Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the trilateral defence agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye is not intended to target or threaten any country. Speaking at a federal cabinet meeting on Monday, he highlighted that the pact, signed in Makkah, is designed to foster peace, security, and prosperity throughout the region.
He recalled that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had already entered into a defence agreement last year, while Pakistan and Turkiye have maintained strong cooperation over several decades. These remarks came shortly after the three nations formalized the joint defence pact on Friday, which establishes a collective security arrangement whereby an armed attack on any member state is considered an attack on all three.
The agreement was signed during the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit for Joint Defence, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and the Turkish president. The prime minister described the trilateral pact as a natural extension of the ongoing collaboration among the countries.
He also underscored the significance of safeguarding the Haramain Sharifain, calling it a vital duty for both the people and armed forces of Pakistan. him, the pact is expected to reinforce unity and strength within the broader Muslim Ummah.
In a related statement, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar noted that the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement remains open to other nations that share its fundamental principles. He stressed that the pact is defensive by nature and aims to enhance peace, stability, and prosperity across the wider region.
Deputy Prime Minister Dar added that the Makkah Accord reflects the deep-rooted brotherly relations among the three countries. He explained that it is the culmination of years of dialogue and coordination to boost strategic cooperation in addressing common security challenges.
Turning to domestic matters, PM Shehbaz commented on the recent Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, stating that the people have shown their trust in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). He noted that the party secured victories in the first two phases of the elections, attributing this success to the public’s confidence in party leader Nawaz Sharif. He expressed gratitude to the people of Azad Kashmir for their support.
The prime minister also mentioned attempts by certain groups to destabilize the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that such issues should be resolved through dialogue rather than conflict.
On the topic of terrorism, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism from the country once again. He paid homage to the courageous soldiers who have sacrificed greatly in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
