Pakistan Confirms Troops Are Serving in Saudi Arabia Under Makkah Defense Pact
Pakistan has confirmed that its military personnel are currently stationed in Saudi Arabia under the framework of the recently signed Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, reinforcing the long-standing security partnership between the two countries.
The confirmation was provided by Pakistan military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who stated that Pakistani forces have been operating in Saudi Arabia in various roles and capacities. His remarks came shortly after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye agreed to contribute designated military resources under the trilateral defense arrangement.
Defense Pact Strengthens Regional Security Cooperation
The announcement follows a meeting of the Strategic-Political and Defense Committee of the Makkah Alliance for Defense held in Riyadh. Representatives from the three member countries discussed regional security challenges and measures to enhance collective defense cooperation.
The talks took place amid growing concerns over attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, including missile and drone strikes attributed to Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement. Officials from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye reaffirmed their support for the Kingdom’s security and stressed their opposition to threats against its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
What Is the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement?
The Makkah Joint Defense Agreement was signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye in August 2026. The pact outlines a framework for collective defense, under which an armed attack on one member state would be treated as a threat to all participating countries.
The agreement is regarded as one of the most significant regional security arrangements established in recent years and aims to improve military coordination among the three nations.
Pakistani Troops Have Been in Saudi Arabia for Decades
Speaking during an interview with CNN, Lt. Gen. Chaudhry said Pakistan’s military presence in Saudi Arabia is not a new development.
According to him, Pakistani troops have been serving in the Kingdom for decades in multiple operational, training, and advisory roles. He emphasized that the relationship between the two countries has a long history and extends beyond military cooperation.
The military spokesperson noted that the deployment under the Makkah Pact builds upon an already established partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Turkiye Reviewing Its Role Under the Agreement
Turkiye is also evaluating how it can contribute to the alliance, particularly in the area of air defense and technical support.
According to statements attributed to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the agreement is intended as a defensive arrangement rather than an offensive military alliance. Turkish officials are reportedly reviewing potential contributions aimed at helping strengthen Saudi Arabia’s defensive capabilities.
Fidan also indicated that the process of submitting the Makkah Pact to Turkey’s parliament for ratification has been completed.
Longstanding Defense Ties Between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained close military and strategic relations for many years. Pakistani military personnel have regularly participated in training, advisory, and security cooperation programs within the Kingdom.
In addition to the trilateral agreement, both countries signed a separate bilateral defense pact in 2025 aimed at expanding military collaboration. Reports at the time indicated that Pakistan increased its defense support through troop deployments and other military assets as part of the growing partnership.
Growing Regional Cooperation
Officials say the Makkah Defense Pact reflects broader cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye in addressing regional security challenges.
Lt. Gen. Chaudhry described the alliance as the result of long-standing diplomatic, political, military, and people-to-people ties among the three nations. He reiterated that Pakistani forces are already serving in Saudi Arabia across multiple domains and continue to play an active role in bilateral defense cooperation.
The agreement is expected to further strengthen coordination among the three countries as they work together to address evolving security concerns across the region.
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