Pakistan Ratifies Mecca Pact as Saudi Arabia Faces Houthi Strikes

Pakistan finalized its ratification of a tri-nation defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey on Friday. This move locks in a collective defense framework just as Yemeni Houthis intensify attacks on the Kingdom.

Sajjad Haider Khan, the Foreign Office spokesperson, confirmed that Islamabad and Riyadh have both completed their legal procedures for the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. The three nations signed the document on 7 August. Khan stated that operational details remain under discussion among the parties.

Turkey continues its domestic approval process, meaning the treaty lacks full ratification from all three signatories. The pact, signed by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, mandates collective defense if any member state faces an external armed attack.

Officials in Islamabad characterize the deal as defensive and consistent with the United Nations Charter. A meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee on 5 October accelerated implementation plans. That body called for the rapid deployment of military forces to Saudi Arabia in accordance with each nation's domestic laws.

The announcement coincides with heightened security alerts in Saudi Arabia. Civil Defence issued warnings this week regarding potential danger in Abha and Khamis Mushait in the southwest. Authorities later indicated the threat had passed but advised residents to avoid gathering or filming in those areas, according to Anadolu Agency.

These alerts aligned with Houthi missile and drone strikes on Saudi infrastructure. Reuters reported on 21 October that allies of Riyadh are primarily providing defensive support to help protect the Kingdom. Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced large-scale exercises in its north and center for Sunday and Monday.

The Israeli drills involve air force units and ground forces rehearsing scenarios of surprise attacks and infiltrations. These preparations occur as the United States and Israel consider renewed military action against Iran. President Donald Trump said on Friday that the US might conduct another operation against Iran as the conflict approaches its eighth month.