ISLAMABAD, Aug. 10 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye is purely defensive in nature and is not directed against any country, stressing that the pact aims to promote regional peace, collective security and shared prosperity.
Addressing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister said the trilateral agreement signed in Makkah builds upon decades of defence cooperation among the three brotherly Muslim nations and represents a continuation of their longstanding strategic partnership.
“The agreement is not aimed at aggression against any country. Its objective is to promote peace, security and prosperity in the region,” the prime minister said.
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 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Under the pact, an armed attack against any one of the three member states will be considered an attack against all, establishing a framework for collective defence cooperation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz noted that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had already signed a bilateral defence cooperation agreement last year, while Pakistan and Turkiye had enjoyed decades of close military and strategic collaboration.
He said the new trilateral framework further strengthens existing partnerships and reinforces the shared commitment of the three countries to regional stability.
The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to the protection of the Haramain Sharifain, describing it as both a sacred duty and a matter of national responsibility.
“The protection of the Haramain Sharifain is an important responsibility for the people and the armed forces of Pakistan,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the agreement would contribute to strengthening unity and cooperation across the Muslim world.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar said the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement remains open to other countries willing to uphold its principles, emphasising that the pact is entirely defensive and designed to advance peace, stability and prosperity throughout the region.
In a statement posted on X, Dar said the agreement reflected the deep-rooted brotherly ties among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye and was the outcome of years of consultations aimed at enhancing strategic cooperation in addressing common peace and security challenges.
AJK election results reflect confidence in PML-N
Commenting on the ongoing Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the results of the first two phases demonstrated the people’s confidence in the leadership of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif.
He thanked the people of Azad Kashmir for supporting the party and said the electoral outcome reflected public trust in the PML-N’s leadership and policies.
The prime minister also alleged that certain elements had attempted to create unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that political differences should always be resolved through dialogue and democratic means.
Reaffirms resolve against terrorism
Addressing the security situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated the government’s determination to eliminate terrorism from the country.
He paid tribute to the armed forces and security personnel who had sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism, saying their bravery and commitment would always be remembered.
“The menace of terrorism will once again be defeated. Our brave soldiers have rendered tremendous sacrifices for the peace and security of Pakistan,” he said.
