ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia but said no military response under the Makkah Defence Pact is currently being discussed.
Foreign Office spokesperson Ambassador Sajjad Haider Khan said Thursday that Pakistan remains committed to the defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, but “more time” is needed for further aspects of the pact to take shape.
“There is no such thing under discussion right now. When the time comes, we will act under the agreement,” Khan said during his weekly press briefing.
🔴LIVE: Spokesperson’s Weekly Press Briefing 10-09-2026 at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad https://t.co/aU1uugRfL6
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 10, 2026
The clarification came after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement launched attacks on Saudi territory, including strikes targeting cities and energy infrastructure. More than 70 people were reportedly injured in the recent attacks.
The Makkah Defense Pact, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on August 7, provides for collective defense among the three countries. Under the agreement, an armed attack against one member is to be regarded as an attack against all three.
Pakistan’s position follows stronger comments from Defense Minister Khawaja Asif earlier this week. Asif said that if Houthi attacks or other aggression spilled into Saudi Arabia, the agreement could become operational.
“There is no ambiguity or doubt,” Asif said, adding that Pakistan would honour its obligations under the pact if required.
The Foreign Office, meanwhile, strongly condemned the Houthi attacks and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
Pakistan has also conveyed a Saudi warning to Iran, urging Tehran to restrain its Houthi allies and prevent further escalation. Iran has denied controlling the Houthis.
The latest developments have placed the newly established Pakistan-Saudi-Türkiye defense framework under its first major test. While Islamabad has reaffirmed its commitment to the pact, officials have made clear that no military action under the agreement is currently being discussed.
Khan also indicated that Pakistani forces are already present in Saudi Arabia for training and logistical purposes, while further details of defense cooperation are expected to emerge in due course.
