🇵🇰🇸🇦 DG ISPR reaffirms Pakistan’s full support for Saudi Arabia.

“Pakistan fully stands with the Kingdom, diplomatically and physically. We are already there to protect the Haramain Sharifain and Saudi Arabia, and will go to any extent required by the Saudi leadership.” pic.twitter.com/xsC6phlgG4

— Zard si Gana (@ZardSi) September 18, 2026

"To Any Extent Required"

In an interview with Arab News, the DG ISPR stated:

"Pakistan fully stands with the Kingdom, diplomatically and physically. We are already there to protect the Haramain Sharifain and Saudi Arabia, and will go to any extent required by the Saudi leadership."

When asked directly whether "we are already there" meant Pakistan currently has a physical military presence in Saudi Arabia, Chaudhry responded: "I think when we say we are there, that itself says it all."

He emphasized that Pakistan's commitment to safeguarding the Two Holy Mosques and the Kingdom is unconditional, rooted in deep historical and religious bonds between the two nations.

Context: Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia

The statement comes amid escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi cities. On Tuesday, Saudi air defenses intercepted a hostile drone south of Makkah, with coalition spokesman Major General Turki al-Malki describing the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims as a "red line."

The Houthis denied responsibility for the attack, calling the Saudi accusation a "fabrication." The Institute for the Study of War assessed the drone may have been targeting Saudi military or oil infrastructure near Yanbu rather than the holy city itself.

Defence Agreements in Force

Pakistan's commitment rests on two agreements:

• Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) – signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September 2025, stipulating that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.

• Makkah Joint Defence Agreement – signed on August 7, 2026, in Makkah by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Under this trilateral pact, an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all three.

The Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan confirmed earlier this week that "some deployments" of Pakistani forces have already been made in Saudi Arabia under the SMDA, while declining to disclose operational details.

Pakistan's Unwavering Position

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated there is "not a single doubt" that any attack on Saudi Arabia would trigger the alliance's collective response, warning that "the response will be harsh."

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message following the attempted drone attack on Makkah, reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment: "Pakistan stands unwaveringly, shoulder to shoulder with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain – a duty that every Pakistani carries close to their heart."

Heartbreaking visuals from Kohat, KPK Police Lines mosque 💔🇵🇰

An Afghan suicide bomber again targeted a mosque in Pakistan, killing worshippers.

This must not go unanswered. All parties must sit together, end useless protests, and take action. People first, politics later. pic.twitter.com/wbckejUkj6

— Zard si Gana (@ZardSi) September 18, 2026

The attack, which occurred on September 18, 2026, saw a suicide bomber ram an explosives-laden vehicle into the mosque compound inside the Old Police Lines, followed by a second suicide blast and an exchange of fire with armed terrorists who had infiltrated the complex .

The Human Cost

Among the martyred were five police personnel and 11 civilians, most of whom were worshippers who had gathered for Friday prayers . The blast was powerful enough to cause the mosque's roof to collapse and leave a crater outside the building . Over 50 injured were rushed to District Headquarters Hospital, where an emergency was declared .

Rescue 1122 teams deployed 14 ambulances and over 45 personnel to the scene, working tirelessly to recover victims from the rubble .

Afghan Suicide Bomber Identified

Preliminary investigations indicate the suicide bomber was an Afghan national, according to security sources. The attack was claimed by a relatively unknown militant alliance, Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP) , comprising the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, Harakat Inqilab-e-Islami Pakistan, and Lashkar-e-Islam .

This attack follows a pattern of cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghan soil. Pakistan has consistently accused the Afghan Taliban regime of sheltering the TTP and permitting attacks against Pakistani civilians and security forces. The presence of an Afghan national in yet another attack on Pakistani soil underscores the gravity of the threat.

A Nation Mourns

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack. President Zardari stated that "the complete elimination of Fitna-al-Khawarij and terrorists operating with foreign backing is inevitable for national security" .

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi described it as a "cowardly act of terrorism" and directed authorities to ensure immediate medical treatment for the injured .

A Call for Unity: People First, Politics Later

In the wake of this tragedy, the nation must rise above political divisions. The time for protests, point-scoring, and partisan agendas is over. All parties must sit together, end useless protests, and take decisive action against terrorism.

The enemy is not among us—it operates from across the border, sheltered by those who claim to be our neighbors but send suicide bombers to our mosques.

People first. Politics later.

Pakistan's resolve will not be shaken. Every terrorist operating from Afghan soil will face Pakistan's full and decisive response.

Pakistan Army troops have reached the incident site in Kohat to reinforce the police 🇵🇰

This suicide attack targeting innocent civilians at a mosque during prayers will not go unanswered.

Every terrorist sitting in Afghanistan will face a harsh response from Pakistan! pic.twitter.com/5ytYXlt2Wv

— Zard si Gana (@ZardSi) September 18, 2026

The attack, which occurred on September 18, 2026, killed at least 16 people, including five police personnel and 11 civilians, and injured over 50 others . Most of the wounded were worshippers who had gathered for Friday prayers at the mosque, which is located in a residential complex for police personnel .

Attack Details

According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Chief Zulfiqar Hameed, a suicide attacker rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the mosque compound, followed by a second suicide blast near the Special Branch building inside the police complex . "The vehicle hit the gate and then exploded, and firing also took place," Hameed stated .

Following the explosions, an exchange of fire broke out between security forces and armed terrorists. Police confirmed that at least seven armed terrorists infiltrated the Police Lines, and six of them, including the suicide bomber, had been killed . One terrorist sniper was also eliminated during the clearance operation .

Military Reinforcement

Pakistan Army troops have been deployed to the location to reinforce police and assist in the ongoing clearance operation . The operation continues as security forces work to eliminate any remaining threats inside the compound.

Casualties and Rescue Operations

District Headquarters Hospital Medical Superintendent Tahir Ali Shah confirmed that 15 bodies and over 50 injured were brought to the hospital . Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Ahmad Faizi stated that 14 ambulances, rescue and recovery vehicles, and over 45 personnel were engaged in the search-and-rescue operation .

The blast was powerful enough to cause the mosque's roof to collapse and leave a crater outside the building .

Responsibility and Context

A relatively unknown militant alliance, Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), claimed responsibility for the attack . The group, formed in April 2025, comprises the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group, Harakat Inqilab-e-Islami Pakistan, and Lashkar-e-Islam .

The attack came one day after a roadside bomb killed six soldiers in neighboring Hangu district. Pakistan's military also reported killing 10 suspected militants in separate operations in Hangu and North Waziristan between September 15 and 17 .

National Condemnation

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the blast. President Zardari stated that "the complete elimination of Fitna-al-Khawarij and terrorists operating with foreign backing is inevitable for national security" . Prime Minister Sharif directed authorities to expedite relief operations and provide the best possible medical care to the injured .

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed condolences to the families of the martyrs, stating, "We stand shoulder to shoulder with the families of the martyrs in this hour of grief. The cowardly acts of the Khawarij cannot weaken the firm resolve of the nation" .

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also condemned the attack, with CM Afridi describing it as a "cowardly act of terrorism" and directing authorities to ensure immediate medical treatment for the injured .

Pakistan's Resolve

The attack underscores the continued threat posed by militant groups operating in the region. Pakistan has consistently accused Afghanistan's Taliban government of sheltering TTP fighters and allowing cross-border attacks, allegations Kabul denies .

This attack on worshippers during Friday prayers will not go unanswered. Every terrorist operating from Afghan soil will face Pakistan's full and decisive response.