Makkah defence pact draws interest from more than six countries, Dar reveals
What is Makkah Defence pact?
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said more than six countries have shown interest in joining the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. He said the agreement is defensive in nature and is not designed for offensive action.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the “Makkah Joint Defence Agreement” on August 7. The agreement says an armed attack on any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack on all three.
Alliance sets out collective defence
The pact is aimed at strengthening collective security and defence cooperation among its members. Dar has previously said the agreement is not directed against any country.
Dar said the first meeting under the agreement was held on August 31. He added that the alliance’s headquarters will be established in Saudi Arabia and that Pakistan has nominated retired Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood as its first secretary general.
Emergency meeting planned over Saudi attacks
Dar said an emergency meeting under the Makkah agreement would be held next week to discuss the latest situation in Saudi Arabia. He said the kingdom had faced 17 to 18 attacks.
“We are bound to defend Saudi Arabia,” Dar said, adding that the UN Charter also allows such alliances to take action. He said NATO also follows a similar principle.
Dar discusses Strait of Hormuz
Speaking about the Strait of Hormuz, Dar said there should be no fee or service charge for crossing the strategic waterway. He also said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wanted the issue to end “somehow”.
Dar said all sides were seeking to maximise their gains. The Strait of Hormuz remains an important route for regional energy and shipping.
Pakistan sets conditions for Afghanistan
Turning to Afghanistan, Dar said Pakistan had “good wishes” for the country but wanted Kabul to ensure its territory was not used against Pakistan. He said action was expected against groups that Pakistan has banned.
“They have to show that action has been taken against the [banned] Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, Balochistan Liberation Army and Fitna al-Hindustan,” he said.
Dar said the Pakistan-Afghanistan border had been closed since October. He added that Pakistan was aware that crops had been destroyed because of the closure.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement has created a framework for collective defence among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The reported interest from additional countries could expand the pact’s regional reach if those countries eventually join.
For Pakistan, the agreement is also linked to wider regional security concerns. The discussions on Saudi Arabia, the Strait of Hormuz and Afghanistan show that several security and diplomatic issues remain connected to the country’s regional policy.
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