Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to its defence agreements with Saudi Arabia. The Foreign Office made the statement on September 17, 2026. Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan addressed the issue during his weekly briefing. He said Pakistan remained committed to implementing the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia. He also confirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the trilateral Makkah Defence Alliance. The alliance includes Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
Pakistan Reaffirms Defence Commitments
The statement comes as tensions continue to affect the region. Yemen’s Houthi rebels have carried out attacks linked to Saudi Arabia in recent days. The situation has raised questions about how Pakistan would respond under its defence commitments. Officials have not provided details about any possible military operation. The Foreign Office said operational details remain confidential. This includes decisions about timing, location, force and specific objectives.
Pakistan has therefore confirmed its commitment without outlining any operational plan. The government has also stressed the importance of diplomacy and regional stability.
What Is the Pakistan Saudi Defence Pact?
The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement forms an important part of Pakistan-Saudi security relations. The agreement provides a framework for mutual defence cooperation. In August 2026, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye also signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. The agreement strengthened their cooperation on collective security.
The three countries agreed that an armed attack against one member would be treated as an attack against all members. The agreement also focuses on defence coordination among the three countries. Their cooperation includes joint activities and defence industry coordination. The countries have also agreed to work on joint technology development and production. These measures aim to strengthen their collective defence capabilities.
Makkah Defence Alliance Takes Shape
The Makkah Defence Alliance began developing its institutional structure after the agreement was signed. The first meeting of its Strategic Political and Defence Committee took place in Istanbul on August 31. Officials from all three countries attended the meeting.
Pakistan was selected to initially head the alliance’s secretariat for three years. The secretariat is expected to operate from Riyadh. The countries also agreed to strengthen coordination between their armed forces. Defence cooperation and technology development are among the areas being considered.
Pakistan Calls for Dialogue
Pakistan has also highlighted diplomatic efforts amid the regional tensions. Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said Pakistan supports peace and stability in the region. He said discussions should focus on dialogue and diplomacy. He also described the situation around Bab al-Mandeb as serious. Pakistan called for an end to activities that could increase regional tensions.
Therefore remains an important part of Islamabad’s security commitments. However, officials have kept specific operational arrangements confidential. The Foreign Office has also described the Makkah alliance as defensive in nature. It said the current focus remains on strengthening cooperation among the three members.
The latest statement confirms that Pakistan intends to honour its existing defence commitments. Further developments will depend on regional conditions and decisions by the member states.
Read more about the latest Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations and regional security developments.