No Treaty Needed to Defend Mecca, Says Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has declared that Pakistan is fully prepared to defend Mecca and Saudi Arabia, asserting that no formal pact is required to protect the holy sites in the event of an attack.

He emphasized that safeguarding Islam's holiest locations is an intrinsic responsibility for Pakistan, regardless of any existing defense agreements.

Highlighting the "Mecca Joint Defense Pact" signed on August 7 between Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia—which treats an armed assault on any member as an attack on all—Asif’s remarks came in the wake of Saudi air defenses intercepting a Houthi drone near Mecca, an allegation the Houthis have denied.

Furthermore, Asif confirmed that Pakistan has relayed a message from Riyadh to Tehran, expressing optimism that Iran will not open another front in the ongoing regional conflict. However, he voiced serious concern over maritime disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, warning that threats to vital trade routes are heavily impacting international commerce and Pakistan's economy. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also reiterated Pakistan's unwavering support for Saudi security.