Mecca Pact: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Clear Final Hurdle
Islamabad finalized its approval of a tri-nation defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, even as Yemen's Houthis launch new strikes on the Gulf kingdom.
By Larissa Bell ·
Pakistan has completed the formal ratification of a joint defense treaty with Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement was signed on August 7, 2026, by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The document establishes a framework for collective defense if any of the three states faces an external armed attack. Islamabad maintains that the pact is strictly defensive and aligns with the United Nations Charter.
Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan confirmed on Friday that both Islamabad and Riyadh have finished their respective ratification procedures. Khan noted that discussions regarding the agreement's operational details are ongoing among the three parties. Turkey remains in the process of completing its own domestic approval, meaning the treaty has not yet been ratified by all signatories.
Progress on implementation accelerated following a meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee on October 5. The committee urged the rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities to Saudi Arabia, contingent on each nation's internal laws. This step aimed to solidify the collective defense commitments outlined in the original text.
The finalization occurs against a backdrop of renewed security threats. Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence issued alerts this week for the southwestern cities of Abha and Khamis Mushait, warning residents of potential danger before later stating the threat had passed. Authorities did not specify the nature of the danger but advised the public to avoid gathering or filming in affected zones.
These alerts coincided with Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi infrastructure. Reports indicate that Riyadh's allies have primarily provided defensive support to protect the kingdom from further strikes. The timing of Pakistan's announcement underscores the immediate strategic relevance of the new alliance.
Regional tensions are further complicated by developments in the Levant. The Israeli military scheduled large-scale exercises for Sunday and Monday in the north and center of the country. The drills involve the air force and units from the Northern and Central Commands, rehearsing scenarios of surprise air and land attacks. Washington and Tel Aviv are reportedly weighing renewed military action against Iran as the conflict approaches its eighth month.
President Donald Trump stated on Friday that the United States might conduct another military operation against Iran. A report citing US officials suggested that American and Israeli forces have drawn up plans for fresh strikes following the US midterm elections on November 3. Potential targets include Iranian energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and missile capabilities.
