ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Saudi defence pact has entered a major new phase after Islamabad reportedly deployed 8,000 troops, JF-17 fighter jets, drones and an HQ-9 air defence system to Saudi Arabia amid escalating Middle East tensions and the ongoing Iran conflict.
The move has taken place in a delicate period as Pakistan continues to make major contributions in the peace process to de-escalate the Iran imbroglio.
Pakistan has reportedly sent some 8,000 troops, along with an entire squadron of some 16 fighters, mostly the jointly-developed JF-17 Thunder combat jets, to Saudi Arabia. The planes were sent to Saudi Arabia in early April amid increasing tensions in the region, according to security sources.
In addition to this, two squadrons of unmanned aerial vehicles have been sent to Saudi Arabia, along with a Chinese-designed and built HQ-9 air defence system. All the troops deployed on this mission are from the Pakistani army, while it is being funded by Saudi Arabia.
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There was no reaction from neither the Pakistan military forces nor the foreign office regarding this report. The Saudis also stayed quiet despite continuous requests for an explanation.
The defense deal was referred to as a combat-capable force that would help out Saudi Arabia should it come into contact with further security threats. This is seen as an effort towards strategic cooperation between both nations according to their defense agreement last year.
Though both governments openly admitted to the deal, the exact details of the arrangement were not revealed by either side. But according to officials well versed with the arrangement, the treaty binds the two nations to help each other out if attacked by any external power. Pakistan Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif had earlier dropped some hints regarding the possible inclusion of Saudi Arabia in Pakistan’s defense umbrella.
According to two security sources, the new deployment will concentrate its efforts on training and assisting in operations with Saudi forces amidst the present regional tension situation. Nonetheless, the level of involvement implies that Pakistan is no longer engaged in just a token deployment.
This deployment brings into thousands more Pakistani soldiers currently stationed in Saudi Arabia under military assistance deals between the two countries over decades past.
The source who had knowledge of the classified defense accord said that it provided for the use of up to 80,000 troops of Pakistan should conditions regarding regional security further deteriorate. Sources said that both countries remained in close coordination in regard to border security and strategic military plans.
Sources also mentioned that the accord covered Pakistani navy deployments. Yet it was not possible for officials to confirm if Pakistani warships were already stationed in the Saudi territorial waters.
The last deployment of the Pakistan Army came prior to Islamabad becoming a key player in mediating between Iran and America. Diplomatic initiatives from Islamabad have helped bring about a truce between America and Iran that has lasted for more than six weeks now.
Islamabad was even the venue of the only recorded meeting between Iran and America in which attempts at peace were made.
Both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have had strong military and economic relations since many years. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has often helped Pakistan at times of economic distress, whereas Pakistan has continued to provide military training and support to Saudi Arabia.
