Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that continued Houthi attacks on Saudi territory could activate the Makkah Defence Alliance, a tripartite defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.
Speaking on Geo News programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath on Tuesday, Asif said the agreement clearly defines aggression against any one of the three countries as aggression against all three.
“Under the trilateral agreement, any aggression against any of the three is regarded as an aggression against all. There is no ambiguity about that,” the defence minister said.
His remarks came after Houthi forces launched attacks on several locations in Saudi Arabia, reportedly injuring at least 71 people and further raising concerns about the widening conflict in the Middle East.
Pakistan Says It Will Honour Defence Commitments
Asif said any unprovoked aggression or spillover of the conflict from Yemen into Saudi territory would “definitely” operationalise the defence agreement.
“There should be no doubt about it. We are bound by the terms and conditions of this pact, and we will honour them in case there is a need,” he said.
At the same time, the defence minister expressed hope that the situation would be brought under control before the conflict expands further.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already strongly condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia, describing them as a “cowardly” act that endangered civilian lives and threatened regional peace and security.
The prime minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
What Is the Makkah Defence Agreement?
The tripartite agreement was signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye on August 7 amid growing instability across the Middle East.
The agreement provides a framework for cooperation between the three countries on collective security and defence matters. Its significance has increased as military tensions have spread across the region and attacks have increasingly affected countries beyond the immediate areas of conflict.
Three Pakistanis Killed in Houthi Attack on Red Sea Commercial Ship
Asif’s latest comments indicate that Islamabad considers its obligations under the agreement to be binding in the event that one of the participating countries faces aggression.
However, he also made clear that Pakistan hopes diplomatic efforts can prevent the situation from reaching that stage.
Pakistan Continues Efforts to Reduce US-Iran Tensions
The defence minister also discussed Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate communication between the United States and Iran.
According to Asif, Islamabad’s efforts to encourage dialogue and reduce tensions are continuing, with contacts taking place between the parties, including through indirect channels.
“Pakistan wants an environment that can help reduce tensions in the region,” he said.
Pakistan has sought to position itself as a diplomatic bridge between the two sides, encouraging negotiations and a peaceful resolution rather than further military escalation.
Asif said Islamabad remained hopeful that international pressure could contribute to restoring stability in the region.
Asif Warns of Continued Regional Conflict
The defence minister also expressed his view that Israel would prefer the confrontation between Iran and the United States to continue.
He said Pakistan wanted peace and stability to return to the region and suggested that continued international pressure could help move the parties towards de-escalation.
“Peace will be established in the region and Israel will have to pay a price,” Asif said.
The latest developments have placed Pakistan in a delicate position. Islamabad maintains close strategic and defence ties with Saudi Arabia while simultaneously seeking to support diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing wider regional tensions.
For now, Pakistan says it hopes the situation will stabilise and that the commitments under the Makkah Defence Alliance will not need to be activated. However, Asif’s warning underscores the potential consequences if attacks on Saudi territory continue to escalate.
