Play store
Pakistan has warned that a tripartite defence pact signed with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye could be activated if Saudi Arabia comes under attack, as a series of Houthi missile strikes has heightened security concerns in the kingdom.
Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif issued the warning on Tuesday night during Geo News’ programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath.
Asked whether the tripartite defence agreement would be activated following Houthi missile attacks on several cities in southern Saudi Arabia, Asif said the pact clearly states that an attack on any one of the three member states would be considered an attack on all three.
“We are bound to abide by the terms of the agreement. If there is any aggression, Pakistan will honour the pact and will not backtrack on its commitments,” he said.
The defence minister said the agreement would certainly be activated if the ongoing conflict in Yemen spreads to Saudi Arabia through what he described as unprovoked aggression.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Houthis launched dozens of ballistic missile attacks on Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran in southern Saudi Arabia. According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the targets included Abha International Airport, King Khalid Air Base and several facilities belonging to state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco.
A fire was also reported at an oil facility. At least 73 people, including women and children, were injured in the attacks. Saudi Arabia responded with airstrikes on several areas of Yemen.
Asked whether Pakistan had been in contact with Saudi Arabia following the Houthi attacks, Asif said he was not aware of any such communication. However, he expressed hope that the conflict would not spread further and that the situation could be brought under control.
Addressing Iran, the Houthis’ main backer, Asif said that although there is sympathy for Iran across the Muslim world, using bilateral disputes to destabilise the wider region could ultimately create problems for Tehran itself.
Pakistan’s warning has raised concerns over the possibility of a new military dimension to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. If the Yemen conflict expands significantly into Saudi territory, the recently signed tripartite defence pact could face its first major test.
Activation of the agreement could potentially bring Pakistan and Türkiye into greater military involvement, further complicating the already volatile regional conflict.
