By Dr Lubna Farah
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye are holding an emergency meeting of the Strategic, Political and Defence Committee of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in Riyadh on Monday to discuss regional security challenges and ways to strengthen military cooperation.
The meeting is being held in a 3+3 format, bringing together the foreign ministers, defence ministers and military chiefs of the three countries.
Pakistan is represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the committee will review the latest regional developments and ongoing cooperation under the Makkah agreement. Islamabad said its participation reflects Pakistan’s commitment to promoting regional peace and stability.
The emergency session was convened ahead of the next regular committee meeting, which is scheduled for late October or early November. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the extraordinary meeting was prompted primarily by the recent security situation involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
Dar said Saudi Arabia had faced 17 drone attacks between September 21 and 22, prompting consultations among the three allies on how to respond to the evolving security situation.
The secretariat of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement has been established in Riyadh and is currently operational. Pakistan has appointed two officers—one from the Foreign Ministry and another from the military—to support the mechanism and coordinate with Saudi and Turkish officials.
The implementation process of the agreement is expected to take at least one year, according to the foreign minister.
Türkiye has also confirmed the participation of Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the Turkish Defence Minister and the Chief of the Turkish General Staff in Monday’s meeting.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in August 2026, pledging to enhance collective security, expand defence cooperation and promote peace and stability in the region and beyond.
The agreement was signed at the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Summit for Joint Defence at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah on August 7.
The trilateral defence partnership has gained further momentum following attacks targeting Makkah as well as Saudi civilian and economic infrastructure. Last month, senior military commanders from the three countries agreed to enhance intelligence sharing, military coordination and the integration of defence capabilities.
During a meeting in Riyadh, the commanders reviewed the regional security situation and condemned attacks targeting Makkah and Saudi civilian and economic infrastructure.
They also praised Saudi armed forces for their role in protecting civilians and safeguarding the kingdom’s security, while reaffirming the longstanding ties and mutual trust among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
