THE meeting of the military chiefs of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye is a highly significant development, particularly as it comes at a critical juncture for the security of the Kingdom. The meeting clearly carries a military dimension and indicates that the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is moving beyond political commitment towards practical defence cooperation.
The meeting has taken place against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia being dragged into fresh fighting between the Houthis and the Yemeni government. The Houthis have declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and targeted ships in the Red Sea, while in recent weeks they have also carried out attacks inside the Kingdom. These developments have created serious security challenges for Riyadh and raised wider concerns about the safety of vital maritime routes in the region. It is in this context that the meeting of the three countries’ military chiefs assumes particular importance. Although details of their discussions have not been made public, their meeting itself sends a clear message that the security of Saudi Arabia is being addressed not only at the diplomatic level but also through defence coordination among the three partners. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement provides a clear basis for this cooperation. Under the agreement, an attack against any one of its parties is to be considered an attack against all parties. This collective-defence principle gives particular meaning to the current consultations, especially when Saudi Arabia is facing direct security threats. Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia at this critical time is consistent with both the longstanding relationship between the two countries and the commitments under the Makkah agreement. At the same time, stronger defence coordination can serve as a deterrent and contribute to regional stability. Extending support to Saudi Arabia at this critical juncture is not only a demonstration of solidarity but also a practical expression of the collective-defence commitment undertaken by the three countries.
