Pakistan denies PAF strikes against Yemen’s Houthis, rejecting reports that its fighter jets joined combat operations. The controversy comes as the Makkah pact deepens Saudi defence cooperation with Pakistan and Turkiye amid escalating missile and drone attacks.
Pakistan denies PAF strikes against Yemen’s Houthis
Pakistan has rejected reports that its air force is carrying out strikes against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, calling the claim “fake and fabricated” as questions grow over Islamabad’s role in Saudi Arabia’s expanding defence campaign.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information issued the denial Thursday after reports citing unnamed officials claimed Pakistan Air Force fighter jets had participated in operations against Houthi targets. The ministry urged international media to avoid speculation about the deployment of Pakistani forces and said any confirmed operational role would be announced by the relevant authorities.
Houthi war
The denial comes as fighting between Saudi-backed Yemeni forces and the Houthis intensifies. Houthi forces have launched repeated ballistic missile and drone attacks toward Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh and other strategic locations.
Saudi-led forces have responded with an expanded air campaign in Yemen while supporting government troops attempting to regain territory near key Red Sea routes. The renewed fighting has raised concerns about regional escalation and the security of airports, oil infrastructure and international shipping.
Makkah pact
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye recently agreed to accelerate implementation of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, which strengthens collective military cooperation among the three countries.
The arrangement allows for rapid deployment of agreed forces and capabilities when one member faces a security threat. Pakistani officials have confirmed that military personnel are already stationed in Saudi Arabia, while stressing that Pakistani forces have maintained a presence there for decades in training, advisory and other roles.
Saudi defence
The central issue is whether Pakistan’s role remains defensive or has expanded into direct combat operations in Yemen. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said Pakistan and Turkiye have a presence in the operational theatre but that Saudi forces are conducting the combat mission.
Pakistan’s military spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has also confirmed Pakistani forces are present in Saudi Arabia but has declined to disclose their numbers or specific capabilities.
That distinction matters because Islamabad has historically tried to maintain close ties with Saudi Arabia while avoiding direct confrontation with neighbouring Iran.
PAF role
Reports alleging Pakistani air strikes suggested that the country could be contributing to efforts aimed at reducing Houthi missile and drone capabilities. Islamabad, however, has explicitly denied that its aircraft are being used to strike the Houthis.
The Pakistani government has also disputed separate reports about the size of troop deployments to Saudi Arabia, calling such figures speculative. Reuters has reported that additional Pakistani forces are being deployed under the defence agreement, although the operational details remain undisclosed.
Regional tensions
Turkiye has similarly stressed that any assistance would focus primarily on defensive capabilities. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Ankara was considering support in areas such as air defence, electronic warfare and technical assistance while ruling out offensive military operations against Yemen.
For now, the clearest confirmed position is that Pakistani forces are present in Saudi Arabia and that the three allies are strengthening collective defence cooperation. Islamabad continues to deny that PAF aircraft are conducting strikes against the Houthis, leaving claims of direct Pakistani combat involvement disputed.
