Brief
Pakistan considers sending up to 25,000 troops to Saudi Arabia amid Houthi threat
A security source said Pakistan is preparing to expand its military presence in Saudi Arabia under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Pakistan is preparing to expand its military footprint in Saudi Arabia, with a security source telling CNN‑News18 that up to 25,000 Pakistani troops could be deployed as Riyadh confronts a growing threat from Yemen's Houthi rebels.
The proposed deployment forms part of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, a defence‑cooperation framework that also links Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The pact has not yet been fully activated, but the source said the two countries are deepening operational ties in response to the Houthi escalation.
According to the source, more than 15,000 Pakistani personnel are already stationed in Saudi Arabia, primarily in advisory and training roles. The additional troops would be sent to reinforce Saudi defences, though details of the units, equipment and timeline were not disclosed.
The source highlighted that the Houthi movement has intensified missile and drone attacks on Saudi infrastructure, prompting Riyadh to seek greater external support. The security official, who requested anonymity, said the deployment would be coordinated through the joint defence agreement and could include air‑defence and ground‑force elements.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on 15 April 2026, a meeting that Reuters photographed and which underscored the close political ties between the two states. While the source did not confirm any formal decision, the report suggests that Islamabad is preparing a substantial force‑level contribution if the agreement is activated.
Analysts note that the move would mark the largest Pakistani troop presence abroad since the 1970s, and could reshape regional security dynamics, especially if Turkey also contributes forces under the same framework.
Key facts
- Pakistan is considering deploying up to 25,000 troops to Saudi Arabia. (news18.com)
- More than 15,000 Pakistani troops are already present in Saudi Arabia. (news18.com)
- The deployment would be part of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey. (news18.com)
- The proposal is driven by an escalating Houthi threat against Saudi targets. (news18.com)
- Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on 15 April 2026. (news18.com)
Sources
- [1] news18.com — originally reported as “Pakistan Plans To Deploy Up To 25,000 Troops In Saudi Arabia Amid Rising Houthi Threat | Exclusive”
