MJ Akbar Scorns Mecca Pact Amid Saudi Arabia's Yemen Woes, Brands Pakistan Army as 'Sheep'

In a biting commentary that has certainly stirred the pot, former Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, MJ Akbar, didn't hold back, directing his sharpest barbs at the much-discussed 'Mecca Defence Pact' and, rather pointedly, the Pakistan Army. His remarks came hot on the heels of news that Saudi Arabia, facing significant challenges from Houthi rebels in Yemen, reportedly reached out to the United States for military aid, only to be turned down by then-President Donald Trump.

It's a situation steeped in irony, you see. The 'Mecca Defence Pact,' a supposed military alliance among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, was touted with the grand principle of "one for all and all for one." Yet, when push came to shove, and the Houthis were making undeniable gains, it appears Riyadh found itself in a rather desperate position, dialing Washington instead of leaning on its regional allies. Akbar, seizing on this perceived disconnect, mockingly questioned the pact's very essence, wondering aloud about its utility if its core members couldn't provide immediate, tangible support.

And what exactly prompted this apparent scramble for help? Well, the situation on the ground in Yemen had been deteriorating for Saudi Arabia. The Iranian-backed Houthis had been on a relentless offensive, managing to seize the strategically vital Mokha port along the Red Sea coast. Even more concerning, they had gained control of several islands in the critical Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This particular waterway is, of course, a global shipping choke point, linking the Suez Canal to the Indian Ocean – its control by any hostile force has massive implications for international trade. Furthermore, reports, including those from CBS News and Al Jazeera, indicated that Houthi forces had even struck a military base in Saudi Arabia's Sharurah region. This wasn't just a border skirmish; it represented a significant escalation.

Just a day before Akbar’s fiery statements, it was widely reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had made a direct appeal to President Trump, urgently requesting military assistance. However, according to sources like CBS News, Trump allegedly declined to send help, suggesting the Saudis needed to sort out their own predicament. This alleged refusal from a key Western ally, coupled with the Houthi advances, painted a picture of increasing isolation for Saudi Arabia in its Yemen campaign.

This is precisely where Akbar’s criticism of the Pakistan Army landed with such force. His comment, calling them "sheep on the battlefield," was certainly designed to sting. It implied a severe lack of capability or perhaps an unwillingness to engage effectively when a supposed ally was in dire straits. Given Pakistan's significant military resources and its historical ties to Saudi Arabia, Akbar's words underscore a growing skepticism about the practical value of such defense pacts when faced with real-world threats.

Amidst all this regional tension, it's worth noting a broader diplomatic development. Around the same time, the BRICS nations – including Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, and India (which is slated to chair the group in 2026) – issued their New Delhi Declaration. This declaration, made under India's current chairship, specifically called for a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions in West Asia, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic dialogue, restraint, and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter. It served as a reminder that while military pacts and regional conflicts capture headlines, there's also a significant push for de-escalation and dialogue on the global stage, a much-needed counterpoint to the rhetoric of military might.