Pakistan Rejects Reuters Report on Saudi Troop Deployment

Pakistan's Ministry of Information has rejected a Reuters report that claimed Islamabad had deployed between 30,000 and 40,000 troops to Saudi Arabia. In a statement, the ministry said operational details related to the implementation of the collective defence arrangement remain confidential. It urged the public and media to rely on official statements issued by Pakistan's Foreign Office and other relevant authorities rather than reports based on unnamed sources.

The Reuters report, citing an unnamed Pakistani official, alleged that the troops were sent to help protect the kingdom's land borders and assist with countering drone and missile threats. The same report also stated that Islamabad had not decided to deploy troops to Yemen for combat operations. The ministry criticised what it called unverified figures and details, saying official authorities should be consulted for information concerning the defence agreement.

In its statement, the information ministry reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the security of Saudi Arabia and the protection of the Haramain Sharifain in Makkah and Madina. It described this commitment as non-negotiable. The ministry's response underscores the sensitivity of military cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the context of regional tensions involving Yemen and the Houthi movement.

Pakistan has historically maintained close defence ties with Saudi Arabia, but the exact nature and scale of its military presence in the kingdom have often been subject to speculation. The ministry's denial highlights the importance of official channels for accurate information, especially regarding matters of national security and international defence agreements.

The statement did not provide further specifics on the collective defence arrangement or the number of troops, if any, currently deployed. It reiterated that all operational details remain confidential and that the public should trust only official sources. The ministry also called on media outlets to verify information before publication, emphasising the potential impact of unverified reports on public perception and international relations.

According to Mehr News, the information ministry's rejection of the Reuters report reflects Pakistan's consistent position on the confidentiality of defence matters and its commitment to Saudi Arabia's security without divulging operational specifics.