Pakistan Reaffirms Mecca Defence Pact With Saudi
Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement after Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted a drone launched by Yemen’s Houthis south of Mecca. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said there was “no ambiguity” over Islamabad’s obligations under the pact with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
Pakistan Says Mecca Defence Pact Applies
Asif said Pakistan would fulfil its responsibilities under the trilateral defence agreement, which was signed in Mecca on August 7. The pact establishes a collective defence framework under which an armed attack against any of the three countries is considered an attack against all three.
The Pakistani defence minister also stressed that protecting Islam’s holy sites was a responsibility Pakistan recognised independently of any formal defence agreement. He declined to disclose details of any possible military response or operational planning.
Saudi Arabia Intercepts Drone Near Mecca
Saudi authorities said the drone was intercepted south of Mecca on September 15 before entering the holy city’s restricted airspace. The Saudi-led coalition described protection of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims as a “red line” and warned that further attacks could trigger deterrent measures.
The Houthis have denied targeting Mecca or other Islamic holy sites, disputing Saudi Arabia’s account of the intended target.
Pakistan Seeks to Contain Regional Escalation
Asif also said Pakistan had conveyed a Saudi message to Iran amid growing concern over Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Islamabad has simultaneously maintained that the Mecca agreement is defensive and intended to deter external aggression rather than target any particular country.
