Why did Pakistan reverse its stance?(Pakistan ) 

Islamabad: Houthi rebels have been launching continuous attacks on Saudi Arabia. Until recently, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif maintained that while Pakistan had a ‘Mecca Pact’ with Saudi Arabia, it would not deploy its army in such internal conflicts. However, today the Pakistan Army announced it would support Saudi Arabia until the last breath. Pakistan’s DG ISPR, Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, stated that if Mecca were attacked, Pakistan would openly support Saudi Arabia in the war. Chaudhry emphasized that the security of the holy site of Mecca is the responsibility of every Muslim; this issue is independent of the ‘Mecca Pact.’ Pakistan  (Pakistan )   is now under pressure to support Saudi Arabia, which explains today’s reversal.

Pakistan to honor its friendship

Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that Pakistan stands firmly with Saudi Arabia and will assist the Kingdom in every possible way. He affirmed that Pakistan is prepared to go to any lengths to ensure the security of Saudi Arabia and the holiest site for Muslims. Pakistan is ready to provide whatever assistance the people of Saudi Arabia request. It is abundantly clear that the people of Pakistan stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their Saudi brethren; there should be no doubt about this.

Why exactly did Pakistan reverse its stance?
The decision by Shehbaz Sharif’s government and the Pakistan Army to reverse their stance regarding Saudi Arabia did not happen without reason. In fact, ever since Khawaja Asif refused to send the Pakistani Army to assist Saudi Arabia, opposition parties across the country have launched protests and organized massive rallies. Accusations are being raised that an attack has been launched against the holiest site for Muslims. It is argued that it is the duty of every Muslim to respond to such an attack and participate in Jihad. Protesters stated that at such a critical juncture, the Pakistani government is turning its back on its duty and is afraid to stand up for the protection of Islam. Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Fazlur Rehman is holding massive rallies across Pakistan. Prior to the army’s announcement, Rehman had declared at a large rally that if the Pakistani army were to step back, every single child in Pakistan would be ready to wage *jihad* in Saudi Arabia.

**Government Gets the Army to Make the Announcement**
Succumbing to pressure, the Shehbaz Sharif government had the army announce its support for Saudi Arabia. It was claimed that the Houthis were now in trouble and that Pakistan would enter the war. An uproar ensued across Pakistan, and the drums of war began to beat. Yet, amidst this clamor, Shehbaz Sharif quietly left for London. He is scheduled to stay in London for three days before traveling to the United States. Curiously, the government has not disclosed any details regarding the purpose of his visit—such as what business he has there or whom he intends to meet.

**Why Did the US Turn Its Back on Saudi Arabia?**
Houthi fighters are continuously attacking Saudi Arabia, leaving the kingdom isolated in this conflict. The most alarming aspect for Saudi Arabia is that the US has withdrawn its support; even more concerning is that the US is engaging in behind-the-scenes talks with the Houthi fighters. The reason for this is simple: the US is more concerned about crude oil than it is about Saudi Arabia.