Pakistan Reaffirms Saudi Security Commitment Under Makkah Defence Pact
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, following deadly Houthi attacks targeting airports in the kingdom.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 9, the prime minister condemned attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Abha International Airport, calling for an immediate end to assaults that have killed and injured civilians.
The statement comes amid escalating fighting in Yemen and growing security concerns across the Arabian Peninsula.
Three Killed in Saudi Airport Attacks
Saudi civil aviation authorities reported that three people were killed and 36 others injured in separate attacks affecting the two airports on October 6 and 7.
Reported casualties at Saudi airports
King Khalid Airport, Riyadh
1 killed
8 injured
Abha International Airport
2 killed
28 injured
Casualties reported by Saudi civil aviation authorities on October 7, 2026. The exact date of each individual airport attack was not specified.
Sharif expressed solidarity with the victims and their families and praised Saudi armed forces and coalition personnel for intercepting multiple ballistic missiles.
He said Pakistan supported Saudi Arabia’s right to protect its citizens, cities and essential infrastructure against further attacks.
The prime minister urged the Houthis to stop targeting Saudi territory immediately.
Pakistan Reaffirms Makkah Defence Agreement
Sharif said Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi security remained firm under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA) and decisions recently taken by its Strategic Political and Defence Committee.
The statement followed an emergency meeting in Riyadh involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
On October 6, Pakistan’s Foreign Office announced that the three countries had agreed to facilitate the rapid deployment of agreed military forces and capabilities to Saudi Arabia.
The deployments would operate under approved arrangements and the respective national laws of the participating countries.
However, the statement did not specify troop numbers, equipment, deployment dates or operational assignments.
Pakistan and Türkiye Describe Supportive Military Roles
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has acknowledged that Pakistan and Türkiye are providing assistance to Saudi Arabia amid its confrontation with the Houthis.
In remarks earlier this week, Asif said Saudi forces were conducting the fighting, while Pakistani and Turkish personnel were providing support.
He referred to reconnaissance and other assistance as examples of the supporting roles.
The comments provide context for Pakistan’s military cooperation with Riyadh but do not independently establish that Pakistani combat aircraft have carried out strikes in Yemen.
Pakistan has separately rejected reports alleging that Pakistan Air Force fighter jets were attacking Houthi targets.
Regional Security Concerns Intensify
The latest developments come as fighting between the Houthis and forces supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government has intensified.
Houthi attacks have increased security concerns for Saudi airports and other vital infrastructure, while military activity in the region has raised fears of wider disruption.
For Pakistan, the situation has brought renewed attention to the scope of its defence partnership with Saudi Arabia and the practical implications of the trilateral security arrangements involving Türkiye.
Islamabad’s latest statement confirms its political and security commitment to Riyadh, but does not announce a new Pakistani offensive operation or provide details of any additional deployment.
