Saudi Arabia Gets Pakistan’s Military Backing Under New Defence Pact, What Does The Deal Say?

Islamabad: Pakistan has once again made its commitment clear regarding the security of Saudi Arabia. Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif has said that the military resources available with Pakistan can be used to protect Saudi Arabia. His statement has come at a time when there is increased concern about the security of Saudi Arabia amid attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

Will Pakistan provide military help in case of attack on Saudi Arabia?

Khawaja Asif, during his visit to Rome on Tuesday, said that under the agreement for the defense of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan is obliged to provide its military capabilities. However, when asked whether Pakistan's military had been involved in air strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, he neither confirmed nor outright denied it. He also did not clarify whether Saudi Arabia had sought military help from Pakistan or not.

According to recent reports, Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to the security of Saudi Arabia, but there has been no public confirmation of additional Pakistani troops or direct military intervention from Saudi Arabia.

What is in the defense agreement between Saudi Arabia-Pakistan-Turkey?

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement in Mecca on 7 August 2026. According to the agreement, an armed attack on any one of the three countries will be considered an attack on all the countries. Its objective is to strengthen defense cooperation and collective security among the three countries.

It has also been agreed to establish a secretariat between the three countries to implement this agreement. The initial framework for this was prepared in late August. 

Have the Houthi attacks become the first major test of this new defense agreement?

Questions are being raised about the role of this defense agreement amid missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia by Yemen's Houthi rebels. In September, Pakistan's military officials had also said that in the event of an attack on Saudi Arabia, Pakistan can take necessary steps to protect it.

However, the full operational arrangements of the agreement have not been made public. Therefore, it is too early to draw conclusions about any specific military action.

Why are Houthi rebels targeting Saudi Arabia?

There has been a long-running conflict between Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia in Yemen. In recent days, the Houthis have made threats and attacks targeting Saudi territory and important targets there. This has also increased concerns about the security of important sea routes like the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb. 

Saudi Arabia has strengthened its security amid Houthi attacks. At the same time, Pakistan has been continuously saying that it is in favour of efforts to reduce regional tensions and resolve them through dialogue. 

Will Pakistan continue talks with Iran?

Interestingly, along with increasing defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan is also maintaining its diplomatic ties with Iran. Pakistan has supported efforts to resolve the regional conflict through dialogue. In such a situation, Islamabad has to strike a balance between security commitments and diplomatic efforts.

At present, it is clear from Khawaja Asif's statement that Pakistan is seriously looking at its defense agreement regarding the security of Saudi Arabia. However, there has been no formal military request from Saudi Arabia and no public confirmation of any direct military action from Pakistan yet.