Time has come to implement Mecca pact: Pakistan

Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia are increasing. Meanwhile, concerns are growing that the conflict could spread to new fronts across the Middle East. Amid the situation, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said the time has come to implement the Mecca Pact.

In an interview with Pakistan's Geo News, Asif said Pakistan's commitment to protecting Saudi Arabia and the country's holy sites remains unchanged. He stressed that this commitment is based on Pakistan's moral and religious responsibility and does not depend on whether there is any formal agreement.

The Pakistani defence minister said Islamabad remains committed to fulfilling its responsibilities toward Saudi Arabia. Protecting Saudi territory and the holy sites of Islam is a permanent responsibility of Pakistan.

Asif made the remarks as military tensions continue to rise in the region. Continued Houthi attacks on various targets inside Saudi territory have raised concerns about a broader security and military response.

Earlier, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Turkey under a trilateral agreement aimed at strengthening joint defence mechanisms.

Asif also said Pakistan had delivered a message from Riyadh to Iran expressing Saudi Arabia's concerns over the increase in Houthi attacks. The initiative was taken through diplomatic channels as part of efforts to address the growing tensions.

The move comes as regional parties and countries continue efforts to prevent the relationship between Iran and the Houthis and the ongoing tensions from developing into a broader conflict.

Earlier, various media reports said Pakistan had delivered a warning from Riyadh to Tehran to pressure the Houthis to stop attacks on Saudi Arabia.

Source: Middle East Monitor (Adapted)