Khawaja Asif Says Saudi Attacks from Yemen Could Activate Joint Defence Pact
ISLAMABAD:Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that attacks on Saudi Arabia from Yemen would trigger the implementation of the joint defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
Speaking on the programme *Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath*, Khawaja Asif said Pakistan was bound to provide assistance under the agreement and there should be no doubt about its commitment.
He reiterated that attacks on Saudi Arabia from Yemen would activate the trilateral defence pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
According to the defence minister, under the trilateral Makkah Agreement, aggression against one of the three countries would be considered aggression against all three.
The remarks came after Yemen’s Houthi group, Ansar Allah, carried out attacks on Saudi cities including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Najran and Jazan. Civilian and economic installations were reportedly targeted, while 73 people, including women and children, were injured in the attacks.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia, saying such strikes not only threaten innocent lives but also undermine regional peace and security.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and expressed solidarity with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia.
