Makkah Pact To Kick In? Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Discuss Joint Response Amid Houthi Attacks
Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia are discussing a joint response to escalating Houthi attacks, with Islamabad signalling that the Makkah defence pact could be activated if the attacks on Saudi Arabia continue, a top security source in Rawalpindi told CNN-News18 on Wednesday.
The source said Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir’s office has established contacts with Riyadh and Ankara as the three countries work on a strategic response.
“How and when to respond” was discussed by senior military officials from Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, the source said, adding that Pakistan is “prepared to stand by Saudi Arabia under the joint defence agreement and Makkah pact”.
Makkah Pact In Focus
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed on August 7, is a collective security pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan. It provides that an armed attack on any one of the three countries is treated as an attack on all three.
According to the security source, the pact could be activated if Houthi strikes continue, with Pakistan’s Air Force and infantry already on standby in Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan’s naval assets and forces have also been moved to the Red Sea, the source claimed.
The source added that “broader military strategy” discussions are underway, with further meetings between senior Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani military officials scheduled.
