Pakistan's foreign ministry said the country is prepared to put into effect the Mecca defence pact, a three‑nation security arrangement signed with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The statement was made as Houthi militants have stepped up missile and drone attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, raising concerns over the safety of maritime routes that are vital for Saudi oil exports.
According to Middle East Eye, Pakistani officials indicated that the renewed threat environment provides a clear justification for activating the defence framework, which was originally conceived to protect Saudi Arabia's holy sites and its broader strategic interests. The pact, signed in 2022, commits the signatories to cooperate on intelligence sharing, joint training and, if required, coordinated military response to threats against Saudi territory.
The Pakistani delegation emphasized that the decision to operationalise the agreement follows a series of Houthi strikes that have targeted vessels near Saudi ports and the Bab al‑Mandab strait. While the exact nature of the forthcoming cooperation has not been disclosed, the ministry said it would involve "all necessary measures" to ensure the security of Saudi interests in the region.
Saudi Arabian officials have not yet issued a public comment on Pakistan's declaration, but the kingdom has repeatedly called for regional partners to assist in countering the Houthi campaign, which it attributes to Iranian support. The United Arab Emirates, also a signatory to the Mecca pact, is expected to coordinate closely with Islamabad on any operational steps.
The development comes as the United Nations and several Western navies continue to conduct escort missions in the Red Sea to deter further attacks. Analysts note that the activation of the Mecca defence pact could signal a shift toward a more formalised security architecture among Gulf states and South Asian partners, potentially altering the balance of power in the maritime domain.
No timeline has been provided for the deployment of forces or assets under the pact, and the parties involved have stressed that any action will be taken in accordance with international law and existing regional security frameworks.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/pakistan-says-time-has-come-implement-mecca-defence-pact.