Pakistani personnel could be deployed under the alliance or whether existing forces could undertake new roles.
It is also unclear whether Pakistani troops stationed in Saudi Arabia could become involved in any operations linked to the Houthi movement across the border in Yemen.
The comments come as attention grows around the emerging Makkah Defence Alliance and the security commitments among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
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