COAS and CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir meets Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. Photo: APP
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia discussed joint measures to stop drone and missile attacks by Iran amid the ongoing regional war, it emerged on Saturday, in a major diplomatic and security development.
The ISPR said Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir met Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir traveled to Riyadh on Friday to assure the Saudi leadership of Pakistan’s support during the volatile situation.
During the meeting between the Field Marshal and the Saudi Defense Minister, according to the ISPR, the two dignitaries discussed “the seriousness of the security situation arising from the Iranian drone and missile attacks against the kingdom and the joint measures necessary to stop them within the framework of the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement.”
It was highlighted that unprovoked aggression undermines efforts to achieve regional security and stability and excludes options for the peaceful resolution of disputes.
“Both sides expressed hope and desire that the brotherly country Iran would show prudence and sagacity to avoid any miscalculation and strengthen the hands of friendly countries seeking a peaceful solution to the crisis,” the statement added.
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In September last year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” in Riyadh, pledging that “any attack against either nation would be treated as an act of aggression against both,” in a mutual security pledge.
Pakistan, however, has been walking a diplomatic tightrope as tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia rise, traditionally avoiding being drawn into conflicts between Muslim countries despite its long-standing strategic ties with Riyadh.
Diplomatic sources said Islamabad has already conveyed its concerns to Tehran and reminded Iranian officials of the defense deal with Saudi Arabia.
In a series of statements, the Saudi Defense Ministry said it had thwarted repeated missile launches against an air base housing US military personnel and drone attacks against a major oil field.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense published in X that “a ballistic missile launched towards the Prince Sultan air base” southeast of the capital, Riyadh, was “intercepted and destroyed.”
The official Saudi Press Agency later reported another missile attack on the same base, saying it was also intercepted, citing a Defense Ministry spokesman.
The news agency also reported at least 17 drone attacks targeting the Shaybah oil field near the border with the Emirates. The drones were “intercepted and destroyed,” he said.
In another incident, two drones were intercepted east of Riyadh, according to the Ministry of Defense.
With additional contributions from AFP
