Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Makkah Defence Alliance Secretary-General Lieutenant General (retd) Nauman Mahmood on Wednesday. The meeting focused on strengthening defence and strategic cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. According to Radio Pakistan, Mahmood briefed the premier on strategies to advance cooperation under the agreement. The prime minister also wished him success in his new role.
Read More: Pakistan reiterates commitment to Saudi security after Riyadh attack
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed the Makkah Defence Alliance agreement on August 7. The pact allows member states to treat an attack against one country as an attack against all. During the meeting, Shehbaz described the agreement as a historic milestone for regional peace, unity and stability. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protecting Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security. The premier said Pakistan stood firmly alongside the kingdom.
The meeting took place amid rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels. On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia launched strikes against Houthi-controlled areas, targeting fuel and energy facilities. The kingdom said these facilities supported missile and drone attacks. The Houthis subsequently threatened retaliation against Saudi airports, refineries and oil installations. Saudi authorities later reported potential aerial threats in Riyadh and the eastern province. An attack near Dhahran also raised security concerns.
Saudi Arabia’s civil defence agency reported that debris from two intercepted Houthi cruise missiles injured four people in the capital. The incident also damaged 15 homes. Meanwhile, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye agreed to the rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities during an emergency alliance meeting in Riyadh on October 5. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan and Turkiye had a presence in the region, while Saudi troops were conducting combat operations.
Read More: PM Shehbaz condemns Houthi attack on Saudi airport
Pakistan has repeatedly expressed support for Saudi Arabia amid the escalating tensions. On September 18, military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan would go to any extent to defend the kingdom. Asif also pledged practical and diplomatic support if the situation escalated. However, Pakistani officials have stressed that the alliance serves collective deterrence and remains defensive in nature. The latest meeting highlights Islamabad’s efforts to strengthen regional security cooperation while reaffirming its commitments under the agreement.