Pakistan is preparing to increase its military support for Saudi Arabia as tensions between Riyadh and Yemen-based Houthi rebels continue to rise. According to CNN-News18, citing an unnamed senior security source, Pakistan could deploy up to 25,000 troops to Saudi Arabia. The troops could help the kingdom respond to the growing Houthi threat.
More than 15,000 Pakistani troops already serve in Saudi Arabia. Islamabad is now considering additional deployments and more military equipment for Riyadh. The proposed support could include air defence systems, rockets and drones.
The move comes as Saudi Arabia prepares for a possible major confrontation with the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. Reuters reported on Friday that Riyadh was preparing for a military offensive against the group. Pakistan and other allies have so far focused on providing defensive support to Saudi Arabia.
"Up to 25,000 Pakistani troops could be deployed to Saudi Arabia under the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement," the security sources said. The sources also said Pakistan was preparing to strengthen Saudi Arabia's military capabilities with additional equipment.
"Pakistan boosts Saudi defence support with troops, air defence systems, rockets and drones," sources told CNN-News 18.
More Than 15,000 Pakistani Troops Already in Saudi Arabia
Pakistan already maintains a significant military presence in Saudi Arabia. According to the security sources, more than 15,000 Pakistani troops currently serve in the kingdom. Islamabad could increase that presence if tensions with the Houthis worsen.
"More than 15,000 Pakistani troops are already in Saudi Arabia," the sources told CNN-News18, adding that Islamabad was preparing for a possible further military reinforcement of the Kingdom. The sources also clarified that the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement has not yet been formally activated.
However, military cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has already started. "The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement is not activated yet, but cooperation is underway," the sources added. The agreement could move toward full activation after an emergency meeting of the Strategic Political Defence Council. Officials are expected to hold the meeting soon in Riyadh.
Mecca Defence Pact Comes Into Focus
The possible deployment has brought renewed attention to the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. "The Mecca pact will be fully activated after the emergency meeting of the Strategic Political Defence Council soon in Riyadh," the sources said. According to CNN-News18, senior leaders from Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia are also expected to meet in Riyadh.
The three countries are likely to discuss the changing security situation across the region. "Top leaders of Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia are scheduled to meet soon in Riyadh," the sources said. The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA) creates a framework for closer defence cooperation between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan. The arrangement builds on the Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement that the two countries signed in September 2025.
Turkey joined the framework in August 2026. This turned the arrangement into a trilateral security partnership. The agreement includes a collective defence provision. Under its terms, an armed attack against one member would be treated as an attack against all three members.
The provision creates a shared defence commitment among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey. The possible deployment of additional Pakistani troops comes as Saudi Arabia faces growing security concerns linked to the Houthis. Any activation of the wider defence framework could further shape the military response to the evolving regional situation.