Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Pakistan Vows Extensive Defense of Saudi Arabia Amid Houthi Attacks
Pakistan’s military said it would strongly support Saudi Arabia if the kingdom is attacked.
The support could include diplomatic help and physical military assistance.
The military spokesman specifically mentioned protecting Makkah and Madinah.
His comments came after reports of Houthi attacks and Saudi accusations involving Mecca.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye recently signed a defense agreement.
The agreement says an attack on one of the three countries is treated as an attack on all three.
A Turkish official said Turkey supports Saudi Arabia but had not received an official request for help.
The official also said discussions may work better than simply sending more fighter jets.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office had previously used more cautious language about possible military action.
Pakistan military spokesman Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry pledged diplomatic and physical support for Saudi Arabia “to any extent.”
Chaudhry said the commitment specifically included protecting Makkah and Madinah, Islam’s two holiest sites.
The pledge followed reported Houthi missile and drone attacks and accusations of an attempted attack targeting Mecca.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye treats an attack on one as an attack on all three.
A Turkish diplomat said Ankara had not received an official Saudi request and emphasized talks over immediate military action.
- Who
- Pakistan’s military, represented by Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Houthi forces; related reports also mention Pakistan, China, and Iran.
- What
- Pakistan pledged to defend Saudi Arabia “to any extent,” including diplomatic and physical support and protection of Makkah and Madinah.
- When
- The pledge was reported on September 18, 2026; the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed on August 7, 2026.
- Where
- The commitment concerns Saudi Arabia, including Makkah and Madinah, amid regional tensions involving Yemen, the Red Sea, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- Why
- Pakistan cited its commitment to Saudi Arabia and the two holy sanctuaries, while reported Houthi attacks prompted concern over the kingdom’s security.
Cautious Diplomatic Approach
Expanded Military Commitment
Immediate military response
Cautious Diplomatic Approach
Pakistan’s Foreign Office had said no military response was being discussed under the defense agreement and that Islamabad would act when the time comes. A Turkish diplomat also said Ankara had received no official Saudi request and favored dialogue.
Expanded Military Commitment
Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan stood with Saudi Arabia both diplomatically and physically and would go to any extent against aggression.
How to address Houthi attacks
Cautious Diplomatic Approach
The Turkish diplomat said talks between intelligence agencies could be more fruitful than sending fighter jets to Yemen or relying on bombing.
Expanded Military Commitment
Pakistan’s military statement emphasized physical support and protection of Saudi territory and the two holy sanctuaries if attacks continue.
Scope of the defense pact
Cautious Diplomatic Approach
The agreement’s full operational details and mechanisms have not been made public, and Turkish officials said integrating the three countries’ forces would take time.
Expanded Military Commitment
The pact formally treats an armed attack on Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, or Turkiye as an attack on all three countries.
- Pakistan’s pledge
- The military said Pakistan would support Saudi Arabia diplomatically and physically and go “to any extent.”
- Sites mentioned
- The pledge specifically included the security of Makkah and Madinah.
- Defense agreement
- The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement links Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye in mutual defense if any is attacked.
- Earlier position
- Pakistan’s Foreign Office previously said no military response was being discussed and that Islamabad would act “when the time comes.”
- Turkish position
- A Turkish diplomat said Ankara had not received an official Saudi request and argued that talks could be more effective than bombing.
- Reported deployment
- Reuters reported that Pakistan had deployed about 8,000 troops, JF-17 fighter jets, drones, and an HQ-9 air-defense system to Saudi Arabia.
- Reported diplomatic outreach
- Pakistan and China reportedly sought Iran’s help in restraining the Houthis and preventing attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure.
