RAWALPINDI – Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has stressed the need for a negotiated settlement to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
In an interview with an Arab television channel, he warned that the Makkah Alliance’s collective deterrence could be activated if diplomatic efforts fail and military confrontation escalates.
The military spokesperson said the Makkah joint defence agreement had progressed in a relatively short period. He described the agreement as the outcome of a shared vision among three countries.
Lieutenant General Chaudhry said protecting Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the two holy mosques remained a top priority for Pakistan. He emphasised that Pakistan’s position on safeguarding the holy sites was clear and firm, adding that the country’s political leadership and Field Marshal had already conveyed its stance.
He said attacks on sacred sites had triggered strong anger among the public and Pakistan’s political and military leadership. He also cautioned that escalating regional tensions at any level would benefit no country.
The DG ISPR said expanding the military confrontation in the Middle East was against the interests of all sides and reiterated that negotiations were essential to reaching a settlement. He added that the Mecca Alliance’s collective deterrence would come into play in the event of a failed diplomatic solution and military conflict.
However, he stressed that the alliance’s leadership and approach were clearly defined and that it had no aggressive intentions.
Lieutenant General Chaudhry 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 aimed to promote regional peace, security and stability.
Concluding his remarks, he called for unity among Muslims, saying regional challenges should encourage cooperation rather than conflict among Muslim countries.