Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Complete Ratification of Mecca Defence Pact

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have finalized their internal approvals for a tripartite security agreement.

Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan confirmed on Friday that Islamabad and Riyadh have completed their ratification of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. The document was signed on 7 August by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It requires the three nations to provide collective defence if any member faces an external armed attack. The specific nature of the aid will depend on the situation. Islamabad maintains the pact is strictly defensive and aligns with the UN Charter.

Turkey remains the only signatory still working through its domestic approval process. Khan stated that discussions regarding the agreement's operational details are ongoing among the three parties. Progress accelerated following a 5 October meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee. That body urged the rapid deployment of military forces to Saudi Arabia in the event of an attack, subject to each nation's local laws.

The ratification arrives as Yemen's Houthis intensify attacks on Saudi infrastructure. Reuters reported on 21 October that Riyadh's allies are primarily providing defensive support. Saudi Civil Defence issued warnings this week about potential danger in Abha and Khamis Mushait. Authorities later declared the threat had passed. Officials did not identify the specific hazard but told residents to follow safety instructions and avoid filming, according to Anadolu Agency.

Regional tensions remain elevated with Israeli military announcements. The Israeli military scheduled large-scale exercises for Sunday and Monday in the country's north and centre. The drills involve the air force and Northern and Central Command units. They will rehearse surprise air and land attacks. The military aims to test readiness for multi-front defence.

Washington and Tel Aviv are reportedly evaluating new strikes against Iran. President Trump said on Friday that the United States might conduct another military operation as the conflict approaches its eighth month. A report in The Business Times cited US officials who said American and Israeli forces have drawn up plans for fresh strikes. These would occur after the 3 November midterm elections. Potential targets include Iranian energy infrastructure, nuclear sites, and missile systems.