Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that the trilateral defence pact linking Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye could be put into effect if Saudi Arabia comes under further attack from Yemen. Speaking on the Pakistan Saudi Arabia defence agreement, Asif made clear that Islamabad intends to stand by its obligations under the arrangement.
Speaking to a private television channel, the defence minister explained that the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed jointly by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, obligates each signatory to come to the aid of the others in case of aggression. Under its terms, any armed assault on one member nation is treated as an assault on all three.
Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment Under the Pact
Asif emphasized that Pakistan has no intention of stepping back from the responsibilities it accepted through this defence agreement, adding that the country’s stance on safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s security remains unambiguous.
His remarks followed a wave of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi forces on several Saudi cities and economic sites, including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Najran and Jazan. Reports indicate the assaults left 73 people injured, among them women and children.
Houthi Strikes Escalate Regional Tensions
The Houthi offensive represented a sharp escalation in the broader regional conflict, with missile and drone strikes aimed at Saudi military installations as well as energy-related facilities. The attacks have intensified worries about the safety of vital energy infrastructure and the wider stability of the region.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement itself was formalized by the three nations in August. It stipulates that an armed attack against any single member will be considered an attack against all, while also promoting closer defence collaboration among the signatories.
Following the signing, the three countries formed a Strategic Political and Defence Committee to bolster coordination, collective deterrence, and broader defence ties. This committee convened its first session in Istanbul on August 31.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia, warning that such actions endanger civilian lives and destabilize peace and security across the region.