Pakistan has confirmed the deployment of a significant contingent of military personnel to Saudi Arabia as part of a newly established joint defence agreement. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan, these forces are stationed in Riyadh to bolster the kingdom’s territorial defence. He emphasized that the deployment is not intended to support any cross-border military operations against Yemen’s Houthi forces, but rather to safeguard Saudi territory.
The deployment comes under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, which was signed on August 7, 2026, by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye. This pact establishes a mutual defence framework, committing the three nations to consider an armed attack against one member as an attack against all, thereby enhancing regional security cooperation. Pakistan’s military has confirmed that its personnel are engaged in various operational capacities within Saudi Arabia under this agreement.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement marks a significant step in regional military collaboration, reinforcing the strategic ties between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye. This trilateral alliance aims to strengthen collective security measures in response to regional threats, although specifics of the operational roles and exact number of deployed troops remain undisclosed.
This development underscores the deepening defence ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, reflecting their shared security interests. While the deployment focuses on defensive strategies, it also highlights the importance these countries place on mutual support against potential threats in the region.