Pakistan has confirmed the deployment of a significant number of its military personnel to Saudi Arabia as part of a joint defence agreement aimed at bolstering the kingdom’s territorial security. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Sajjad Haider Khan, the forces are stationed in Riyadh for defensive purposes, with a clear mandate not to engage in cross-border operations against Yemen’s Houthi forces.
The deployment is part of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed on August 7, 2026, with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The pact commits the three nations to treat an armed attack against one as an attack against all, thereby establishing a framework for enhanced regional security cooperation.
Pakistan’s military confirmed that its personnel are involved in a range of operational capacities within Saudi Arabia under this agreement. The move signifies a strategic partnership that emphasizes mutual defence and regional stability, amidst ongoing regional tensions.
This development highlights Pakistan’s role in the Middle East’s complex geopolitical landscape, reinforcing its ties with key regional players while clarifying its stance on not participating in offensive actions against Yemen.