Pakistan Vows Collective Defense of Saudi Arabia Against Houthis
Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to defend Saudi Arabia and its holy sites under a joint defense pact with Türkiye following escalating Houthi attacks.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations, announced that Pakistan is prepared to use all available means to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia. This commitment follows escalating Houthi attacks and threats against Saudi sacred sites, which Chaudhry noted caused widespread anger in Pakistan.
The support is framed within the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, a collective deterrence alliance signed in August 2026 between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye. Under this pact, an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all, triggering a collective response based on the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Chaudhry emphasized that while the alliance has no offensive intent, the security of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah is non-negotiable.
Pakistan is currently maintaining a naval presence in a multinational maritime defense coalition to protect navigation in the Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb straits. While urging diplomacy and unity among Muslim nations, Pakistan is engaging with Iran to reduce regional tensions. Additionally, Chaudhry confirmed that Pakistan would consider any formal request to provide direct military assistance to the internationally recognized government of Yemen.
