Pakistan's defence minister, Khawaja Asif, announced that the country is prepared to put into effect the Mecca defence agreement it signed with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, as attacks on the kingdom by Yemen's Houthi movement increase in frequency.
Speaking to Geo News on Wednesday, Asif reaffirmed Pakistan's longstanding pledge to safeguard Saudi Arabia and the Islamic holy sites of Mecca and Medina. He stressed that Islamabad's responsibility to defend these locations persists irrespective of any formal treaty, underscoring a broader strategic duty.
The minister did not provide specifics on the operational steps Pakistan might take under the pact, but reiterated the statement, "Makkah Agreement applies to us, and we will fulfil our duty," echoing the language of the original accord.
The Mecca defence pact, concluded earlier this year, binds the three nations to mutual assistance in the event of threats to the holy cities. While Saudi officials have highlighted the growing risk from Houthi missile and drone strikes, Houthi representatives have denied that they are deliberately targeting Mecca, attributing any incidents to collateral damage.
Analysts note that Pakistan's reaffirmation comes at a time when regional security dynamics are shifting, with the Red Sea corridor facing heightened tension. The activation of the defence pact could entail a range of measures, from intelligence sharing to potential deployment of air or naval assets, though no concrete plans have been disclosed.
The development adds a new dimension to the already complex relationship between South Asia and the Gulf, linking Pakistan's strategic interests more closely with those of Saudi Arabia and Turkey amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/pakistan-says-time-has-come-implement-mecca-defence-pact-0.