Pakistan says no immediate military action under new Mecca defence pact

Pakistan appeared to backtrack from a strong warning issued by defence minister Khawaja Asif, who had said the Mecca defence pact could become operational if the Yemen conflict spilled over into Saudi Arabia. On Thursday, foreign ministry spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said no armed response under the agreement is under discussion at present, adding that action would be taken only when required. The pact, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye in Mecca, defines any attack on one member as an attack on all, but remains defensive in nature.

Asif had emphasized that the clauses would be invoked only to confront aggression, not to launch independent offensives. Pakistan also confirmed there are no plans to broaden the alliance, noting that any new member would need consultation with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. The clarification comes amid a rise in Houthi attacks on Saudi cities and energy facilities.