Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said Pakistan remains committed to implementing the Saudi Defence Mutual Assistance Agreement (SDMA) and the Makkah pact, amid renewed tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking at his weekly briefing, Khan said Pakistan would fulfil its commitments under the agreements, but declined to disclose operational details regarding how the country would respond to recent attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in Saudi Arabia.
“However, when, how, where and what force will be used against what objectives, in which modes and matters — operational confidentiality requires us to be discreet at this stage,” he said.
The statement comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with Houthi rebels carrying out attacks in Saudi Arabia in recent days.
A Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis had accused the rebels of targeting Makkah, prompting condemnation across the Muslim world. The Houthis rejected the Saudi claim, describing it as a “lie” and denying that a drone had been heading towards the holy city.
Asked about Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions surrounding the Houthi issue, the FO spokesperson said Islamabad had consistently advocated peace and stability in the region.
“Pakistan has for a long time shared the perspective that we would like to have peace and stability because this is not only in the interest of Pakistan and Iran, but also the entire region and beyond,” Khan said.
He described the situation around Bab al-Mandeb as “exceptionally serious” and called on the Houthis to halt their activities.
Khan said Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts were focused on promoting peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy rather than coercive measures.
