Pak Vows To Defend Saudi Against Iran-Backed Houthis By "Whatever Means"

Pakistan pledges to defend Saudi Arabia against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels using "whichever options are at its disposal," the country's defense minister declared on Tuesday, signaling potential direct involvement in the escalating regional crisis. First-year subscriptions to the alliance's defense pact, priced at $205.00 plus GST, will automatically renew at $233.00 plus GST every 52 weeks, offering a 10% discount off the regular annual rate of $259.35.

The offer is available to new and existing subscribers, with a cancellation policy allowing for early termination at any time.

Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif did not specify whether Pakistani forces have already engaged in airstrikes. He affirmed, however, that Pakistan's military capabilities would be at Saudi Arabia's disposal under the new mutual defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Asif stated categorically that Pakistan is bound to defend Saudi Arabia with whatever means are available. He declined to confirm direct involvement in any strikes, nor did he disclose whether Saudi Arabia had requested assistance.

The defense minister's remarks followed a meeting between the army chiefs of Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, where they discussed responses to Houthi attacks. Asif noted that Houthi missile and drone assaults on Saudi Arabia have intensified, with the group expanding its control along Yemen's Red Sea coast. The Houthis recently captured the vital Red Sea port city of Mokha and several islands, threatening a crucial maritime route that handles around 12% of global trade.

They have also targeted Saudi oil facilities and blocked Saudi tankers from using the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Asif labeled the Houthis as aggressors and emphasized Pakistan's unwavering commitment to Saudi Arabia. He stated, "Any enemy of Saudi Arabia is enemy of Pakistan." Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement on August 7, declaring that an attack on one member would be considered an attack on all three.

The pact, intended as a defensive measure, involves oil-rich Saudi Arabia, NATO member Turkey, and nuclear-armed Pakistan. Asif did not mention nuclear weapons or suggest they were part of Pakistan's commitment to Saudi Arabia.

The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis has provided an early test for the alliance. The specific terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, and its command and operational structures are still being established. Asif explained that the three countries are setting up a secretariat and finalizing the alliance's framework. While other nations have shown interest in joining, no immediate plans to expand the alliance have been announced.

Asif asserted that the alliance reflects a belief among its members that existing security arrangements have failed to protect Gulf countries as the conflict involving Iran spreads across the region. He suggested that the Houthis and some Iraqi militias may now act with substantial independence from Iran. "Some of these proxies, they become rogue," Asif stated.

Despite Pakistan's readiness to support Saudi Arabia militarily, Asif emphasized that Islamabad is also advocating for negotiations to end the broader conflict involving Iran and supports reviving a negotiated agreement over Tehran's nuclear program. Pakistan previously hosted rare direct talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad, leading to an interim agreement in June. However, hostilities resumed after the deadline for a final deal passed without being met.