Makkah Joint Defence Agreement Is Purely Defensive: Dar

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is purely defensive. He said the pact does not target any country. Dar made the comments on Sunday amid growing debate over the agreement.

Pact Focuses on Regional Security

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the agreement in Makkah on Friday. It creates a framework for collective security and defence cooperation among the three countries.

Under the pact, an armed attack on one country will count as an attack on all three. The agreement follows the right to individual and collective self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Dar said the pact aims to support peace, stability and prosperity. He also described it as a result of years of talks and coordination.

The foreign minister stressed that the agreement does not replace existing agreements. It also does not cancel any bilateral or multilateral commitments.

Furthermore, the pact remains open to other regional countries. However, potential members must respect its core principles. They must also resolve disputes through cooperation and peaceful means.

Dar said the agreement reflects Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities. He reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to working with regional partners. The goal remains a safer and more stable region.

Türkiye Signals Wider Regional Participation

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the framework could expand. He said President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan supports adding more countries.

Egypt could become one of the potential new members. However, Fidan said the countries must first resolve certain technical matters.

The three founding countries also plan a ministerial committee. A general secretariat will operate from Saudi Arabia. The committee will determine further operational details.

The agreement builds on long-standing defence ties among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a separate mutual defence agreement in September 2025.

The latest pact also comes amid wider regional tensions. Therefore, the three countries want stronger coordination on security challenges.

Pakistan has maintained military cooperation with Saudi Arabia for decades. Islamabad also shares close defence ties with Türkiye through training and defence projects.

Dar said Pakistan remains committed to peaceful conflict resolution. He also called for a secure, stable and prosperous future for the region.