Pakistan expressed that it will fulfill its obligations under the Mecca Agreement

**Pakistan declares it will fulfill its obligations under the Mecca agreement**

Pakistan has announced its readiness to implement the Mecca defense agreement following a drone attack by Yemeni Houthis on the city of Mecca. This was stated by Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on September 17.

The trilateral defense agreement between Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia was signed in August. The document establishes a collective deterrence system. According to it, an attack on any of the countries is considered an attack on all.

In an interview with Geo News, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said Islamabad is fully prepared to fulfill its duty under the Mecca agreement. He emphasized that the agreement applies to Pakistan and the country will perform its duty.

Asif's statement came after Saudi officials announced they had shot down a Houthi drone south of the city of Mecca. The Saudi side stated that the drone was destroyed on September 15 before entering Mecca's airspace. The Houthis, however, denied targeting Mecca or other Islamic holy sites.

"If Mecca is attacked, there is no need even for an agreement to defend it," Asif said.

He added that protecting the holy sites is a duty even in the absence of an agreement.

When asked how Pakistan would prevent the attacks, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sajjad Haidar Khan said Pakistan is committed to implementing the agreement. However, he stated that because the operation is kept secret, when, how, and where what kind of force will be used will not be disclosed for now.

Khan emphasized that Pakistan is in favor of peace and stability in the region. This is important not only for Pakistan and Iran, but for the entire region. He called the situation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait very serious and urged the Houthis to stop their actions. He said that issues should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, not by exerting pressure.

Khawaja Asif added that the defense agreement provides for mutual assistance in the event of a violation of the territorial integrity of one of the three countries. He stated that there is no doubt about this and that Pakistan will not discuss its military strategy openly.

Asif said Pakistan had conveyed Saudi Arabia's reaction to Iran. He expressed his belief that Iran, as a state, will not open a new war front. The cabinet representative explained that there is a difference between the Iranian state and non-state groups, and that such groups can act even without official permission.

He emphasized that it would not be a right decision for Iran to take sides in the conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed on September 16 that Islamabad fully supports the defense of Riyadh and stands shoulder to shoulder with the country. The minister strongly condemned the drone attack on Mecca. He called on all parties to exercise restraint and not to complicate the situation.