Makkah Pact Seen as key to regional stability

Makkah Pact Seen as key to regional stability

LAHORE, Aug 12 (APP): Senior journalists, defence analysts and experts have described the Makkah Joint Defence Pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as a significant step towards regional peace, collective security and stronger defence cooperation.

The views emerged during a panel discussion titled “Makkah Pact: Peace, Security and Stability”, organised by the Press Information Department (PID) Lahore.

PID Lahore Director General Shafqat Abbas said the agreement aimed to strengthen peace, stability and mutual trust rather than target any country. He stressed the importance of diplomacy, dialogue and cooperation in resolving regional disputes.

He said Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye brought different strengths and experiences to the partnership, creating opportunities for cooperation in defence, diplomacy, trade and investment.

Abbas also said Pakistan’s national strength should extend beyond defence and include education, science, technology, skilled human resources and a strong economy. He urged the country to turn its defence capabilities into broader economic gains through research, skills development and increased exports.

Senior journalist and analyst Mujeebur Rehman Shami highlighted Pakistan’s achievements in defence and diplomacy but called for greater investment in education, science, technology and skills. He also stressed the need to increase exports and improve economic productivity.

Journalist Salman Ghani said the three countries offered complementary strengths, with Pakistan contributing its defence capabilities, Saudi Arabia its economic influence and Türkiye its advanced defence industry and technology. He said the pact could also encourage investment and economic cooperation.

Defence analyst Col (retd) Abid said Pakistan’s leadership and military diplomacy played an important role in developing the agreement. He noted that its impact could extend beyond defence to economic, diplomatic and strategic affairs.

Other speakers, including Dr Faleha Afzal, Malik Salman, Dr Farzana Riaz and journalist Noorullah, called for greater unity among Muslim countries and urged Pakistan to pursue economic development alongside defence preparedness.

The participants agreed that stronger cooperation between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye could contribute to regional peace and stability. They also emphasised dialogue, common interests and coordinated efforts to address shared challenges.

At the end of the session, Shafqat Abbas thanked the participants and said such discussions helped promote informed public debate on important national and international issues.