Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey are set to hold an emergency meeting in Riyadh as escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia put the newly formed Mecca Joint Defence Agreement to its first major test. The pact, signed on August 7, treats an armed attack on any one of the three countries as an attack on all three.
The meeting will bring together foreign and defence ministers and military chiefs under the pact’s Strategic Political and Defence Committee. Discussions will focus on recent regional developments, Houthi attacks and steps to establish the alliance’s military and institutional framework.
Saudi Arabia has reported intercepting missiles and drones launched by the Houthis, while the group has claimed attacks on targets including an Aramco facility. Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to Saudi security, although Islamabad has not confirmed direct military involvement against the Houthis.
The talks will also consider a possible political approach. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Iran had suggested engaging the Houthis through political channels. He described the proposal as an informal suggestion rather than a formal offer, with the option expected to be discussed as an alternative to military action.
The three countries have been working to make the pact operational through military coordination and institutional mechanisms. The Riyadh meeting will indicate how the alliance responds to the growing regional security threat while balancing collective defence with efforts to prevent further escalation.
