Pakistan Backs Saudi Right to Self-Defense After Iraq Strikes

Pakistan has officially backed Saudi Arabia's recent airstrikes within Iraq, characterizing them as a legitimate exercise of the Kingdom's right to self-defense. The endorsement came from Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, during a weekly media briefing. Andrabi stated that Pakistan respects Saudi Arabia's right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. These remarks follow coordinated strikes by Saudi Arabia and the United States against installations belonging to Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Units, which the involved parties accused of being elements within an umbrella organization. Concurrently, Pakistan reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to fulfilling all defense obligations with its Gulf partners. The country emphasized that these existing defense arrangements do not compromise Islamabad's ongoing efforts and its designated role as a mediator in the broader conflict between Iran and the United States. This diplomatic stance underscores Pakistan's complex regional positioning, balancing security alliances with its mediation initiatives.

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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and we respect that right.