Pakistan to deploy more troops to Saudi Arabia

Pakistan has agreed to rapidly deploy additional military forces to Saudi Arabia under a new defence pact, without seeking a parliamentary vote, as tensions with Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis escalate.

The decision was taken after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye activated their Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on October 5, committing to provide agreed military forces and capabilities for rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan’s military has confirmed that its troops are already stationed in Saudi Arabia and have been serving there for decades in multiple roles. The number and specific mission of the additional forces have not been disclosed.

Pakistan’s Information Ministry said the alliance had gone through necessary government procedures, but did not say whether the cabinet or parliament was involved. The government has described operational details as confidential.

The development contrasts with 2015, when Pakistan’s parliament unanimously decided to keep the country neutral in the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen while pledging to defend Saudi territory and the holy sites.