‘Absolutely no ambiguity: Pak says Mecca pact applies as Saudi faces Houthi threat
Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to the trilateral Mecca defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, stating that an attack on any signatory would be considered an attack on all. This affirmation follows a reported Houthi drone attack near Mecca, with Pakistan's defence minister emphasizing the duty to protect Muslim holy sites. The foreign office spokesperson maintained operational confidentiality regarding specific military responses.
Why it matters
This commitment highlights the evolving geopolitical alliances in the Middle East and South Asia, potentially impacting regional stability and the ongoing conflict involving Houthi rebels. It signals Pakistan's readiness to engage militarily if the pact's conditions are met, though specific actions remain confidential.
Pakistan on Thursday said it was committed to implementing its defence agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region following what Riyadh described as an attempted Houthi drone attack near the Muslim holy city of Mecca.The trilateral Mecca defence agreement, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye last month, establishes a framework for collective deterrence and stipulates that an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be regarded as an attack against all.Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif said Islamabad was fully prepared to fulfil its obligations under the pact.“The Mecca Agreement applies to us, and we will fulfil our duty,” Asif was quoted as saying by Geo News.Also read| Mecca Pact, but no troops yet: Pakistan expresses 'solidarity' with Saudi Arabia after Houthi attacks on kingdomPakistan keeps military response details confidentialAsif’s comments came after Saudi authorities said their air defences had intercepted…
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