Makkah Defence Pact Committee Meets in Riyadh as Regional Tensions Rise

RIYADH, October 5, 2026: Senior officials from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye are meeting in Riyadh on Monday for talks under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, with regional developments and cooperation among the three countries on the agenda.

Pakistan’s delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, according to the Foreign Office.

The meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee (SPDC) brings together the foreign and defence ministers and senior military commanders of the three member states.

Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defence Minister Ya?ar Güler and Chief of General Staff General Selçuk Bayraktaro?lu are attending the Riyadh meeting.

The participants are expected to discuss the latest regional developments and review ongoing cooperation under the Makkah Agreement. Türkiye said the meeting would also assess progress in institutionalising the alliance.

Dar Arrives in Saudi Arabia Ahead of Talks

Dar arrived in Madinah before travelling to Riyadh for the SPDC meeting, according to the Foreign Office.

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During his stay in Madinah, the deputy prime minister paid respects at the Prophet’s Mosque and offered prayers. He later proceeded to Riyadh, where he joined Asim Munir and Khawaja Asif for the meeting.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan’s participation reflects its commitment to contributing to regional peace and stability.

Dar had previously said the Riyadh meeting would examine the situation surrounding recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. He announced the planned meeting during a press briefing on October 2.

Yemen Conflict Raises Regional Security Concerns

The Riyadh meeting comes amid a sharp escalation in Yemen.

Yemen’s internationally recognised, Saudi-backed government announced on Sunday that it was launching a major military campaign to recapture territory controlled by the Houthis. President Rashad al-Alimi said the operation would continue until government forces regain control of areas held by the group.

The Houthis, meanwhile, have claimed attacks against Saudi targets. On Saturday, the group said it targeted an Aramco facility in Riyadh with ballistic missiles and drones. Reuters reported that smoke and fire were seen near the facility, but Saudi authorities and Aramco had not immediately confirmed the Houthi claim.

The latest escalation follows renewed fighting around Yemen and comes after the Houthis expanded their control along parts of the Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandeb area, according to Reuters.

Makkah Agreement Expands Defence Cooperation

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on August 7. The framework provides for closer defence cooperation and collective deterrence among the three countries.

The SPDC held its inaugural meeting in Istanbul on August 31. The three countries agreed to further institutionalise cooperation under the agreement and establish a secretariat. Pakistan is set to provide the secretary general for the first three years.

The agreement also envisages greater cooperation in defence industries, technology development and joint production.

The latest Riyadh meeting comes after the military chiefs of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye held urgent talks in Riyadh on September 25 amid escalating Houthi attacks. The three sides agreed to deepen military and intelligence cooperation and strengthen defensive capabilities under the agreement.

The Riyadh talks therefore mark another step in the three countries’ efforts to develop the Makkah framework while addressing growing regional security concerns.