Pakistan calls for implementing “Mecca Agreement” to safeguard Saudi security amid Houthi attacks

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif declared that it is time to implement the "Mecca Agreement" as attacks by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia intensify. In a speech on a Pakistani television network, Asif reiterated his country's dedication to Saudi security and the protection of holy sites, asserting that Pakistan does not require a formal treaty to honor its duty to safeguard these sanctuaries.

He stressed that the agreement is viewed as an inherent responsibility by Islamabad. Diplomatic efforts Asif revealed that Pakistan is persisting with diplomatic initiatives to curb the escalation and avoid the conflict spreading further. He mentioned that Pakistan also relayed a message from Saudi Arabia to Iran, expressing mutual concerns over the Houthi assaults.

The Mecca pact The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, signed in August 2026, is a collective defense pact involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. It establishes a mutual defense framework, obliging each nation to regard an attack on one as an attack on all. This agreement aims to enhance regional security cooperation and deter aggression targeting member states' territories and holy sites.

Historical context Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have strong defense and security ties, with Pakistan traditionally pledging to safeguard the Kingdom's territorial integrity and the Islamic holy sites in Mecca and Medina. Pakistan has often served as a diplomatic intermediary between Saudi Arabia and Iran, aiming to reduce regional tensions and mediate conflicts in the Arabian Peninsula.

Recent threats In recent days, tensions have escalated following a barrage of drone and missile attacks launched from Yemen targeting Saudi Arabia’s western region, including areas near the Holy City of Mecca. These intercepted strikes have caused significant alarm globally and prompted widespread condemnation over the security of the sacred sites in Mecca.