International Desk //

An emergency meeting regarding the Makkah Defense Pact is set to begin on Monday (September 5) in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

The meeting has been convened to enhance regional security and mutual cooperation in the face of repeated attacks by Houthi rebels in recent times. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the development.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Defense Minister Khawaja Asif have arrived in Riyadh to attend the meeting. Top ministers and military officials from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are also participating. Prior to arriving in Riyadh, Ishaq Dar visited Madinah to offer prayers and pay his respects at the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi).

Under the terms of the pact signed last August, an attack on any one of the member nations is considered an attack on all of them. Military chiefs from the three nations had previously held an emergency meeting in Riyadh last month. The crisis arose following recent missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on various locations in Saudi Arabia. In response, the Saudi-led coalition has launched counter-attacks.

Amidst this situation, Pakistan has clearly stated that it will stand by Riyadh at any cost to ensure Saudi Arabia’s security. Both Pakistan’s Army Chief and Defense Minister have previously reiterated their unconditional support for Saudi Arabia.

Source: Dawn.

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