New Defence Pact With Saudi Arabia, Turkiye Tests Pakistan’s Neutrality
At a glance
- A new mutual defence pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye is being tested by Houthi-Saudi fighting.
- Pakistan's Army Chief has called Iran's Foreign Minister to urge de-escalation.
- Pakistani soldiers are deployed near the Saudi-Yemen border under a defensive pact.
Story so far
Pakistan has been navigating complex regional tensions, acting as both a defence partner to Saudi Arabia and a diplomatic channel to Iran. Islamabad has previously condemned Houthi attacks on the kingdom at the UN and delivered a warning message from Riyadh to Tehran. A new mutual defence pact signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye is now being tested by escalating fighting. As part of its de-escalation efforts, Pakistan's Army Chief has spoken with Iran's Foreign Minister. The country maintains that its military pacts are purely defensive and limited to protecting Saudi territory, where Pakistani troops are deployed near the Yemeni border.
Latest development
A new mutual defence pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye is being tested by the latest fighting. Pakistan's Army Chief has called his Iranian counterpart to urge de-escalation.
Latest updates
A mutual defence alliance signed last month between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye is facing its first major test amid the latest fighting between Houthi and Saudi forces. The pact stipulates that an armed attack on any of the three countries is to be regarded as an attack on all.
As part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation, Pakistan's Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, held a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Thursday evening. According to a Pakistani official, the discussion focused on “ways to restore diplomatic efforts to de-escalate on all fronts.”
The developments come as Pakistani officials express concern that the Houthi threat is more likely to draw Islamabad into a wider conflict than previous incidents in the region.
Pakistan has backed Saudi Arabia at the United Nations Security Council, condemning attacks by Houthi rebels on the kingdom, according to reports on September 11.
According to Saudi, Pakistani, and Iranian sources, Pakistan has delivered a warning message from Saudi Arabia to Iran, urging Tehran to control its Houthi allies to prevent the regional crisis from escalating.
A senior regional diplomat stated that the message was conveyed in the last 24 hours. A senior Iranian official reportedly confirmed receiving the message on Tuesday but responded that “Iran does not control the Houthis.”
The diplomatic intervention is seen as an effort by Islamabad to de-escalate the situation before Riyadh might pressure Pakistan to take a more active military role under their defence agreement.
Sources also indicated that Saudi officials met with senior Pakistani and Turkish military representatives in Riyadh to coordinate a response. It was reportedly agreed that their forces would not enter Yemen and any retaliatory action would be launched from Saudi territory.
A Pakistani source reiterated that the country's military agreement with Riyadh is defensive and limited to protecting Saudi territory. Pakistani forces may provide support within Saudi Arabia but will not engage in combat operations on foreign soil.
In a new development, reports suggest Pakistan has issued a direct warning to Houthi forces in connection with the ongoing conflict. The same reports indicate that Turkish forces in the region have been placed on alert, signaling wider regional concern.
In a significant diplomatic development, reports on Thursday indicated that Pakistan has issued a warning to Iran in connection with recent attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Sources and updates
As Saudi tensions with Houthis escalate, mediator Pakistan faces pressure to choose a side
ISLAMABAD/DUBAI:- For much of the past year, Pakistan has played a dual role as Riyadh’s defence partner and Washington’s backchannel to Tehran but this week’s fighting between Yemen’s Houthi movement and Saudi forces is increasingly testing how long
حوثیوں کو روکیں :پاکستان نے سعودی پیغام ایران کو پہنچا دیا
سعودی، پاکستانی اور ایرانی ذرائع کے مطابق پاکستان نے سعودی عرب کا ایک انتباہی پیغام ایران تک پہنچایا ہے جس میں یمن کے حوثی اتحادیوں کو کنٹرول کرنے کا کہا گیا ہے ، تاکہ اس بحران کو مزید پھیلنے سے روکا جا سکے۔
This is a consistent foreign policy stance. Praying for peace and stability in the entire region, as conflict benefits no one. The mention of our forces there for training is a key detail.
Good to see a clear stance on protecting civilian and economic infrastructure. Regional stability is crucial for everyone’s economic well-being, including ours.
The article says ‘reports indicated’ a warning was issued. Was this a public statement or conveyed through private diplomatic channels? The distinction seems important.
This is a very difficult balancing act. Maintaining strong ties with both Saudi Arabia and Iran is vital for our regional policy. Clear communication is key to preventing misunderstandings.
I agree. Any escalation could disrupt trade routes and affect oil prices, which would have a direct impact on our economy. Stability is not just a political goal, it’s an economic necessity.