Pakistan is reportedly preparing to increase its military support to Saudi Arabia as tensions between Riyadh and Yemen-based Houthi forces continue to rise, putting the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement under growing scrutiny.
According to security sources cited by CNN-News18, up to 25,000 Pakistani troops could potentially be deployed to Saudi Arabia if the situation escalates further. The reported move would come alongside additional defence assistance, including air defence systems, rockets and drones.
The development comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is preparing for possible military action against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. Reuters reported on October 2 that Riyadh was preparing a major offensive aimed at regaining control of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with Yemeni forces expected to lead the ground operation and Saudi Arabia providing air support. Pakistan, along with other allies, has so far been providing defensive assistance.
The reported Pakistani reinforcement would represent a significant expansion of Islamabad’s military support for Riyadh, although the exact scale and timing of any deployment have not been officially confirmed.
Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defence Pact: Up to 25,000 Troops Reportedly Could Be Deployed
Security sources cited by CNN-News18 claimed that Pakistan could send as many as 25,000 troops to Saudi Arabia under the Makkah defence framework.
“Up to 25,000 Pakistani troops could be deployed to Saudi Arabia under the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement,” the security sources said.
The sources also claimed that Pakistan was preparing additional military equipment for Saudi Arabia, including systems intended to strengthen the kingdom’s air defences.
“Pakistan boosts Saudi defence support with troops, air defence systems, rockets and drones,” sources told CNN-News 18.
However, Pakistan has not publicly confirmed a specific deployment of 25,000 troops. Pakistani military officials have said that operational details of the Makkah defence arrangement remain confidential. Islamabad has nevertheless reaffirmed its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security.
Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Defence Pact: More Than 15,000 Pakistani Troops Already in Saudi Arabia
According to the security sources cited by CNN-News18, Pakistan already has a significant military presence in Saudi Arabia.
“More than 15,000 Pakistani troops are already in Saudi Arabia,” the sources told CNN-News18.
The sources said Islamabad was considering further military reinforcement as Riyadh faces growing security concerns linked to Houthi attacks.
Pakistan’s defence minister has also publicly said that Islamabad is prepared to defend Saudi Arabia using “whatever means” under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. However, he did not confirm whether Pakistan would participate directly in Saudi airstrikes or whether Riyadh had formally requested such assistance.
Makkah Joint Defence Agreement: What Is the Pact?
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye on August 7, 2026, in Makkah.
The agreement states that an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all three. It also calls for stronger defence cooperation and collective deterrence.
The pact is officially described by Pakistan as defensive in nature. Islamabad has said that it is intended to strengthen collective deterrence and is not directed against any particular country.
The agreement has now moved into an important phase as Saudi Arabia faces increased attacks from the Houthis and considers military options in Yemen.
Makkah Pact Latest News: Emergency Meeting Planned in Riyadh
The Makkah pact is expected to face one of its first major tests amid the latest escalation.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on October 2 that an emergency meeting of the pact’s members—Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan—will be held in Riyadh next week. The meeting is expected to discuss the regional situation and Iran’s suggestion of political engagement with the Houthis.
“The Mecca pact will be fully activated after the emergency meeting of the Strategic Political Defence Council soon in Riyadh,” the sources said.
The meeting follows a September 25 gathering of the three countries’ military chiefs in Riyadh. Their discussions focused on strengthening military coordination and implementing the collective-defence framework.
Saudi Arabia-Houthi Conflict: Riyadh Prepares for Possible Offensive
The reported Pakistani military support comes as Saudi Arabia prepares for a possible large-scale operation against the Houthis in Yemen.
Reuters reported that Riyadh is preparing an offensive to regain control of areas around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s strategically important maritime routes connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. More than 100,000 Yemeni ground forces could be involved, while Saudi airpower would support the operation.
The Houthis have recently increased their attacks in the region, while Saudi Arabia and allied forces have responded with military action. Yemen’s internationally recognised government also reported carrying out 20 airstrikes against Houthi targets in Taiz province on October 2.
The developments have increased pressure on Saudi Arabia and its allies to strengthen their defensive capabilities while also considering diplomatic options.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye: What Happens Next?
The emergency meeting in Riyadh is expected to provide greater clarity on how the Makkah defence pact will operate during the current crisis.
Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to Saudi security, while officials have stressed that details concerning the pact’s military arrangements remain confidential. The three countries have also been working to strengthen intelligence-sharing, coordination and defence capabilities under the agreement.
For now, the reported figure of up to 25,000 Pakistani troops remains a claim attributed to security sources rather than an officially confirmed troop deployment. The upcoming Riyadh meeting could provide further information about the extent of Pakistan’s military support and the broader response of the Makkah pact members to the escalating Houthi threat.
