Riyadh (GNP): Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attended an emergency meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee, established under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, in Riyadh.
The meeting endorsed the appointment of retired Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood as the first Secretary-General of the Makkah Alliance for Defence, and strongly condemned attempts to target the holy cities of Makkah and Medina, as well as continued attacks against Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia exchanged views on recent regional developments and affirmed their shared commitment to working closely toward regional peace and stability. During the meeting, Pakistan expressed unwavering solidarity with Saudi Arabia and full support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security, while reaffirming its continued commitment to pursuing lasting regional peace.
The three countries convened the emergency meeting in Riyadh on October 5, 2026, specifically to address the security threats and developments facing Saudi Arabia. As part of strengthening the Makkah Alliance’s institutional structure, the Committee formally appointed Lt. Gen. Nauman Mahmood (Ret.) of Pakistan as the Alliance’s first Secretary-General for a three-year term, welcoming him and expressing confidence in his ability to advance the Alliance’s objectives.
The parties strongly condemned attempts to target Makkah and Madinah, along with ongoing attacks on Saudi cities and civilian and economic infrastructure, reaffirming their unequivocal rejection of any threat to the Kingdom’s security and territorial integrity. Pakistan and Türkiye commended the vigilance and readiness of the Saudi Armed Forces, praising their professionalism and competence in countering threats and safeguarding the Kingdom’s security.
The Committee reviewed outcomes from preceding political and military consultations and approved the recommendations presented, affirming that the Makkah Alliance for Defence reflects a firm commitment to collective defence and a unified stance against threats. The Committee agreed to move forward with the practical implementation of collective defence commitments, including measures to provide agreed military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment within the Kingdom, in line with approved arrangements and each country’s national legislation — aimed at strengthening readiness, military integration, and collective capacity to counter threats.
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The parties affirmed that the security of each nation forms an integral part of the collective security of all three countries, stating that translating the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement into concrete action demonstrates the credibility of their collective defence commitment, strengthens deterrence, and reaffirms their shared resolve to protect their security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in accordance with the agreement’s provisions.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
