Describes protection of Makkah and Madinah as a religious obligation and an ‘eternal agreement’
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. PHOTO: APP/ File
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday vowed to defend the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah amid the escalation in tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis, describing the protection of the sites as an “eternal agreement” and saying Pakistan would respond to any attack on the sacred cities regardless of whether there was a formal agreement.
Talking to a private television programme, Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Ke Sath, the minister said that even in the absence of an agreement, Pakistan would be bound to protect Saudi Arabia, particularly if the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah came under attack.
“If there wasn’t an agreement, if Saudi Arabia had been attacked, especially if the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah were attacked, then we are bound by an eternal agreement, that is, we will protect the House of God and Madinah,” he said.
“Their protection is our religious obligation. So yes, there are worldly agreements, and they have their sanctity, which we also honour, but if an attack takes place on the House of God or the place where the Prophet (PBUH) was born, then no Muslim sitting anywhere would ultimately need to wait for any agreement. This is our religious duty — to protect it,” he added.
However, Asif said the “worldly agreement” between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye to protect one another would operate in all circumstances, referring to the Makkah Defence Alliance.
He said the agreement was mutual, under which if one of the three countries came under attack, all three would defend it.
“It’s a mutual agreement where if someone attacks one country, then all three countries, under this mutual agreement, will defend it,” he said, adding that there was “absolutely no ambiguity” as both dimensions applied to Pakistan.
Asked whether, given the recent rise in attacks, the three countries were discussing any joint response, the minister declined to comment.
“We can’t openly discuss any defence or military strategy,” he said, adding that Pakistan was bound by the agreement and would fulfil its obligations.
“If anyone attacks the House of God, there is no need to ask anyone or wait for any agreement. Defending it is the first and last part of our faith,” the minister said.
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