Director General ISPR Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that Pakistan is in contact to reduce tensions between Iran and the US, while collective defence responsibilities will be fulfilled under the ‘Mecca Alliance’ for the protection of Saudi Arabia and the Haramain Sharifain.
Director General Inter-Services Public Relations Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, in an interview to ‘Independent Arabia ‘, clarified Pakistan’s regional strategy, saying that Islamabad is continuing diplomatic efforts for peaceful resolution of conflicts; however, it is also committed to promises related to the security of its defence partners.
In the interview published on October 18, he said that implementation has begun on a collective response mechanism under the defence arrangement of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. According to him, its purpose is to discourage aggression, protect joint security and save the region from further instability.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that Pakistan’s political and military leadership has been in contact with Iran for the last several months regarding US-Iran tensions.
In these contacts, the focus is on exercising restraint, preventing further escalation, and focusing on a negotiated solution. He said that Islamabad is also talking to other relevant regional parties besides Tehran to reduce differences and find a solution to ongoing conflicts that saves the region from moving towards a wider clash. The military spokesman expressed concern over the trend of repeated escalation and then temporary de-escalation in the Middle East. He said that a new confrontation can affect efforts for lasting stability. He clarified that Pakistan and its regional partners are working to prevent conflict from spreading geographically and intensifying militarily. Continuous conflict is not in the interest of the concerned countries; therefore, it is necessary to move forward with negotiations and diplomatic contacts.
On the question of a direct warning to Tehran, he neither confirmed nor denied such a message. He emphasized that the basic purpose of Pakistan’s diplomatic exchanges is to reduce tension and find peaceful way. No confirmation of any specific warning can be derived from his answer.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia and the protection of Harmain Sharifain. He said Pakistan is already providing necessary support to Saudi Arabia, and this cooperation will continue under current defense responsibilities.
According to him, Islamabad is ready to utilize available resources to fulfill its promises. However, he avoided stating the nature and practical details of support in view of confidentiality related to military operations.
In the context of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, the military spokesman said that there is grief and anger among Pakistan’s political and military leadership and the public over these incidents. He described this reaction as an expression of deep attachment of Pakistanis to the security of Makkah, Medina and holy places.
Explaining defense arrangement of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, DG ISPR said that ‘Mecca Alliance’ is a defensive structure, based on the right of self-defence recognized in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
He clarified that the alliance is not established against any specific country and it has no aggressive objectives. Its basic target is to strengthen joint security, reduce the possibility of attack, and support regional peace.
According to him, in case of direct or indirect war against any of the 3 member countries, a collective response will be given under alliance commitments. The military spokesman said that the collective deterrence mechanism is not limited to mere announcement, but implementation is ongoing.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry mentioned progress in institutional formation of the alliance, pointing to the establishment of its secretariat and strategic committee for political and defense affairs. He said that high officials of three countries are included in this system.
According to him, this cooperation did not come into existence suddenly, but is a continuation of historical relations, long-standing defense ties and joint security concepts of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
He also clarified that the ‘Mecca Alliance’ does not replace existing bilateral defence agreements or other security partnerships. Existing defense cooperation will remain intact.
About elements responsible for attacks on Saudi Arabia, the military spokesman said that Pakistan’s defense commitment is a clear message for both attackers and those backing them. He stressed that the effectiveness of the collective defense system is linked to the fact that potential attackers understand the resolve of member countries along with the capability to respond. Referring to Pakistan’s experience of dealing with non-state armed groups, he said that such groups work in different way than states; therefore, it may be difficult to stop them only with traditional diplomatic signals.
According to him, clear and decisive defence promises are necessary to discourage further attacks and prevent armed organizations from benefiting from regional instability. Along with this, he warned that the spread of military confrontation will harm regional interests and efforts for settlement through negotiations will become more complicated.
Talking about the future of ‘Mecca Alliance’, DG ISPR said that this arrangement will not necessarily remain limited to its 3 founding members. He indicated that other countries agreeing with the objectives of regional stability and collective security can also become part of this system in the future. However, he did not confirm information related to possible inclusion of any specific country.
He said that membership decisions are at the discretion of the political and strategic leadership of current member countries. He reiterated that the purpose of the alliance is not to create confrontation with any regional party, but to strengthen peace and security.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry also mentioned issues of maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al-Mandeb. He highlighted the importance of international cooperation for the protection of maritime traffic and regional trade, referring to Pakistan’s participation in multinational maritime security arrangements.
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