COAS and CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir meet 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 significant diplomatic and security development.
ISPR said the Chief of Defense Staff 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, the two senior figures discussed, according to the ISPR, “the seriousness of the security situation resulting from Iranian drone and missile attacks on the Kingdom and joint measures needed to stop them within the framework of the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement”.
It was emphasized that unprovoked aggression undermines efforts for regional security and stability and precludes opportunities for peaceful settlement of disputes.
“Both sides expressed the hope and wish that the brotherly country of Iran would show caution and prudence to avoid any miscalculation and strengthen the hands of friendly countries seeking a peaceful solution to the crisis,” the statement added.
In a post on X, the Saudi defense minister wrote: “Met with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense, Field Marshal Asim Munir. We discussed Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and the necessary measures to stop them within the framework of our joint strategic defense agreement. We stressed that such actions undermine regional security and stability and expressed hope that the Iranian side miscalculated.”
Last September, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a “strategic mutual defense agreement” in Riyadh, pledging that “any attack on either nation will be treated as an act of aggression against both,” in a mutual security commitment.
However, Pakistan has walked a diplomatic tightrope as tensions rise between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and has traditionally avoided 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 about 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 that houses US military personnel and drone strikes on a major oil field.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense wrote on X that “a ballistic missile launched against 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 and said it was also intercepted, citing a defense ministry spokesman.
The news agency also reported at least 17 drone strikes targeting the Shaybah oil field near the Emirati border. The drones were “intercepted and destroyed,” it said.
In a separate incident, two drones were intercepted east of Riyadh, according to the Defense Ministry.
With additional input from AFP
