Pakistan keeps Makkah Accord response details confidential

Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, while declining to disclose how or when it could respond to threats against the kingdom.

FO spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said operational details, including the timing, location, nature of any response, forces involved and objectives, could not be disclosed because of the need for “operational confidentiality.”

The statement came amid escalating tensions involving Yemen’s Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan has reiterated its support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also calling for restraint, dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further escalation.

Khan said Pakistan was closely monitoring developments around the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb and stressed that Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts were focused on achieving peace and stability rather than coercive measures.

The latest Foreign Office position follows Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s remarks that the situation had reached a point where the Makkah Accord could need to be implemented.