Pakistan to stand by Saudi Arabia 'practically and diplomatically' if Yemen conflict escalates: Asif

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated on Wednesday that his country would provide both practical and diplomatic support to Saudi Arabia if the Yemen conflict escalates. Earlier, the Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's Houthi rebels had accused the rebels of targeting the holy city of Makkah, causing global outrage and worsening the regional conflict. However, the Houthi rebels denied the Saudi claim, calling it a "lie" and stating it was their drone that shot down a drone heading towards Makkah.

Asif, speaking on Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shehzaib Khanzada Ke Saath’, affirmed that Pakistan would stand by Saudi Arabia, both practically and diplomatically, should the situation worsen. He emphasized that, even without the Makkah Defence Alliance, Pakistan is obligated by an "eternal agreement" to respond if the holy sites are under attack. Asif noted that Muslims globally do not need an agreement to act if the holy sites in Makkah or Medina are threatened, asserting that protecting such sites is a religious duty.

He affirmed Pakistan's commitment to fulfill all its obligations under the Makkah Defence Alliance, following the terms of the agreement among Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Asif clarified that details of any military or political engagement with the Houthis cannot be disclosed, as such strategies are confidential. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to the agreement, stating that activating the trilateral agreement would occur if a country's territorial integrity is threatened.

Regarding the US-Israeli war on Iran, Asif pointed out that Israel's calculations did not yield the anticipated results after a month into the conflict. He blamed Israel for being the real culprit, emphasizing that Israel has drawn the US into the war as a combatant party. Asif stressed that until Israel is confronted by a joint alliance, it remains a threat to the region, and the Zionist lobby influences the US to join Israel's wars.