DG ISPR Reaffirms Pakistan’s Commitment to Saudi Arabia, Warns Afghan Taliban Over Terrorism

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, in an interview with Arab News, said Pakistan is practically present in Saudi Arabia to assist the kingdom and stands with it diplomatically as well. He said Pakistan is prepared to go to any extent to protect the Holy Mosques and that its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security is unconditional, rooted in an emotional, historic, longstanding and unbreakable relationship. He stressed that there should be no doubt about Pakistan’s resolve, adding that the Pakistani people have always stood shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia and are prepared to defend the kingdom against any aggression. He said Pakistan is honoring the commitments of the Mecca Joint and Mutual Defense Agreement, while Pakistan’s political and military leadership remains in continuous contact with the Saudi leadership.

On Afghanistan, the DG ISPR called on the Afghan Taliban regime to prevent terrorism against Pakistan from Afghan soil. He claimed that around 80 percent of suicide bombers are Afghan nationals and said Afghan citizens are present in formations entering Pakistan from Afghanistan. He warned that if the Afghan Taliban regime fails to fulfill its commitments, Pakistan has the full right to defend itself. Regarding Balochistan, he said terrorists have no public support and are attempting to impose their ideology through force. He also alleged that India is sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan and that social media operations are being conducted from abroad.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said the state’s policy is clear that there will be no negotiations with terrorists. He added that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was the result of tireless and sincere diplomacy, while reiterating Pakistan’s resolve to confront threats to its security and sovereignty.