Pakistan has confirmed the deployment of a significant number of its military personnel to Saudi Arabia as part of a newly signed joint defence agreement. The move comes under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye on August 7, 2026, which aims to enhance regional security cooperation among the nations.
According to Sajjad Haider Khan, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, these forces are stationed in Riyadh for defensive purposes, emphasizing that the deployment is not intended for offensive operations against Yemen’s Houthi forces. Instead, the focus is on supporting Saudi Arabia’s territorial defense.
Pakistan’s military has also confirmed the presence of its personnel in Saudi Arabia, indicating their involvement in various operational capacities under the agreement. This deployment is part of a broader commitment by the three countries involved in the pact to treat an armed attack against one member as an attack against all, thereby strengthening their collective defense posture.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement establishes a framework for closer security collaboration, reflecting the strategic interests of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye in maintaining stability within the region. The cooperative approach aims to address potential threats and enhance mutual defense capabilities among the signatory nations.