Pakistan Faces Questions Over Makkah Pact as Shehbaz Sharif Calls MBS After Houthi Attacks

Islamabad: After betraying Saudi Arabia in the fight against the Houthi rebels, Pakistan is now attempting to repair its relationship with Riyadh. Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman by phone on Sunday. During the call, Shahbaz condemned the Yemeni Houthis' attacks on Saudi Arabia's people and infrastructure, including oil facilities. During the conversation, Shahbaz expressed solidarity with the Saudi leadership and people. However, this entire exercise is being seen as an attempt at damage control by Pakistan.

Pakistan left Saudi Arabia alone

This conversation comes at a time when Pakistan has refrained from providing military assistance to Saudi Arabia despite the Mecca Agreement. Pakistan has limited itself to merely condemning the Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has clearly stated that Islamabad has no intention of taking military action against the Houthis.

Shahbaz Sharif also condemned the Houthi attacks during a phone conversation on Sunday. He stated that the Houthi attacks pose a threat to regional peace and security and could disrupt the global economy and energy supplies. However, Shahbaz did not mention military assistance to Saudi Arabia during the entire conversation.

Houthis Advancing in Yemen

Meanwhile, the situation in Yemen is deteriorating, with fighting intensifying between Saudi Arabia-backed government forces and Iran-backed Houthi forces. Last week, the Houthis captured the vital Red Sea port of Mokha and an island near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, threatening one of the world's most vital maritime chokepoints. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is crucial for shipping through the Red Sea.

Questions Raised About the Mecca Agreement

Houthi rebels are continuously attacking civilian and economic targets in Saudi Arabia. These attacks have raised questions about the Mecca Agreement signed on August 7th. The defense agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey states that an attack on any of the three would be considered an attack on all three. However, neither Pakistan nor Turkey has yet offered military assistance to Saudi Arabia.

Last week, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that an attack on Saudi Arabia could trigger the agreement. However, Islamabad has since emphasized that the agreement is primarily for defense and that the Pakistani military will not engage in offensive military operations. This has reportedly caused displeasure in Riyadh. There are also reports that, feeling betrayed by Pakistan, Riyadh has sought Israeli assistance to stop the Houthis, conveying this message through US Central Command.