Makkah pact troops head for Saudi Arabia

Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia have agreed to rapidly deploy military forces in the kingdom under the Makkah defence pact as Houthi attacks on Saudi targets intensify.

Emergency meeting in Riyadh

The decision came on October 5 at an emergency meeting of the alliance's Strategic Political and Defence Committee.

The three countries said they would move immediately to practical implementation of their collective defence commitments, in line with approved arrangements and national laws.

The pact, signed in Makkah on August 7, treats an attack on one member as an attack on all.

Pakistan's role

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said only Saudi forces are currently in combat operations against the Houthis, with Pakistani and Turkish forces playing supportive roles.

The ISPR director general said Pakistani troops have been present in Saudi Arabia for decades across multiple domains.

The information ministry rejected a New York Times report claiming Pakistan Air Force jets were being used against the Houthis, calling it fake and fabricated.

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Attacks continue

Fresh Houthi strikes hit Saudi Arabia this week. Three people were killed in attacks on King Khalid and Abha airports, and one Pakistani was among 36 injured.

The Saudi-led coalition said the group also attacked a power station in Madina that supplies the Prophet's Mosque.

Houthi missiles were also fired at Riyadh airport and airbases, and Pakistan International Airlines temporarily suspended flights to Riyadh.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attacks, while analysts note Islamabad and Ankara also want to remain mediators in the US-Iran conflict.