Pakistan is facing growing pressure to balance its defence commitments to Saudi Arabia with its efforts to maintain a diplomatic channel to Iran as regional tensions escalate. Islamabad is a member of the newly formed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, while it is also seeking dialogue with Tehran to help contain the wider conflict.
The situation has become more complicated after Iran-backed Houthi forces intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia. Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to the defence agreement but said on Thursday that no military response was currently being discussed.
Pakistan Balances Saudi Defence Commitments And Iran Diplomacy
Islamabad is attempting to avoid being pulled directly into the expanding regional conflict while maintaining its longstanding ties with both Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the Makkah agreement is defensive in nature and that Islamabad remains committed to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. At the same time, Pakistan said it would continue pursuing dialogue and diplomacy for peace and stability in the wider region.
The balancing act has become more difficult as attacks linked to Iran-backed Houthis have intensified in Saudi territory.
What Is Pakistan’s Makkah Defence Agreement?
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in August. The agreement establishes a framework for closer defence cooperation and states that an armed attack against one member is to be treated as an attack against all three.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif previously warned that continued Houthi attacks on Saudi territory could activate the agreement. However, Pakistan’s Foreign Office later clarified that there were no immediate discussions about military action.
The Foreign Office has also said that the agreement still requires additional mechanisms and frameworks before its full operationalisation.
Pakistan Keeps Diplomatic Channel With Iran Open
Despite its defence commitments to Riyadh, Islamabad is continuing to engage Tehran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate telephone conversations with Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Thursday as regional tensions increased. The discussions focused on the worsening security situation and efforts to prevent further escalation.
Pakistan has also previously used diplomatic contacts with Iran as part of efforts to reduce tensions surrounding the wider US-Iran conflict and the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Houthi Attacks Put Pakistan’s Position Under Pressure
The latest escalation has increased the pressure on Islamabad to demonstrate its commitment to Saudi security without directly entering another regional conflict.
Reuters reported that Pakistan has already deployed troops near the Saudi-Yemeni border and faces difficult choices because of its defence commitments, economic interests and reliance on regional energy routes.
For now, Islamabad is stressing restraint. Pakistan’s Foreign Office said there was no military response under discussion, while maintaining that the country would act according to the terms of the defence agreement when required.
The developments highlight Pakistan’s increasingly difficult diplomatic position as it tries to support Saudi Arabia’s security while keeping communication with Iran open and avoiding a wider regional war.
