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// DOSSIER — pakistan-denounces-airstrikes-yemen-houthi-claims-fabricated
Pakistan Denounces Report of Airstrikes Against Yemen's Houthis as Fabricated
REL_TIME: 09 Oct 2026 08:13Z · LANG: EN
Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has firmly rejected a New York Times report alleging that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets participated in strikes against Houthi forces in Yemen, labeling the claims 'fake and fabricated.' While Islamabad confirmed its long-standing military presence in Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed its collective defense commitments under the recently activated Mecca Joint Defense Agreement alongside Turkey, officials reiterated that Pakistani personnel serve strictly defensive and deterrence roles. Meanwhile, cross-border attacks between Saudi-led forces and Houthi fighters have intensified, marked by ballistic missile strikes on Saudi commercial airports and reciprocal coalition airstrikes on Sanaa.
// Background
On August 7, 2026, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey entered into the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, establishing a collective deterrence framework where an attack against one signatory is considered an attack against all. Despite deep financial and strategic ties to Riyadh, Pakistan has historically avoided direct combat engagement in Yemen to protect diplomatic relations with neighboring Iran. External defense analysts estimate that thousands of Pakistani troops deployed to the kingdom focus primarily on air defense and protecting key oil infrastructure rather than conducting offensive campaigns.
// Key Developments
- Pakistan's Ministry of Information dismissed a New York Times report alleging PAF fighter jet involvement against Houthis as 'fake and fabricated.'
- Unnamed officials cited by the NYT claimed Pakistani jets were actively used to degrade Houthi drone and missile positions via air support.
- Pakistani military leadership confirmed troops are stationed in Saudi Arabia but emphasized their deployment is defensive and historical.
- Under the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey recently convened in Riyadh to accelerate mutual defense readiness.
- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan underscored that the tripartite pact is defensive, confirming Turkey will not deploy troops for cross-border offensive attacks.
// Timeline
-
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey sign the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement.
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The Strategic Political and Defense Committee of the Mecca Alliance holds an emergency meeting in Riyadh to implement collective defense measures.
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Pakistan rejects a Reuters report asserting that 30,000 to 40,000 Pakistani soldiers had deployed to Saudi Arabia.
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The New York Times reports that Pakistani fighter jets are carrying out air operations against Houthis in Yemen.
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Pakistan's Ministry of Information officially labels the NYT report fake; Houthi missile strikes target Riyadh and Abha airports as Saudi airstrikes hit Sanaa.
// Perspectives
[Government of Pakistan]
Categorically rejects claims that its air force conducted combat strikes in Yemen, framing its troop presence in Saudi Arabia as strictly defensive and bound by bilateral agreements.
[The New York Times]
Reported that Pakistan has transitioned into active combat support against Houthi targets, citing unnamed Pakistani military and US defense officials.
[Government of Turkey]
Maintains that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement is an alliance for deterrence and collective defense, refusing to engage in offensive military operations abroad.
[Houthi Movement (Ansar Allah)]
Escalating retaliatory strikes against Saudi infrastructure and international airports while warning foreign workers to evacuate key facilities.
// Quotes
“NYT above referred story attributing employment of PAF aircraft against Houthis is fake and fabricated. International Media houses are again asked to avoid speculative reporting with regards to employment of Pakistan’s Military Forces under Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.”
“This is a defense agreement. If one of the countries is attacked, you support its defense. This is not an offensive agreement. Türkiye will not send its troops to another country’s territory to launch an attack.”
“Our armed forces targeted King Khalid Airport in Riyadh at midday with a ballistic missile that hit its target.”
