PM Shehbaz reiterates Pakistan’s defence commitment to Saudi Arabia under Makkah Pact

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity

ISLAMABAD:  Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, during a meeting with the alliance’s first Secretary General, Lieutenant General (retd) Nauman Mahmood, at the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday.

The meeting, held on October 14, 2026, focused on strengthening defence cooperation, improving strategic coordination and advancing collective security arrangements amid growing regional security concerns.

PM Congratulates Alliance’s First Secretary General

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Lt Gen (retd) Nauman Mahmood on assuming responsibility as the first Secretary General of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and expressed his best wishes for his tenure.

Describing the agreement as a significant development, the prime minister termed it a historic milestone for promoting regional peace, unity and stability.

Mahmood, who holds the Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military), was appointed to the position following an understanding among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye that a Pakistani national would lead the alliance’s General Secretariat. The appointment was announced on September 23, 2026, while the secretariat is being established in Riyadh.

His appointment was subsequently endorsed at an emergency meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee held in Riyadh on October 5 to review regional security developments and emerging threats.

Defence Cooperation and Collective Security

During the meeting, the secretary general briefed the prime minister on operational strategies intended to strengthen defence and strategic cooperation under the agreement.

The discussions covered the development of effective strategic deterrence mechanisms, closer coordination between the armed forces of member states, harmonization of collective security measures and the rapid deployment of agreed forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia.

The Strategic Political and Defence Committee has also decided to accelerate the implementation of collective defence commitments and take necessary steps for the timely deployment of forces in accordance with approved arrangements and the national laws of the participating countries.

The proposed measures are aimed at strengthening institutional cooperation and ensuring that member states can coordinate their responses to potential security threats.

Pakistan Reaffirms Support for Saudi Arabia

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that Pakistan would stand alongside Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security under the Makkah Defence Agreement.

He reiterated Islamabad’s support for the Kingdom’s right to defend itself against external aggression and hostile cross-border attacks, reaffirming the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries.

Background of the Makkah Defence Agreement

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in the holy city of Makkah on August 7, 2026. Under the pact, an armed attack against any one of the three participating countries is to be treated as an attack against all members.

The agreement builds on longstanding defence relations among the participating states. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained military training and technical cooperation for decades, while Pakistan and Turkiye have expanded collaboration in military training, naval affairs and defence production.

Regional Security Concern

The meeting took place amid heightened regional tensions and reported threats to Saudi infrastructure and civilian facilities. The strategic committee has condemned attacks targeting Saudi cities and civilian installations, as well as reported attempts to threaten the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s security and protecting its holy sites, stressing the importance of collective action to promote stability and safeguard critical infrastructure across the region.