Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye Activate Makkah Defence Pact
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye have moved to implement their Makkah defence agreement, including arrangements for rapid deployment of agreed military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia amid escalating Houthi attacks.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye have agreed to move ahead with the practical implementation of their trilateral defence pact, including arrangements for the rapid deployment of agreed military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia. The decision was taken during an emergency meeting of the Makkah Alliance for Defence in Riyadh on October 5.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed in August and states that an armed attack against one member will be regarded as an attack against all three. The latest statement said the countries would strengthen military readiness, integration and collective deterrence, while following their approved arrangements and national laws.
The move comes amid escalating fighting involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement. Saudi-backed forces have launched a counteroffensive against Houthi-held territory, while attacks have targeted Saudi cities and infrastructure.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has previously said Islamabad would support Saudi Arabia if the conflict spills into the Kingdom. However, the latest joint statement did not provide a public timeline or specific details about troop numbers or deployment roles.
The committee also appointed retired Pakistani Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood as the alliance’s first secretary-general for a three-year term.
