Pakistan Reaffirms Defense Pact With Saudi Arabia Amid Houthi Drone Threat Near Mecca

Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to a trilateral defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, which obligates member states to collectively deter armed attacks. The statement came after Saudi Arabia reported intercepting a Houthi drone near Mecca, an incident the Houthis have denied. Pakistani officials stressed there is no ambiguity in their obligations under the pact, particularly regarding the protection of Muslim holy sites. Pakistan indicated it would consider defending the holy sites even outside the formal treaty framework. Islamabad also called for diplomatic efforts to prevent the regional tensions from escalating further.