Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized that the “Makkah Joint Defence Agreement,” signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, is strictly defensive and not aimed at any specific country. He highlighted that the pact’s main goal is to enhance collective efforts for peace, stability, and prosperity across the broader region.
Dar noted that the agreement does not establish an exclusive security alliance but remains open to any regional country willing to adhere to its core principles. This clarification comes amid increasing attention and discussion following the accord’s signing in Makkah on August 7.
The foreign minister described the Makkah Accord as a reflection of the strong brotherly ties among the leadership and peoples of the three nations. He explained that it represents the culmination of years of dialogue and coordination aimed at deepening strategic cooperation.
Under the terms of the agreement, any external armed attack against one of the three countries will be treated as an attack against all, consistent with the right of individual and collective self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Dar stressed that this collective-defence clause does not override or replace existing bilateral or multilateral agreements among the signatories or with other international partners.
He reiterated that the arrangement’s sole purpose is to reinforce ongoing efforts toward regional peace and stability, without targeting any country. Moreover, nations joining the framework are expected to resolve differences through mutual respect, cooperation, and peaceful means, aligning with Pakistan’s foreign policy principles.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and its dedication to fostering a secure, stable, and prosperous future for the region’s peoples. He also pointed out that the accord provides a formal structure for enhanced defence coordination while maintaining existing agreements.
The foreign minister’s remarks aim to clarify that the defence pact is a security mechanism focused on collective protection rather than confrontation or the formation of a new bloc. He emphasized Pakistan’s intention to continue diplomatic engagement with all regional countries to address disputes peacefully.
As the Makkah defence framework gains regional attention, Islamabad seeks to underline its objective of strengthening security cooperation and promoting lasting peace in the region.
