Makkah pact not operational yet, still being firmed up: FO
• Islamabad rules out strikes on Houthi targets for now
• New Foreign Office spokesperson distinguishes trilateral pact from existing defence ties with Riyadh; ‘no plans yet’ to expand three-member alliance
• Insists Pakistani troops in the kingdom deployed for ‘training, logistics’
• Backs Saudi sovereignty, calls for peace and dialogue in Yemen
ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Thursday rejected speculation that Pakistan was considering joining Saudi Arabia in military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, saying the newly signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was still being firmed up and should not yet be viewed in terms of its operationalisation.
Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan, at his maiden weekly media briefing, said Islamabad would act according to the provisions of the defence agreement but stressed that the possibility of Pakistani forces striking Houthi targets inside Yemen was, at present, only a hypothetical situation.
“I think it is all a hypothetical situation as of now,” Mr Khan said. “Pakistan has signed the Joint Defence Agreement, which is a fact. Pakistan will act upon this agreement in terms of its stipulations. But as of now, there is no discussion of this kind that you are referring to.”
His comments came as Saudi Arabia faced renewed escalation with the Houthis, with the Kingdom and Houthi militia engaged in attacks against each other.
The spokesperson described the Makkah Agreement as a defensive arrangement based on deterrence, saying it was intended to protect regional stability and security.
“The Makkah Agreement is a defensive alliance of countries which feel that the stability and security of the region have to be protected through deterrence,” he said.
‘No expansion plans’
Asked about the possibility of expanding the three-member alliance comprising Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, Mr Khan said no such discussion was currently taking place.
“As of now, expansion of the Makkah Agreement is not on the cards,” he said, adding that the three countries first needed to solidify the new organisation before considering opening it to other states with similar threat perceptions and requirements. “At this stage, it is not being discussed,” he said.
Mr Khan also sought to distinguish between Pakistan’s existing bilateral defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia and the newer trilateral framework.
He said Pakistani forces were already deployed in Saudi Arabia “for training and logistical purposes” under bilateral defence cooperation arrangements.
“I have already stated that the Makkah Agreement is a defence agreement, and separately, we also have bilateral defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia,” he said.
‘Peace in Yemen’
Pakistan, he added, remained committed to peace and stability in Yemen and continued to support international efforts aimed at resolving the conflict.
“Pakistan is desirous of peace and stability in Yemen. We continue to support all international efforts in this regard.”
At the same time, he reiterated Islamabad’s support for Saudi Arabia amid the latest escalation.
“We reiterate our unwavering support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and prosperity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said.
Mr Khan said Pakistan would continue to pursue dialogue and diplomacy for peace and stability in the broader region, particularly now that Saudi Arabia was part of its defence arrangements.
“Now that Saudi Arabia is also part of our defence alliance, as well as the Trilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement, Pakistan has been and will continue to pursue dialogue and diplomacy for peace and stability in the broader region as well,” he said. The spokesperson also played down questions about the immediate implementation of the Makkah pact, saying such agreements required time to establish institutional mechanisms and frameworks. “Primarily, it takes a little while to firm things up when such organisations are established, as this involves establishing mechanisms and frameworks,” Mr Khan said.
“The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is an umbrella agreement, and under this agreement, we will have to establish subsequent mechanisms to move forward. So, at this stage, I don’t think we should be discussing this topic in the context of its operationalisation.” The remarks indicate that despite Pakistan’s formal defence commitments to Saudi Arabia, Islamabad is currently maintaining a distinction between defending Saudi territory and participating in offensive operations inside Yemen.
Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2026
