Pakistan: Time to intervene to protect Saudi Arabia

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said the time has come to implement the Mecca Defence Agreement, amid escalating attacks by the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group towards Saudi Arabia and concerns that the conflict could spread to new fronts in the region.

Speaking to Pakistan’s Geo News TV, Asif said his country’s commitment to protecting Saudi Arabia and its holy sites remains in place, stressing that it is based on a moral and religious duty and does not depend on whether there is a formal agreement.

The Pakistani defence minister said Islamabad remains committed to its obligations towards Saudi Arabia, adding that protecting Saudi territory and Islamic holy sites is a permanent responsibility for Pakistan.

His remarks come amid growing military escalation in the region, with continued Houthi attacks on targets inside Saudi territory raising concerns about wider security and military repercussions.

Pakistan has previously reaffirmed its commitment to defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Turkey under a trilateral agreement aimed at strengthening joint protection.

Asif also revealed that Pakistan had delivered a Saudi message to Iran expressing Riyadh’s concerns over the escalating Houthi attacks, in an effort to address the rising tensions through diplomatic channels.

The move comes amid the Houthis’ links to Iran and regional efforts to prevent the current escalation from developing into a wider confrontation involving additional parties and countries.

Media reports have previously said Pakistan conveyed a Saudi warning to Tehran in an effort to press for an end to Houthi attacks on the kingdom.