Additionally, he confirmed that the trilateral Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, applies directly to the crisis, though he refrained from disclosing how Pakistan’s military might intervene. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that there is no need for a formal agreement to protect Islam’s holiest site, emphasising that safeguarding Mecca is an absolute duty regardless of pacts.
He reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Riyadh following a thwarted Houthi drone attack near the holy city.
Pakistan Affirms Commitment to Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia
Khawaja Asif, speaking to Geo News, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the defense agreement it signed with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye in August. He emphasized that the Makkah Agreement is binding for Pakistan, stating, “The Makkah Agreement applies to us, and we will fulfil our duty. If Makkah is attacked, there is no need for an agreement to protect it.”
Asif asserted that there is “absolutely no ambiguity” regarding Pakistan’s obligations should any of the three countries face an attack. However, he did not provide details on what Pakistan’s military response might entail.
This statement follows a recent incident where Saudi Arabia reported that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed a drone south of Mecca before it could enter the city’s restricted airspace. The Saudi-led coalition attributed the drone to Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis, who denied any intention to target Mecca or other Islamic holy sites.
Saudi coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki reiterated that the protection of Mecca is a “red line,” amid escalating tensions and conflict between Saudi forces and the Houthis in Yemen.
