Riyadh, September 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have raised questions over the practical strength of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, with a report arguing that the pact remains largely symbolic and that Pakistan is unlikely to enter the conflict militarily.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed the agreement on August 7 in Mecca, under which an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be regarded as an attack against all three.
The pact faced an early test on September 8 when the Houthis launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting Saudi cities including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran. According to the Saudi-led coalition, the attacks damaged energy facilities and injured at least 73 people. The Houthis also claimed attacks on critical infrastructure, including Aramco facilities and King Khalid Air Base.
Germany-based political analyst Thiemo Rickenstorf, writing for Afghanistan-based Khaama Press, said Pakistan initially reaffirmed its commitment to the agreement, while media reports suggested Islamabad could consider airstrikes against the Houthis if requested by Saudi Arabia.
However, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said on September 10 that there were no plans for military action, while adding that Islamabad would act if required. Pakistan’s Defence Minister also said the country would honour the mutual defence commitment if the need arose.
The report noted that several reports citing Pakistani sources had claimed Islamabad was preparing to conduct airstrikes against the Houthis at Saudi Arabia’s request. Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan subsequently rejected the reports, saying no such military action was under discussion.
Turkey condemned the Houthi attacks but did not take military action.
Rickenstorf argued that the developments exposed limitations in what had been portrayed as a collective Muslim security arrangement and described the agreement as primarily defensive and lacking demonstrated military enforcement.
The Mecca pact had been presented as a step towards strengthening collective security among the three countries and promoting a regional security framework less dependent on the United States.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the agreement is intended to strengthen collective deterrence against aggression and enhance defence cooperation among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey.
The agreement was signed by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
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