Mecca Pact: Pakistan Completes Ratification
Turkey remains the final signatory to the defense agreement as Houthi attacks continue to target Saudi infrastructure.
By Carmen Wojcik ·
Pakistan has completed its legal process to join a tripartite defense alliance with Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan confirmed on Friday that Islamabad and Riyadh have both finished ratifying the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. The three nations originally signed the document on 7 August. The accord establishes a framework for collective defense if any member state faces an external armed attack. Assistance levels will be determined by the specific circumstances of each conflict. Islamabad characterized the pact as defensive and consistent with the United Nations Charter.
The agreement advanced toward implementation following a meeting on 5 October by the Strategic Political and Defence Committee of the three countries. That body urged the parties to fulfill collective defense commitments. It also called for the rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities to Saudi Arabia, subject to each nation's domestic laws. Turkey is currently navigating its internal approval procedures. The agreement has not yet been formally ratified by all three signatories.
The announcement arrives as Saudi Arabia contends with renewed security threats from Yemen's Houthis. Civil Defence authorities issued warnings this week regarding potential dangers in the southwestern cities of Abha and Khamis Mushait. Officials later reported that the immediate threat had passed. They did not specify the nature of the risk but advised residents to follow safety instructions and avoid gathering or filming in the affected zones, according to Anadolu Agency. These alerts coincided with Houthi missile and drone strikes on the kingdom.
Reuters reported on 21 October that Riyadh's allies have primarily offered defensive support. The kingdom has focused on protecting its infrastructure from further strikes. Regional tensions appear to be rising. The Israeli military announced large-scale exercises for Sunday and Monday in the north and center of the country. Air force and Northern and Central Command units will rehearse scenarios involving surprise air and land attacks and infiltrations. The military stated the drills aim to test readiness for defending against multiple fronts.
These preparations occur as Washington and Tel Aviv reportedly weigh renewed military action against Iran. President Trump said on Friday that the United States might conduct another operation against Iran as the conflict approaches its eighth month. A report from The Business Times cited US officials who said American and Israeli forces have drawn up plans for fresh strikes after the US midterm elections on 3 November. Potential targets include Iranian energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and missile and drone capabilities.
