Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said the defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye is purely defensive in nature and is not aimed at aggression against any country.
In an interview with Al Arabiya English, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry discussed the trilateral defence cooperation and Pakistan’s strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia.
The DG ISPR stressed that the agreement is intended to strengthen collective defence and security cooperation among the participating countries.
He also highlighted the longstanding and strategic relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, describing the Kingdom as a close and important partner.
The comments come amid increased regional tensions and growing security coordination between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.
Pakistan has maintained that its defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia is focused on protecting national and regional security and should not be interpreted as an offensive arrangement.
The interview was aired by Al Arabiya English, with the broadcaster highlighting the DG ISPR’s remarks on the defensive nature of the pact.
Responding to a question about why Pakistan has taken on the important role of facilitating dialogue between Tehran and Washington, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) said the initiative was driven by Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace.
He said Pakistan is a strong proponent of peace and stability in the region and believes that stability is essential for lasting peace.
The DG ISPR also pointed to Pakistan’s relations with a wide range of friendly countries, saying the country’s position allows it to engage with different sides and play an objective and constructive role in facilitating peace.
He said Pakistan would continue its efforts as an honest and impartial mediator to help promote peace and prevent further escalation in the region.
DG ISPR has reiterated that the country will continue its counterterrorism operations against attacks originating from Afghan soil.
He said Pakistan remains committed to taking action against terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan and will continue its efforts to counter such attacks.
The spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to protect its territory and citizens from cross-border terrorist threats while maintaining its counterterrorism efforts.
DG ISPR also issued a strong warning to India, saying that if it continues pursuing actions under the concept of ‘Akhand Bharat’, the consequences could be far more severe than the country might anticipate.
The DG ISPR said Pakistan would respond to any aggression and stressed that India should not underestimate the consequences of such actions.
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