Amb. Waheed Ahmad (Former Diplomat):Off course Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia against any foreign aggression because both countries are bound by a bilateral joint defence agreement between the two countries as well as by a trilateral agreement called Makkah Agreement. So Pakistan is committed to Saudi sovereignty and territorial integrity. In this regard, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while talking to Saudi Ambassador Dr. Rajeh Tami Albugamy reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to shoulder Saudi Arabia in safeguarding sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. Therefore, Pakistan has forces stationed in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, Pakistan can’t remain away from happenings in Saudi Arabia because Pakistan has old historical and religious bonds with Saudi Arabia. Pakistan is also committed to regional peace and utilizes every opportunity to further promote regional peace and stability. Makkah Agreement is first unique step towards collective security of West Asia. This agreement will be complementing other security pacts related to Western Asian security. Pakistani forces are in Saudi Arabia for defense purpose and not for aggression on any other country. Before, Makkah Agreement, there was an informal security pact between the US and GCC countries but the US couldn’t defend GCC countries from Iranian strikes. Iran is our neighbor and very important country; however, Iran understands the nature of ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Similarly Saudi Arabia also understands nature and depth of ties between Pakistan and Iran. Makkah Pact talks about collective security of member states.

Amb. A M Shahid (Former Diplomat):Pakistan is in a trilateral joint defence pact Makkah Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. In separate meetings with Saudi Ambassador, Dr. Rajeh Tami Albugamy, both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar separately expressed Pakistan commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation for mutual progress and prosperity Besides, Makkah Agreement, Pakistan, Pakistani government, people and forces are always present and prepared to defend Saudi sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. Pakistan is also ready to safeguard Haramain Sharifain. Pakistan also extends full sympathies and condolences to the bereaved Saudi families who lost their loved ones in Houthis’ strikes on Saudi Arabia.