Pakistan-Saudi Defense Agreement Strengthens Brotherhood, Says Army Chief

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Army Chief termed the defense agreement a milestone in Pakistan-Saudi relations and a symbol of trust, mutual respect, and strategic partnership. He said it is a unique honor for the people of Pakistan and its armed forces to offer their services for the defense of the Two Holy Mosques, adding that Pakistan has also played a constructive role in facilitating peace talks with Iran.

The COAS noted that Pakistan’s relations with all other Muslim countries are expanding rapidly and that the new defense agreement will help promote unity and security across the Islamic world. Highlighting Pakistan’s deep-rooted partnership with China, he said the country takes pride in its historic and strategic friendship with Beijing. He also called the revival of strong relations with the United States an encouraging development, commending former President Donald Trump’s efforts for global peace.

The Army Chief said Pakistan will continue to strengthen ties with regional and global powers in the interest of peace, security, and development. He added that the defense agreement with Saudi Arabia sets a positive precedent for cooperation based on mutual respect and shared security interests.

Commenting on regional challenges, the COAS said India’s continued reliance on terrorism as state policy, after failing in its aggression during Operation Ma’rakah-e-Haq, exposes its “cowardly and hypocritical face.” He warned that the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities in Pakistan is equally disturbing and urged the Taliban regime to curb proxies operating from Afghan territory.

He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces, with the full support of the nation—especially from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan—will defeat all forms of terrorism. “Just as in the conventional battlefield, every state-sponsored proxy of our neighbor will be crushed, God willing,” he said.

Field Marshal Asim Munir emphasized that Pakistan will never bow before those who distort the message of Islam for violence. Referring to Indian atrocities in Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he said the oppression must end, adding that Pakistan remains steadfast in its political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

He said the world has finally taken notice of Israeli aggression, genocide, and forced displacement of Palestinians. The COAS noted that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts have been instrumental in advancing peace initiatives in Gaza and expressed hope that the ceasefire will lead to humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and lasting peace in the region.