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Pakistan to Deploy 25,000 Troops in Saudi Arabia Amid Rising Houthi Threat
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News18•03-10-2026, 11:19
Pakistan to Deploy 25,000 Troops in Saudi Arabia Amid Rising Houthi Threat
- •Pakistan is considering deploying up to 25,000 troops to Saudi Arabia to bolster defenses against escalating Houthi attacks.
- •This deployment is part of growing defense cooperation under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
- •Over 15,000 Pakistani troops are already in Saudi Arabia, with additional personnel and military equipment planned.
- •An emergency meeting in Riyadh next week will discuss the defense pact's operational phase and an Iranian proposal for political engagement with Houthis.
- •Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed discussions with Iran on a political solution, emphasizing it was brainstorming, not a formal offer.
Key Questions Answered
Pakistan is considering a major expansion of its military presence in Saudi Arabia by deploying up to 25,000 troops.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed on August 7, establishing that an armed attack on any member state is considered an attack on all three.
Iran suggested political engagement with the Houthis as an alternative to further military or kinetic action following the recent attacks.
