Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement’s first secretary general, Lt. Gen. (retd.) Nauman Mahmood, to discuss strategic coordination and collective security.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s 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, Lt. Gen. (retd.) Nauman Mahmood, at the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday.
The meeting, held on Oct. 14, 2026, focused on strengthening defence cooperation, improving strategic coordination and advancing collective security arrangements amid regional security concerns.
PM Congratulates Alliance’s First Secretary General
Sharif congratulated Mahmood on assuming responsibility as the first secretary general of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and wished him success in his new role. The prime minister described the agreement as a significant development and a milestone for promoting regional peace, unity and stability.
Mahmood, who holds the Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military), was appointed following an understanding among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye that a Pakistani national would lead the alliance’s General Secretariat. His appointment was announced on Sept. 23, 2026, with the secretariat being established in Riyadh.
The appointment was subsequently endorsed at an emergency meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee in Riyadh on Oct. 5, where participants reviewed regional security developments and emerging threats.
Defence Cooperation and Collective Security
During the meeting, Mahmood briefed the prime minister on operational strategies aimed at strengthening defence and strategic cooperation under the agreement.
Discussions covered the development of strategic deterrence mechanisms, closer coordination among the armed forces of participating countries, 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 steps to ensure the timely deployment of forces in accordance with approved arrangements and the national laws of participating countries.
The proposed measures are intended to strengthen institutional cooperation and improve the participating states’ ability to coordinate responses to potential security threats.
Pakistan Reaffirms Support for Saudi Arabia
Sharif reiterated that Pakistan would stand alongside Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security under the defence agreement.
He also reaffirmed Islamabad’s support for the Kingdom’s right to defend itself against external aggression and hostile cross-border attacks, emphasizing the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries.
The meeting underscored the importance of defence coordination and collective security arrangements as the participating countries work to establish the alliance’s institutional framework.
Background of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in the holy city of Makkah on Aug. 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 three countries. 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.
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.
Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s security and protecting its holy sites, stressing the importance of collective action to promote regional stability and safeguard critical infrastructure.
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