ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – In a landmark development, Pakistan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye have signed the ‘Makkah Joint Defence Agreement’, a historic accord designed to strengthen collective security and deepen defence cooperation among the three nations. The agreement was signed by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkiye, and Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammed Shehbaz Sharif in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia last week.

According to the agreement, any armed attack against one of the three countries will be treated as an attack against all, establishing a unified deterrent against aggression. The pact enhances collaboration across military, strategic, and technological fields, building on decades of defence ties. Leadership of the three countries emphasized that the accord reflected a shared political will to safeguard peace and security while fostering prosperity in the wider region. The agreement draws on longstanding ties of Islamic solidarity and shared strategic interests, reaffirming the depth of fraternal relations.

Analysts view the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as a ‘milestone in regional geopolitics’, potentially reshaping the security landscape of the Middle East and South Asia. By formalizing a collective defence framework, the three nations are signaling a stronger stance against any external aggression while projecting unity. Observers note that the pact could also have impacts beyond defence, opening avenues for economic cooperation, technological exchange, and joint development projects, as stability often paves the way for prosperity. The official statements from the three countries hailed the signing as a ‘historic step toward a secure and prosperous future’, underscoring the shared determination of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan to confront common challenges together.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, on his X account, posted that he was honoured to sign the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement alongside his dear brothers Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “Three brotherly nations, united by faith, friendship and a shared resolve for peace and security. May this historic pact, signed in the shadow of the Haramain, remain a shield of peace for generations to come and may it bring prosperity for our three brotherly countries as well as for the Ummah,” he stated. This development follows Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye’s Defence Pact: Global Reaction and the Changing Regional Security Landscape which has drawn significant international attention.

President Erdogan on his X account said that the agreement, based on collective deterrence, would contribute to advancing security and defence cooperation, developing joint projects in the defence industry, and combating terrorism. “The agreement, which also reaffirms the right of defence as defined in Article 51 of the UN Charter, targets no country and is open to the participation of all brotherly countries that aim for the peace, prosperity, and stability of our region.”

Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha also welcomed the signing of the “Makkah Agreement on Joint Defence” between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye, describing it as a strategic step that strengthens regional and international cooperation. He praised the accord as a fundamental pillar for supporting security and stability across the Muslim world. Taha, in a statement, commended the leadership of the three nations for their tireless efforts in reaching this milestone, expressing hope that the agreement will help address growing security challenges and foster solidarity among OIC Member States.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said in a post on his X account, “Proud of our leadership! Pakistan has earned respect and honour all across the globe. Alhamdulillah, this will bring prosperity and peace to the three brotherly nations and to the Ummah.”

Saudi Minister of Defence Khalid bin Salman stated that the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement established a framework for a long-term defence partnership, enhancing deterrence, coordination, and integration between their countries. Amb. Dr. Rayed Krimly, Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy, KSA, maintained that the agreement represented the culmination of detailed negotiations conducted over a number of years, enabling the three nations to build joint defence capabilities and integrate military readiness to confront external threats. He emphasized that the pact was defence-oriented, not an attempt to form a military axis or sectarian bloc, and complements Pakistan Saudi Arabia and Türkiye Sign Landmark Makkah Defence Accord.

The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan termed the ‘Makkah Joint Defence Agreement’ as reflecting the three States’ shared commitment to further strengthening their collective security. The Ministry of Defence of the Federal Government of Somalia also congratulated the nations, hailing it as a historic milestone. The business community of Pakistan similarly welcomed the strategic trilateral defence pact, describing it as a timely initiative that would reinforce collective security. To celebrate the milestone, major landmarks and government buildings, including the Parliament House, were lit up across various cities of Pakistan, while national flags of the three countries were displayed to mark the historic occasion.

Reflecting on these regional developments, observers noted that such strategic shifts are part of a broader trend, similar to DPM/FM Dar reaffirms Pakistan’s support for ASEAN’s peace, prosperity efforts, as Pakistan continues to play an active role in strengthening global and regional alliances.