Pakistan has agreed to rapidly deploy additional military personnel to Saudi Arabia amid escalating attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement, marking a significant departure from its approach during the Yemen crisis a decade ago. The decision has sparked debate inside Pakistan, with critics arguing that it reflects the growing influence of the military over foreign and security policy.
The deployment comes after a defence pact signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye was reportedly invoked for the first time. Under the arrangement, member states can provide military support when the security of a partner is threatened. Saudi Arabia has been facing an intensified campaign of drone and missile attacks, increasing pressure on its regional security architecture.
The move stands in sharp contrast to 2015, when Saudi Arabia requested Pakistani military support for its intervention in Yemen. At that time, the civilian government referred the matter to parliament, which unanimously voted to maintain neutrality while reaffirming support for the protection of Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity and Islamic holy sites.
This time, however, no parliamentary vote was sought before the deployment decision. Pakistani officials have confirmed that military personnel are already stationed in Saudi Arabia and that cooperation between the two countries has existed for decades across training, advisory and defence roles.
The decision has also reignited domestic political debate. Supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan have accused the military establishment of exercising excessive influence over national policy. The army rejects those allegations, insisting that all actions are being taken in the national interest and within the constitutional framework.
Attention has also focused on Field Marshal Asim Munir, whose role has expanded significantly in recent years. Constitutional changes approved last year placed him in charge of all three military services until 2030, further reinforcing the military’s influence in strategic decision-making.
Analysts say the troop deployment highlights how Pakistan’s security and foreign policy priorities have evolved since 2015. Whether the move remains limited to defensive cooperation or develops into a broader regional role will be closely watched across West Asia.