Pakistan warns against threats to holy cities as defence pact takes shape
Shehbaz Sharif condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia at the UN, while military chiefs from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye discussed cooperation under their new pact.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia at the UN General Assembly on Friday, warning that any threat to Mecca or Medina would cross a “red line”. He called the attacks “deplorable”.
Riyadh says one attack targeted Mecca. The Houthis have denied the accusation, and responsibility for the reported attack has not been independently established.
The remarks came as the military chiefs of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye met in Riyadh. Pakistan’s military said they discussed intelligence sharing, military coordination and collective defence.
The three countries signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement last month. It says an attack on one member will be treated as an attack on all, but it remains unclear what support Pakistan or Turkiye might provide to Riyadh in its conflict with the Houthis.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said possible support could include intelligence, logistics or ammunition, with broader military assistance depending on the scale of the threat. His comments did not confirm a commitment.
