Pakistan pledges rapid defence support to Saudi Arabia under the Makkah pact, while Türkiye considers air-defence systems and technical assistance. Both countries face growing pressure to turn their security commitments into action.
Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia Move Towards Military Deployment
Pakistan has strongly condemned the Houthi attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh as its defence partnership with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye faces its first major test.
The October 10 attack killed at least 13 people and injured more than 300, according to Reuters. A further attack on October 11 killed one person and injured 11, intensifying concerns over Saudi Arabia’s ability to protect its airports and other critical infrastructure.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office called the attacks acts of terrorism and violations of international law. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security.
The key development, however, is the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on August 7, 2026. Under the pact, an armed attack against one member is treated as an attack against all.
At an emergency meeting in Riyadh on October 5, the three countries agreed to implement their collective defence commitments and arrange the rapid deployment of agreed military forces and capabilities to Saudi Arabia, subject to their national laws.
What Pakistan Will Do and What Türkiye Could Provide
Pakistan’s defence role is expected to focus on supporting Saudi Arabia’s security and strengthening its defensive capabilities. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan and Türkiye already had a presence in the theatre, while Saudi forces were conducting combat operations. He described the two partners’ roles as supportive.
Pakistan has not publicly announced the additional number of troops, equipment or deployment dates under the latest agreement. The Foreign Office has also stressed that the alliance is defensive in nature and that its forces would not cross into Yemen to launch attacks against the Houthis.
Türkiye, meanwhile, is assessing ways to strengthen Saudi air defence. Reuters reported that Ankara’s potential contribution includes defensive equipment and technical support, with electronic warfare and air-defence capabilities among the areas under consideration.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has ruled out sending troops to conduct offensive operations. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on October 12 that the defence agreement would soon be submitted to Türkiye’s parliament for ratification.
The proposed division of responsibilities could allow Pakistan to provide military cooperation and support while Türkiye contributes defence technology and technical expertise. However, the three governments have not published a final equipment list or detailed operational plan.
The immediate objective is to help Saudi Arabia defend its territory, airports and strategic infrastructure against further missile and drone attacks, rather than confirm a joint offensive campaign in Yemen.
Six Pakistanis Injured as Islamabad Strengthens Its Response
The attacks have also directly affected Pakistani citizens. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that six Pakistanis were among those injured. He directed Pakistan’s embassy in Riyadh to coordinate with Saudi authorities and provide assistance to the affected nationals.
On October 12, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt jointly condemned the attacks, held the Houthi militia responsible and demanded an immediate halt to further strikes.
The Makkah pact’s effectiveness will depend on how quickly its members coordinate personnel, equipment and defensive operations to protect Saudi Arabia. The scale and timing of any additional Pakistani military deployment, however, remain undisclosed.
References
https://www.radio.gov.pk/11-10-2026/pakistan-strongly-condemns-houthi-attack-on-riyadh-airport
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/turkey-pakistan-egypt-saudi-arabia-condemn-houthi-attacks-riyadh-airport-2026-10-12/
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/turkey-pakistan-egypt-saudi-arabia-condemn-houthi-attacks-riyadh-airport-2026-10-12/
https://mofa.gov.pk/press-releases/joint-statementemergency-meeting-of-the-strategic-political-and-defense-committee-of-the-makkah-alliance-for-defense-riyadh-5-october-2026
