BY: ANI Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD — Security cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has gained renewed significance amid escalating attacks on Saudi territory and growing regional tensions, following the signing of a trilateral defence agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
Under the recently signed Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three countries is to be regarded as an attack against all three. The agreement has brought Pakistan’s longstanding defence partnership with Saudi Arabia into a broader trilateral framework with Türkiye.
The latest developments came after Yemen’s Houthi movement intensified missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia, including attacks targeting areas around Riyadh. The escalation has raised concerns over the security of Saudi territory, energy infrastructure and regional shipping routes.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Türkiye was prepared to meet Saudi Arabia’s military needs under the trilateral agreement, particularly in technical areas. He said Ankara regarded the attacks on Saudi Arabia as a serious threat to the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Pakistan, meanwhile, has maintained that no discussion has taken place regarding an immediate military response to the Houthi attacks under the defence agreement. Islamabad has, however, reiterated its commitment to its security partnership with Saudi Arabia and indicated that it would respond if circumstances required it.
The trilateral defence arrangement is expected to deepen military coordination, joint exercises and defence-industry cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
The developments also underline Pakistan’s longstanding strategic and defence relationship with Saudi Arabia, while placing Islamabad in a sensitive regional position as it seeks to maintain relations with both Gulf partners and neighbouring countries.
