Houthi Strikes on Saudi Expose Limits of ‘Mecca Defence Pact’
What Happened
Houthi drones and missiles targeted Saudi energy facilities, airports and Red Sea shipping routes, raising questions about the Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. Despite the attacks, Pakistan has not intervened militarily, maintaining that the pact applies to direct threats to Saudi territory or the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
Key Takeaways
The crisis shows that the Saudi-Pakistan defence pact is primarily a strategic and political deterrent rather than an automatic military alliance. Pakistan's neutrality reflects its concerns over Yemen, Iran, and regional stability.