Pakistan aids Saudi operations against Houthis, defence minister says

Pakistan is actively assisting Saudi Arabia in its ongoing military operations against Houthi fighters, according to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. The minister stated that while Riyadh is conducting direct military campaigns against the Iranian-backed militant group, Pakistan and Turkey are providing supportive roles in the effort.

Asif's remarks underscore Pakistan's continued involvement in regional security matters alongside Saudi Arabia, a key Gulf ally and significant economic partner. The two nations have maintained close defence ties, with Islamabad previously deploying military personnel to assist in Saudi operations in the Yemen conflict.

However, Asif did not specify the exact nature or scope of Pakistan's assistance to the Saudi-led coalition. His statement raises questions about the extent of Pakistani military involvement, whether comprising advisory support, logistics, equipment, or personnel contributions.

The Yemen conflict has drawn multiple regional and international actors into the complex struggle, with the Houthis receiving support from Iran while the Saudi-led coalition has involved several Arab states and Western nations. Pakistan's role, though acknowledged by its defence leadership, remains somewhat opaque in public discourse.