Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is purely defensive and not directed against any nation.
The statement aims to mitigate international concerns that the new security alignment could destabilize regional power dynamics or signal a shift toward aggression.
Dar said Sunday, Aug. 9 [2], regarding the trilateral pact involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey [1]. He said the agreement is an expression of a collective commitment to peace through strength. The pact is not intended as a tool of confrontation against any specific country [3].
According to Dar, the agreement is open to other regional states that wish to join the framework [2]. This openness suggests a desire to expand the security umbrella beyond the initial three signatories [1].
The Makkah pact establishes a formal security cooperation mechanism between the three nations [1]. By framing the agreement as defensive, Pakistan seeks to balance its strategic partnerships while maintaining diplomatic relations with other neighbors.
Dar said the arrangement is designed to enhance regional stability. The agreement focuses on mutual defence, and cooperation among the three member states [1].
“The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is purely defensive and not directed against any nation.”
The formation of a trilateral defence pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey creates a significant security bloc in the Islamic world. By explicitly stating the pact is defensive and open to other nations, Pakistan is attempting to avoid provoking regional rivals while strengthening its ties with two major military and economic powers.
