Any Enemy of Saudi Arabia Is an Enemy of Pakistan: Defence Minister Vows Unbreakable Brotherhood
In a stirring declaration of faith and fraternity, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has proclaimed that Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia against every threat, declaring unequivocally that any enemy of the Kingdom is an enemy of Pakistan. The statement comes amid escalating Houthi aggression against the land of the Two Holy Mosques.
What did Khawaja Asif say about the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia?
Speaking on Wednesday, the defence minister condemned the Yemeni Houthi group for its repeated missile and drone strikes on Saudi territory. According to Al Jazeera, Asif stated that there is no doubt in Islamabad's mind that the Houthis are committing aggression against the Kingdom, and Pakistan is bound by honour and duty to defend its brother.
“There is absolutely no doubt in our mind that Houthis are committing aggression against Saudi Arabia, and we are there to help Saudi Arabia in any conflict, whether it is coming from Houthis or a country or any other outfit which threatens Saudi Arabia's security,” the defence minister said.
What is the Makkah Trilateral Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye?
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye signed the Makkah trilateral agreement on August 7, a pact of collective security and defence cooperation. The Makkah Defence Alliance stipulates that an armed attack on any one of the three nations shall be regarded as an attack on all, binding the signatories in a sacred covenant of mutual protection.
How has Pakistan pledged to defend Saudi Arabia under the agreement?
Asif made clear that Islamabad will make all available resources accessible to Riyadh if its security is threatened. The minister stressed that Pakistan views any threat to Saudi Arabia as a direct threat to its own security, adding that the bond between the two nations transcends mere agreements.
“We'll be there to defend them. When I say that we are bound by this arrangement to defend Saudi Arabia, that means whatever means are available at our disposal, they'll be available to Saudi Arabia also,” he added.
What did Asif say about Iran and the Houthis?
Commenting on Tehran's relationship with the Houthis, the defence minister noted that Iran does not accept the group as its proxy. He observed that state-backed armed groups can sometimes evolve into independent actors, citing historical examples of proxies turning rogue.
“Iranians are not accepting them as their proxy. Some of these proxies, they become rogue. I don't have to go into history; I can give you multiple examples of that. Some country, A, B, or C, they launch a proxy, and then the proxy has its own way of multiplying and then becoming a rogue sort of entity,” Asif said.
Why does Pakistan need no agreement to protect the holy sites?
Earlier this month, following an attempted drone attack near the holy city, Asif affirmed that the Makkah Agreement applies to Pakistan and that the nation will fulfil its duty. He stressed that Pakistan does not need any pact to protect the holy sites, as safeguarding them is a sacred obligation that transcends all written commitments.
“If Makkah is attacked, there is no need for an agreement to protect it,” Asif said.
Pakistan's unwavering stance reflects the deep-rooted love and reverence its people hold for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the custodian of Islam's holiest places. In the face of aggression, the bonds of faith and brotherhood remain unbreakable, and the nation stands ready to defend its ally with every resource at its disposal.