Regional Security
Regional Security: The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye on August 7. Its key point is simple. An attack on one country will mean an attack on all three. The agreement comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East. It could change the region’s security situation. Pakistan calls it a shared commitment to regional security.
Defence and Security
The agreement does not explain the exact military commitments. The three countries usually keep such details confidential. The agreement is not a military bloc. It does not target any specific country. The three countries face different threats. They want to improve joint defence and prevent aggression.
Recent US-Iran tensions have also shaped Saudi Arabia’s security policy. Saudi Arabia now seeks more security options. It believes that American protection alone may not be enough. The Makkah Agreement builds on the existing defence ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Regional Cooperation and Security
The agreement combines the strengths of all three countries. Türkiye has a strong defence industry. Saudi Arabia has major financial resources. Pakistan has trained forces and military experience. Together, these strengths can improve their defence capabilities. They can also help build a new security system in West Asia.
Some critics call the agreement an anti-Iran or Sunni alliance. Türkiye rejects this view. It has said that Iran is not the target. Iran has also said that it has no reason to fear the agreement. Regional countries now seek to manage their own security. They want less dependence on outside powers.
Regional Security and Israel
The agreement could prevent one country from dominating the region. This could happen if the United States reduces its presence. The agreement supports collective security. Other countries, including Iran, could join similar arrangements later. This could create a more stable security system.
The agreement also sends a strong message to Israel. The three countries have called on Israel to stop the violence in Gaza. Have urged Israel to respect international law. They also support an independent Palestinian state on the pre-1967 borders. They support East Jerusalem as its capital.
US Role and Pakistan
The agreement may reduce the US burden of protecting Gulf countries. It also supports greater regional self-reliance. The United States has major interests in the region. These include Israel’s security and the global oil market. China and Russia may welcome any move that reduces US influence.
Pakistan has played an important role through peace diplomacy. Its leadership has promoted regional stability. It has also improved Pakistan’s international image. However, Pakistan should maintain good relations with Iran, China, the United States, and other major powers.
Economic Cooperation
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye should also expand economic cooperation. They could sign a trilateral economic agreement. Such an agreement could combine their resources. It could also promote their shared economic interests.
Regional Peace
The main message of the Makkah Agreement is simple. The region can stay secure only when all countries feel safe. Cooperation should replace confrontation. Strong defence and effective diplomacy can prevent conflict. They can also help maintain regional peace.
Published in Dawn, 16th August 2026
