Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye Agree on Rapid Deployment of Forces Under Makkah Defence Pact
They reaffirmed their “unequivocal rejection” of any attack or threat against Saudi Arabia’s security and territorial integrity.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye have agreed to rapidly deploy military forces and capabilities to Saudi Arabia as part of their collective defence commitments under the Makkah Defence Agreement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) said on Monday.
The decision was taken during an emergency meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee (SPDC) of the Makkah Defence Alliance in Riyadh, which reviewed the latest security developments and threats facing Saudi Arabia.
Forces to Be Deployed Rapidly
According to the FO, the three countries agreed to immediately begin practical implementation of their collective defence commitments.
The member states will take necessary measures to provide the agreed military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia, subject to existing arrangements and the national laws of the three countries.
The move is aimed at strengthening military readiness, integration and the collective ability of the three countries to respond to threats against the kingdom.
The three states also strongly condemned attempted attacks targeting Makkah and Madina, along with continuing attacks on Saudi cities and civilian and economic infrastructure.
They reaffirmed their “unequivocal rejection” of any attack or threat against Saudi Arabia’s security and territorial integrity.
Pakistan and Turkiye also praised the readiness and professionalism of the Saudi armed forces in responding to threats and protecting the kingdom.
Makkah Defence Pact
The SPDC reviewed the outcomes of political and military consultations held before the emergency meeting and approved recommendations presented to the committee.
The committee reaffirmed that the Makkah Defence Agreement represents a firm commitment to collective defence and a unified response to threats facing its member states.
Pakistan’s delegation to the Riyadh meeting included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
Foreign and defence ministers and military chiefs from Saudi Arabia and Turkiye also attended the meeting.
The Foreign Office said the discussions focused on the latest regional developments and ongoing cooperation under the Makkah Agreement, describing Pakistan’s participation as a demonstration of its commitment to regional peace and stability.
Dar Arrives in Riyadh
Ishaq Dar arrived in Riyadh for the emergency meeting after travelling to Madina, where he visited the Prophet’s Mosque and offered prayers.
In Riyadh, he was received by Saudi military official Major General Othman Al-Zahrani and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmad Farooq.
Dar had confirmed the emergency SPDC meeting last week, saying it would focus on recent Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia.
The meeting comes amid escalating fighting involving Yemen’s Houthi movement and the Saudi-led coalition.
Houthi Conflict Escalates
The Saudi-led coalition government in Yemen launched a major military campaign on Sunday to recapture territory controlled by the Houthis.
The conflict has intensified in recent days, with the Houthis accusing Saudi Arabia of carrying out dozens of strikes on Sanaa. The Houthis subsequently claimed attacks involving ballistic missiles and drones targeting an Aramco facility south of Riyadh.
The latest escalation has increased concerns over the security of Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.
The Makkah Defence Agreement, signed on August 7, seeks to strengthen collective deterrence and provides for an attack against one member state to be treated as an attack against all signatories.
The alliance held its first SPDC meeting in Istanbul on August 31, where members agreed that Pakistan would initially head the alliance’s secretariat for three years.
Retired Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood was appointed as the alliance’s first secretary general.
On September 25, the military chiefs of Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia also held urgent talks in Riyadh under the defence pact following the Houthi attacks.
Pakistan has repeatedly expressed its support for Saudi Arabia’s security. Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on September 18 that Pakistan would go to “any extent” to defend the kingdom and described Islamabad’s commitment to Saudi security as unconditional.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has also said Pakistan would stand by Saudi Arabia “practically and diplomatically” if the conflict with the Houthis escalates.
