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Landmark Defence Pact Signed in Makkah
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has hailed the newly signed “Makkah Joint Defence Agreement” as a historic step towards strengthening peace, security, and defence cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye. The agreement was signed during the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit for Joint Defence at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah, under the patronage of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
The summit brought together Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the Saudi Crown Prince, who reviewed bilateral and trilateral ties before signing the accord.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
The agreement builds on the three countries’ longstanding historical ties, Islamic solidarity, and defence cooperation. It establishes a collective security framework with the following provisions:
- Collective Defence: Any armed attack against any one of the three states shall be regarded as an attack against all three
- Enhanced Cooperation: Calls for strengthened cooperation across all areas of defence, reflecting the nations’ shared commitment to regional peace and stability
- Collective Deterrence: Aims to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression
Leadership Statements
In a post on X following the signing, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the three nations as “brotherly nations, united by faith, friendship and a shared resolve for peace and security”. He expressed hope that the agreement would serve as a lasting shield of peace for future generations and bring prosperity to the wider Muslim Ummah.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, expressing deep appreciation for his “untiring efforts and utmost dedication” in contributing to the agreement.
Regional Context
The agreement comes against the backdrop of the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, which has heightened regional security concerns and disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The new trilateral pact follows the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia mutual defence agreement signed in 2025 and further strengthens the strategic partnership among the three countries amid growing regional uncertainty.
