Will Pakistan Join the Fight Against the Houthis on Behalf of Saudi Arabia? Here’s What We Know

Discussions have resurfaced regarding Pakistan’s military role in safeguarding Saudi Arabia. While Islamabad provides support to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, it remains unclear whether Pakistan will participate directly in the conflict. An analysis by the international publication The Diplomat suggests that Pakistan is pursuing a strategy of providing military and intelligence support to Saudi forces, rather than engaging in direct combat.

The military relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan spans decades. Since the 1960s, Pakistani military officials have been providing training and advisory services to the Saudi armed forces. Security cooperation between the two nations was formalized in 1982. However, in 2015, when a proposal was made for Pakistan to join the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen, the Pakistani parliament opted against direct participation.

Military cooperation gained further significance following the signing of a strategic mutual defense agreement between the two countries in September 2025. According to The Diplomat, the ‘Mecca Pact’—signed between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan in August 2026—has added a new dimension to regional security dynamics. As stated by Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Pakistan and Turkey are playing a supporting role, while the Saudi forces are the ones conducting direct military operations.

Nevertheless, there are several obstacles preventing Pakistan from becoming directly involved in a war on behalf of Saudi Arabia. Most notably, Pakistan shares a nearly 900-kilometer border with Iran, and its relationship with Tehran remains a critical consideration for Islamabad. Given Iran’s close ties to the Houthis, direct military involvement by Pakistan could further complicate its relationship with Tehran. Additionally, challenges regarding border security with Afghanistan and India, as well as Pakistan’s internal political situation, may also influence the country’s decision-making.

On the other hand, Saudi Arabia’s financial support and investments are vital to Pakistan’s economy; therefore, Islamabad cannot afford to overlook Riyadh’s security concerns. Ultimately, while defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia continues to grow, it remains uncertain whether Pakistan will participate directly in the war against the Houthis. Any decision by the country will depend on regional security considerations, economic interests, and the implementation of existing defense agreements.