Key facts
- Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that any further attacks on Mecca would be a "red line" for Islamabad.
- The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan in August, obligates signatories to treat an attack on one ally as an attack on all.
- Turkey's parliament speaker Numan Kurtulmus expects the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement to be submitted for parliamentary approval next month.
- The pact could potentially expand to include Iran and the broader Muslim world.
- Houthi rebels have issued threats against Pakistan and Turkey regarding their commitment to the pact.
- Saudi Arabia has committed $8 billion in funds and investments to Pakistan.
Turkey's parliament speaker, Numan Kurtulmus, has suggested that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, recently signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, could evolve into a broader security pact for the entire Muslim world, potentially including Iran. This proposal comes as Pakistan faces pressure regarding its commitment to the pact due to threats from Yemen's Houthi rebels.
The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, signed in August, operates similarly to NATO's Article 5, stipulating that an attack on one signatory is considered an attack on all. Preparatory meetings are underway to define the accord's parameters and assess Saudi Arabia's defense needs.
Kurtulmus emphasized that the agreement is not directed against any specific nation, including Iran, and expressed hope for its expansion to encompass more regional countries. He indicated that the pact is expected to be presented for parliamentary ratification in October, following the parliament's return from recess.
Pakistan's commitment to the defense pact is being tested by Houthi threats of military retaliation if Pakistani forces intervene in the conflict with Saudi Arabia. The Houthis have warned of an 'iron fist' response should Pakistan or Turkey join the Saudi offensive, urging neutrality from both nations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated at the UN on Friday that any further attacks on the Islamic holy city of Mecca would be a "red line" for Islamabad.