Pakistan warns Houthi attacks could trigger activation of Saudi defence pact

Pakistan’s foreign ministry issued a warning on Monday that the bilateral defence pact signed with Saudi Arabia in Mecca could be invoked if the Houthi movement in Yemen persists in striking Saudi territory. The statement came after a series of missile and drone attacks attributed to the Iran‑aligned rebels, which have targeted oil facilities, airports and civilian infrastructure in the kingdom over the past weeks.

The Mecca agreement, concluded in 2022, obliges both nations to consult on security threats and allows for the deployment of Pakistani military assets to assist Saudi defence operations. Islamabad said it remains committed to regional stability but will consider activating the pact’s provisions should the Houthi campaign continue unabated, underscoring the potential for a broader military response. Saudi officials have not yet confirmed any immediate steps, but the warning signals heightened diplomatic pressure on the rebels and a possible escalation of involvement by Pakistan in the Gulf’s security architecture.