Pakistan pledges full defence of Saudi Arabia, vowing to go "to any extent"

Pakistan's military spokesman has said Islamabad will defend Saudi Arabia "to any extent" as Houthi attacks test new mutual defence pacts between the countries.

• Lieutenant-General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry told Arab News that Pakistan stands with Saudi Arabia "diplomatically and physically" and will go "to any extent" to defend it.
• Chaudhry said the commitment covers the holy sites in Mecca and Medina and described Pakistan's pledge to Saudi security as "unconditional."
• The remarks come weeks after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, which has yet to be made operational.
• The Houthis said they would respond to Saudi air strikes by striking deep inside Saudi territory, after Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said an overnight attack damaged an Italian fighter jet.
• Pakistan's army chief General Asim Munir has repeatedly urged Iranian leaders to curb Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, the Financial Times reported.
• Munir visited Tehran in August to meet President Masoud Pezeshkian and has held phone calls with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the report said.
• Iran maintains the Houthis act independently, while Riyadh has not publicly requested external support, according to the Financial Times.
• China has also pressed Iran to curb Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia, Reuters reported citing Iranian sources, joining Pakistan's earlier efforts.