RAWALPINDI: Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has stressed that reaching a negotiated outcome to the Middle East conflict is essential, warning that the Makkah Alliance’s collective deterrence could come into play if diplomatic efforts fail and military confrontation occurs.
In an interview with an Arab television channel, the military spokesperson said the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement had progressed in a remarkably short period and reflected the collective vision of three countries.
He said protecting Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah remained a top priority for Pakistan. He added that Pakistan’s position on the protection of the holy sites was clear and unequivocal, with the country’s political leadership and Field Marshal having already conveyed the message.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said attacks on holy sites had caused deep anger among the public as well as Pakistan’s political and military leadership. He warned that further escalation of regional tensions would benefit no country.
The DG ISPR emphasised that expanding the military conflict in the Middle East was in no one’s interest and reiterated the need to reach a negotiated settlement.
He said that if diplomatic efforts failed and military confrontation followed, the Makkah Alliance’s collective deterrence could be activated. However, he stressed that the alliance’s leadership and strategic direction were clear and that it had no offensive intentions.
The military spokesperson further said Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye shared a commitment to peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
He clarified that the alliance was not directed against any particular country but was intended to promote regional peace, security and stability.
Concluding his remarks, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry called for unity among Muslim countries, saying that Muslims needed to stand together rather than engage in conflict with one another.