Pakistan Limits Saudi Support to Defense as Mecca Pact Implementation Stalls
Two months into the Saudi-Houthi escalation, Pakistan's implementation of the Mecca Defense Pact remains stalled, with troops limited to training and defensive support as Turkey also delays action.
Two months into the escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in Yemen, the operational implementation of the Mecca Mutual Defense Pact remains stalled. Although Pakistan previously claimed to have participated in strikes against the Houthis, no documentation has emerged to verify Islamabad's military operations on the Arabian Peninsula. However, the Pakistani military spokesman now states that his country intends to take steps enabling the rapid deployment of agreed forces and military capabilities within Saudi Arabia.
The spokesman confirmed to Saudi media that Pakistani forces are already present in Saudi Arabia and operating in various capacities. According to his statements, their primary missions include providing defensive support, exercises, and training, while Islamabad commits to continuing to provide all necessary support for defense purposes—including manpower, equipment, training, and logistical assistance.
On the third side of the agreement, Turkey has submitted the pact for parliamentary approval but has yet to take any concrete action. In an interview with Arab media, a Turkish military expert stated that even once the agreement is ratified, direct physical Turkish participation in the war is not expected; instead, support will be limited to arms supplies and troop training.
Meanwhile, Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces appear poised to gain an advantage over the Houthis on the Marib city front. Nevertheless, the campaign is expected to be protracted, as one of the primary objectives of the "Dawn of Yemen" operation—the liberation of the city of Sanaa—remains unattainable at present.
