A Pakistani J-10 fighter jet. (File photo: April 2025)
Pakistan denies its fighter jets struck Houthi targets
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Thursday rejected a New York Times report claiming that Pakistan Air Force fighter jets had been used in strikes against the Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, describing the account as “fake and fabricated.”
The NYT article cited a senior Pakistani military official speaking on condition of anonymity who said PAF aircraft were involved in operations against the Houthis amid escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia.
A second official reportedly indicated that Pakistan’s role focused on degrading Houthi drone and missile threats through air support rather than any ground offensive in Yemen.
In a post on X, the ministry stated: “NYT above referred story attributing employment of PAF aircraft against Houthis is fake and fabricated.”
It urged international media houses “to avoid speculative reporting with regards to employment of Pakistan’s Military Forces under Makkah Joint Defence Agreement,” adding that “Details of any employment, if necessary will be given by concerned authorities.”
The statement concluded with the phrase “Truth Prevails over Falsehood.”
The denial comes against the backdrop of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
Pakistani officials have confirmed that troops are present in the kingdom in multiple capacities under longstanding defence cooperation, with military spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry describing any role as defensive.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said Pakistani and Turkish forces are present in a supporting capacity while Saudi troops alone conduct combat operations.
Analysts have noted that Islamabad is likely prioritising the protection of Saudi oil infrastructure and seeking to preserve its relationship with Iran, making direct combat involvement with the Houthis less probable.
Pakistan has previously dismissed related claims, including earlier social media reports of Houthi damage to PAF JF-17 jets at a Saudi air base, which it labelled “absolute fake.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s “resolute” commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security under the Mecca pact following recent Houthi attacks on the kingdom, while calling on the group to cease its assaults.
