ISLAMABAD: In light of recent Houthi missile and drone strikes on Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s Foreign Office has stated that “more time is needed” to fully implement the Makkah defence agreement an alliance between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey aimed at collective security.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan emphasized during a weekly press briefing that Pakistani forces are currently deployed in Saudi Arabia for training and logistical support, with additional aspects of defence cooperation expected to materialize soon. The statement addressed questions about Pakistan’s commitments under the pact following the attacks.
The Makkah trilateral agreement, signed on August 7, is designed to provide mutual protection in case of aggression. It stipulates that an attack on any one of the three nations will be considered an attack on all, a move seen as a strategic response to escalating regional tensions, particularly after the recent flare-up of conflict in the Middle East.
The spokesperson condemned the Houthi assaults on civilian and economic sites in Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the kingdom’s sovereignty and security. The attacks, which targeted southern Saudi cities such as Abha, Khamis Mushait, and Jazan with missiles and drones, injured over 70 individuals and heightened regional instability.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif previously warned that Houthi aggression could activate the Makkah Defence Alliance, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to collective security. “Any unprovoked attack or spillover from Yemen into Saudi territory will trigger the alliance,” he stated, reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to honor its obligations under the agreement.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has also condemned the “systematic” demolition of Muslim religious sites across India. The Foreign Office highlighted concerns over the destruction of Islamic holy places, citing violations of the 1950 Liaquat-Nehru Pact and the 1991 Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, which mandates maintaining the religious character of places of worship as it was before independence.
The spokesperson pointed to recent demolitions in Uttar Pradesh, including historic mosques like Akhonji, Ajgaib Shaheed, and Ganj Shahida, which face court notices amid rising Hindu-driven Islamophobic sentiments. Pakistan called on the international community to intervene and address ongoing persecution of Muslims in India.
Additionally, Pakistan urged the United Nations to pay attention to the plight of Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik, whose health and legal situation has sparked concern. Sajjad Haider Khan described Malik’s withdrawal from his defense as a protest against India’s judicial system, which he accused of depriving Kashmiris of justice. The Foreign Office appealed to global human rights organizations to raise awareness about Malik’s treatment and urged the international community to take action.
