Pakistan is moving to strengthen its military support for Saudi Arabia as the newly formed Mecca Joint Defence Agreement enters an operational phase amid escalating Houthi attacks on the kingdom.

Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations chief, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, confirmed that Pakistani forces are already stationed in Saudi Arabia across multiple capabilities and domains. He said Pakistani military personnel have maintained a presence in the kingdom for decades, although the number of troops and their specific capabilities remain classified.

The latest developments follow an emergency meeting in Riyadh on October 5 involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye. The three countries agreed to begin implementing their collective defence commitments, including the rapid deployment of agreed military forces and capabilities to Saudi Arabia, subject to their respective national laws.

The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed in August, states that an armed attack against one member will be treated as an attack against all three. The pact was activated as Saudi Arabia faces renewed missile and drone attacks from Yemen’s Houthi movement, including strikes targeting airports and other strategic locations.

The move has also raised questions about parliamentary oversight in Pakistan. Reuters reported that the military-led decision to expand the Saudi deployment has proceeded without a parliamentary vote, while the Pakistani government has said proper procedures were followed but has not publicly detailed parliamentary or cabinet involvement.

Pakistan’s current role is officially described as defensive. Chaudhry said the alliance is intended to strengthen the defence and deterrence of Saudi Arabia and emphasized that Islamabad continues to support a negotiated solution to the wider regional conflict.

The development comes as fighting involving Saudi-backed Yemeni forces and the Houthis intensifies around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb, a strategically important shipping route. Türkiye is also preparing defensive and technical support for Saudi Arabia under the same framework.