Pakistan has confirmed the deployment of a significant number of its military personnel to Saudi Arabia under a new joint defence agreement. This strategic move aims to bolster the kingdom’s territorial defence, as announced by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Sajjad Haider Khan. Situated in Riyadh, these forces and resources are designated for defensive purposes, with Khan clarifying that the deployment is not intended to support any cross-border operations against Yemen’s Houthi forces.
The Pakistani military further detailed that its personnel are engaged in various operational capacities in Saudi Arabia under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. This pact, signed on August 7, 2026, in Makkah, brings together Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye in a mutual defence arrangement. It stipulates that an armed attack against any member country will be regarded as an attack against all, fostering a framework for enhanced regional security cooperation.
This development highlights a deepening of military collaboration among the three nations, aimed at ensuring stability and security in the region. The agreement signifies a commitment to respond collectively to threats, thereby strengthening ties among the member states.
While the presence of Pakistani forces in Saudi Arabia is confirmed, the focus remains solely on defensive measures. Both Pakistan’s government and military have been clear in their communication that this deployment does not involve offensive actions against external entities, maintaining a stance of safeguarding Saudi Arabian territory.