By The South Asia Times 

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Monday described the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as a defensive arrangement aimed at strengthening collective deterrence, sovereignty and regional stability, saying it was “not directed against any country.”

In a message to the nation, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar congratulated Pakistanis on the signing of the agreement, known as the Makkah Accord, in Makkah on Aug. 7.

Dar said the agreement reflected the “depth of brotherly bonds” among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye and their shared commitment to peace, security and stability.

“The Makkah Accord is defensive in nature. It is not directed against any country,” Dar said, adding that its purpose was to strengthen collective deterrence against external aggression and enhance the three countries’ ability to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Under the accord, an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be regarded as an attack against all, consistent with the right of individual and collective self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, according to Dar.

He stressed that Pakistan remained committed to resolving disputes peacefully, respecting sovereignty and international law, and pursuing regional peace and prosperity.

“The Makkah Accord is not an instrument of confrontation, but an expression of our collective commitment to peace through strength, solidarity and mutual respect,” he said.

Dar credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Pakistan’s Foreign Office with playing a pivotal role in bringing the agreement to fruition.

Dar briefs Iran on Makkah Accord

Separately, Dar spoke by telephone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday and briefed him on the contours of the newly signed defence agreement.

The two foreign ministers discussed regional and international developments, with particular focus on the evolving regional situation and efforts to promote peace and stability, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said.

Dar explained that the Makkah Accord was aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye and contributing to regional peace and security.

According to the Foreign Office, Araghchi thanked Dar for sharing the key aspects of the agreement.

The two ministers agreed to remain in close contact on matters of mutual interest.

The clarification comes as Pakistan seeks to emphasize the defensive and stabilizing character of the trilateral pact while maintaining engagement with neighbouring Iran and other regional countries.