The Mecca Pact’s organisational structure has been officially completed, as confirmed by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. The formal ratification of the appointment of its secretary-general took place amid ongoing military operations led by Saudi Arabia against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Asif noted that an urgent meeting was convened to establish the pact’s framework, rather than to coordinate specific military actions against the Houthis.

Asif stated, “The structure of Mecca Pact has been formalised, the Secretary-General appointed for Makkah Pact has been ratified, and all related matters have been fully ratified.” This declaration highlights the commitment of the involved parties to a structured approach in addressing the ongoing conflict.

Saudi Arabia’s Active Engagement in Yemen

In light of recent tensions, Khawaja Asif remarked on Saudi Arabia’s military engagement in Yemen. According to him, Saudi forces are directly involved in combat against the Houthis, while both Pakistan and Turkey are extending their support to Saudi Arabia as part of a broader security arrangement. Reports indicate that recent military operations have increased, marking a significant point in regional military dynamics.

Asif elaborated on the situation, revealing that the Houthis have taken a defensive position while managing to secure certain territories in Yemen over the past month. The Yemeni government, now focused on reclaiming lost ground, aims to reverse the Houthis’ recent territorial gains. “The Houthis have adopted a defensive stance, and over the past month, they captured certain areas in Yemen which the government now wants to recapture,” he stated.

The distinction between combat and support roles was emphasised by Asif, who clarified that while Saudi Arabia leads the military operations, Pakistan and Turkey serve more as supporters within the context of the Mecca Pact.

Role of Pakistan and Turkey in the Pact

Defence Minister Asif indicated the presence of Pakistani and Turkish forces in Saudi Arabia, but stressed that neither country is in charge of the current military operations against the Houthis. “Pakistan and Turkey both have their presence there. However, Saudi Arabia is fighting its own battles against the Houthis where combat is active,” he explained. This assertion underscores the collaborative yet distinct roles played by each nation within the framework of the pact.

Asif further delineated the differences between military engagement and the institutional objectives of the Mecca Pact. He asserted that the recent meetings primarily focused on formalising the organisational work rather than coordinating combat efforts. This serves to illustrate a commitment to cooperation that extends beyond immediate military concerns.

The Mecca Pact aims to foster closer security and defence cooperation among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. The formalisation of this partnership comes at a critical time, as the ongoing instability in Yemen is having broader implications for Gulf security and regional stability.

Asif acknowledged that while the armed forces of Pakistan and Turkey are involved in support roles, they are not executing combat missions. “We are currently at a position where the armed forces of Turkey and Pakistan are playing a supportive role,” he said. His statement reinforces the understanding that Saudi Arabia remains responsible for reclaiming territories through its own military efforts.

The involvement of Pakistan and Turkey also encompasses roles beyond military assistance, including engagements related to reconstruction. “Definitely, reconstruction and all those things are areas where we are involved, but combat is practically being carried out by Saudi Arabia’s own forces,” Asif clarified. This distinction highlights the multifaceted nature of the collaboration under the Mecca Pact amidst a complex regional conflict.

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