Pakistan has confirmed the deployment of a significant number of military personnel to Saudi Arabia as part of a new joint defence agreement aimed at bolstering the kingdom’s territorial security. According to Sajjad Haider Khan, the spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the forces and resources stationed in Riyadh are intended solely for defensive purposes and are not meant to engage in cross-border offensives against Yemen’s Houthi forces.
The deployment is part of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed on August 7, 2026, between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye. This pact establishes a mutual defence framework, committing the three countries to consider an armed attack against one member as an attack against all, thereby fostering closer regional security cooperation.
Pakistan’s military has confirmed the presence of its personnel in Saudi Arabia, highlighting their involvement across various operational capacities. This deployment underscores Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia and enhancing regional security stability.
The agreement marks a significant step in regional defence collaboration, positioning the three nations as strategic partners in ensuring collective security. While the focus remains on defence, the alliance also serves as a deterrent against potential threats to any member state.