Pakistan has confirmed the deployment of a significant number of its military personnel to Saudi Arabia, in a move aimed at bolstering the kingdom’s territorial defence. This deployment follows the signing of a joint defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, known as the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, which was finalized on August 7, 2026.
According to Sajjad Haider Khan, a spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the Pakistani forces stationed in Riyadh are there solely for defensive purposes. Khan emphasized that their presence is not intended to support any cross-border military actions against Yemen’s Houthi forces but is focused on the protection of Saudi territory.
The Pakistani military has confirmed that its personnel are involved in various operational capacities within Saudi Arabia under this new agreement. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement commits the signatory countries to treat an armed attack against any one of them as an attack against all, thereby establishing a framework for enhanced regional security cooperation.
This agreement underscores a strategic partnership among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, aiming to foster closer military collaboration and regional stability. The pact not only strengthens defence ties but also highlights a collective stance against potential threats to any of the participating nations.