COAS renews commitment to defence of holy mosques

In meeting with Saudi minister, army chief says Pakistan holds defence ties with KSA in highest esteem

ISLAMABAD: Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Wednesday that Pakistan holds its defence ties with Saudi Arabia in the highest esteem, reiterating the country’s “unwavering commitment to the defence of Harmain Sharifain (holy mosques) and safe guarding the territorial integrity of the kingdom”.

The statement came during his meeting with visiting Saudi Deputy Defence Minister Mohammad bin Abdullah alAysh at the GHQ in Rawalpindi.

Matters of bilateral interest, including the broader regional security situation, were discussed in the meeting, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The army chief assured the Saudi minister about the great importance “Pakistan attaches to her strategic relationship with KSA [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia].”

“The COAS reiterated that Pakistan holds its defence ties with the KSA in the highest esteem and also re-asserted Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the defence of Harmain Sharifain and safeguarding the territorial integrity of the kingdom,” the military’s media wing said.



The Saudi minister expressed his country’s deep appreciation for Pakistan's efforts, successes and sacrifices in war against terrorism and violent extremism.

“The dignitary also reaffirmed KSA's full support to Pakistan’s position on all matters, especially on regional issues,” the statement concluded.

Although, the statement would not provide details, the two sides reportedly discussed Pakistan’s role in the Saudi-led Islamic military alliance against terrorism.

Pakistan has in principle agreed to join the coalition and even allowed a former army chief, General (retd) Raheel Sharif, to lead the alliance but the scope of its participation has yet to be decided.

The government said the final decision would be taken once the Terms of References of (ToRs) are finalised. Islamabad, however, has made it clear that it would not become part of any initiative that may create division in the Muslim world.