Pakistan joins Saudi, Turkiye in new Makkah defence pact

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye have signed a new defence agreement in Makkah aimed at strengthening collective deterrence and expanding military cooperation, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.

The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Foreign Office said on Friday. The deal reflects what it described as the three countries’ shared commitment to collective security, regional stability and a secure future.

What the Makkah agreement says

In its statement, the Foreign Office said the pact is intended to strengthen deterrence against any act of aggression. It also states that any armed attack on one of the three countries will be treated as an attack on all three.

The agreement further provides for wider defence cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, though the official statement did not give operational details.

High-level meeting in Makkah

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz met the Saudi crown prince in Makkah. He was accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. The Prime Minister’s Office later said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif were also present at the bilateral meeting.

Shehbaz arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for a three-day official visit. According to the Foreign Office, the trip carries significance beyond immediate regional tensions and short-term considerations, coming at a time of heightened unease in the Gulf.

The premier was received by the crown prince at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah.

Why the deal matters

The agreement places Pakistan alongside two influential regional powers in a formal defence arrangement that the Foreign Office says is designed to promote peace, security and stability beyond the immediate region. While the statement did not outline a timeline for implementation, the wording suggests a broader political and security alignment among the three states.

For Pakistan, the pact adds to a visit already marked by close engagement with Saudi leadership. For Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, it signals a willingness to formalise defence ties at a moment of wider regional uncertainty.

As reported by Dawn, the announcement came during a period of heightened tensions in the Gulf, making the agreement notable both for its symbolism and for its collective security language.

FAQ

What is the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement?

It is a defence pact signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye that says an armed attack on one will be treated as an attack on all.

Who signed the agreement?

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed it.

Where was it signed?

The agreement was signed in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

What did Pakistan say about the deal?

Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the pact is meant to strengthen collective deterrence and expand defence cooperation among the three countries.