Why has Pakistan confirmed troops in Saudi Arabia?

Summary

• His remarks came days after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye agreed to move towards the practical implementation of collective defence arrangements under the Makkah Defence Alliance.
• Asif had earlier said Pakistan would stand by Saudi Arabia through both diplomatic and practical measures if the security situation escalated.
• The Makkah Defence Alliance was signed on August 7 by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.

AI Generated Summary

ISLAMABAD: Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has confirmed that Pakistani troops are already stationed in Saudi Arabia and have maintained a presence there for decades.

Speaking in an interview with CNN correspondent Ivan Watson, the military spokesperson said Pakistani forces were present in the kingdom in several capacities.

“I can confirm that the forces of Pakistan are already there,” Lt Gen Chaudhry said.

He explained that the presence was not a new development linked solely to the recently formed Makkah Defence Alliance. According to him, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye have maintained longstanding diplomatic, political and military ties.