Pakistan and Turkey have agreed to deploy military forces to Saudi Arabia under the Mecca defence pact, according to recent reports. The decision came after an emergency session of the three signatories of the August Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, held in Riyadh. The pact includes Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, and aims to bolster regional security.
The agreement follows heightened tensions in the Gulf region, with concerns over the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has been in discussions with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has expressed support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the region. Guterres urged the US and Iran to end their conflict and restore navigational rights in the Gulf.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has warned of a growing terror threat from Afghanistan, stating that terrorism originating from the country is targeting the region. The country has repeatedly called for an end to the situation, emphasizing its inability to tolerate the ongoing instability.
The Mecca defence pact, signed in August, is designed to enhance cooperation among the three nations. The recent decision to rapidly deploy military forces marks a significant escalation in the pact’s implementation. Turkey and Pakistan are now contributing their military capabilities to support Saudi Arabia’s security, reflecting a broader alignment of interests in the region.
This move comes amid increased regional instability, with Iran warning of a “devastating” response to any US “miscalculation.” The deployment of troops under the pact underscores the growing importance of military cooperation in addressing security challenges in the Gulf.
