Turkey's parliament has approved the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, marking a significant step in defence cooperation between Turkey and Saudi Arabia. The agreement is aimed at strengthening military coordination and security ties between the two countries. The move comes amid evolving regional security challenges and growing defence partnerships in the Middle East.


Turkish parliament approves Mecca Joint Defence Agreement

New Delhi: The decision by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan to sign a joint defence agreement in Mecca rather than in any of their capitals was never merely logistical. By gathering Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for both the signing, the three governments converted a military compact into a claim of broader Islamic legitimacy. The text itself, however, remains strikingly thin on operational detail.&nbsp;Supporters describe the pact as a pragmatic instrument of collective deterrence at a time of regional instability. Pakistan already has several thousand troops, aircraft and air defence systems in the kingdom under a bilateral arrangement from September 2025; the trilateral document simply widens the political umbrella. Turkey brings the weight of a large NATO army and advanced technical capabilities, while Saudi Arabia supplies the geographic and financial centrality. Pakistani officials have since suggested that six or seven other Muslim-majority states may seek to join, framing the arrangement as open-ended rather than exclusive.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rise-up-young-patriots-american-singer-mary-millben-says-us-donors-funding-cjp-backs-modi-govt-1791978203856">‘Rise up, young patriots!’: American singer Mary Millben says US donors funding CJP, backs Modi govt</a>&nbsp;Yet the absence of a named adversary is both the pact’s selling point and its principal weakness. Without a clear definition of the threat it is meant to address, the threshold for activation remains opaque. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has insisted that any Pakistani role will be supportive and that Saudi forces will conduct direct combat. What “supportive” covers, reconnaissance, air defence, logistics or something broader, has not been spelt out.&nbsp;&nbsp;The same ambiguity surrounds the nuclear question. Pakistan is the only nuclear-armed party; the published text is silent on whether its deterrent is included, and no official has ruled the possibility out. In the absence of explicit language, speculation fills the gap.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-not-a-middle-power-but-a-power-in-the-middle-says-eam-jaishankar-cites-pm-modi-s-definition-1791974178456">India not a ‘middle power’ but a power in the middle, says EAM Jaishankar, cites PM Modi’s definition</a>&nbsp;Turkey’s posture adds a further layer of uncertainty. Ankara has so far limited its public commitments to air defence and technical assistance, and its parliament had not ratified the agreement two months after the Mecca ceremony. If the political weight of the pact rests disproportionately on Islamabad and Riyadh, the arrangement risks becoming less trilateral than bilateral in practice.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-seeking-to-attack-iran-again-before-the-israel-election-says-benjamin-netanyahu-1791986105697">‘Not seeking to attack Iran again before Israel elections,’ says Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;Domestic considerations in Pakistan also deserve scrutiny. The country hosts a large Shia minority whose security has repeatedly been tested by sectarian violence. Field Marshal Asim Munir’s reported remarks to Shia clerics in Rawalpindi, warning that loyalty to foreign causes would not be permitted to create disorder at home, were widely read by community leaders as signalling an uncompromising line. Whether a Saudi-led defence framework can remain insulated from Pakistan’s own sectarian tensions is an open question that officials have so far declined to address in detail.&nbsp;Financial context is equally difficult to separate from the security one. Saudi deposits arrived shortly before Pakistani aircraft reached the kingdom in April; the Mecca pact followed weeks later. No official has linked the money to the military commitments, yet the sequence invites scrutiny of the conditions under which Pakistan’s resources are being committed abroad.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-flydubai-co-pilot-attack-air-france-bans-pakistani-muslim-majority-crew-on-israel-flights-1791993498720">After flydubai co-pilot attack, Air France bans Pakistani, Muslim-majority crew on Israel flights</a>&nbsp;The Mecca agreement has succeeded in projecting unity and resolve. What it has not yet done is define the precise circumstances in which that resolve would be tested, or how the three capitals would share the political and military costs. Until those questions are answered, the pact remains more a declaration than a doctrine. The ongoing Houthi attacks have only raised more questions, especially on Islamabad's commitment, given it faces several challenges at home, including separatist one in restive Balochistan province.

Ambiguity surrounds the nuclear question also as Pakistan is the only nuclear-armed party; the published text is silent on whether its deterrent is included, and no official has ruled the possibility out. In the absence of explicit language, speculation fills the gap.

New Delhi: The decision by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan to sign a joint defence agreement in Mecca rather than in any of their capitals was never merely logistical. By gathering Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for both the signing, the three governments converted a military compact into a claim of broader Islamic legitimacy. The text itself, however, remains strikingly thin on operational detail. Supporters describe the pact as a pragmatic instrument of collective deterrence at a time of regional instability. Pakistan already has several thousand troops, aircraft and air defence systems in the kingdom under a bilateral arrangement from September 2025; the trilateral document simply widens the political umbrella. Turkey brings the weight of a large NATO army and advanced technical capabilities, while Saudi Arabia supplies the geographic and financial centrality. Pakistani officials have since suggested that six or seven other Muslim-majority states may seek to join, framing the arrangement as open-ended rather than exclusive. Also Read: ‘Rise up, young patriots!’: American singer Mary Millben says US donors funding CJP, backs Modi govt Yet the absence of a named adversary is both the pact’s selling point and its principal weakness. Without a clear definition of the threat it is meant to address, the threshold for activation remains opaque. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has insisted that any Pakistani role will be supportive and that Saudi forces will conduct direct combat. What “supportive” covers, reconnaissance, air defence, logistics or something broader, has not been spelt out. The same ambiguity surrounds the nuclear question. Pakistan is the only nuclear-armed party; the published text is silent on whether its deterrent is included, and no official has ruled the possibility out. In the absence of explicit language, speculation fills the gap. Also Read: India not a ‘middle power’ but a power in the middle, says EAM Jaishankar, cites PM Modi’s definition Turkey’s posture adds a further layer of uncertainty. Ankara has so far limited its public commitments to air defence and technical assistance, and its parliament had not ratified the agreement two months after the Mecca ceremony. If the political weight of the pact rests disproportionately on Islamabad and Riyadh, the arrangement risks becoming less trilateral than bilateral in practice. Also Read: ‘Not seeking to attack Iran again before Israel elections,’ says Benjamin Netanyahu Domestic considerations in Pakistan also deserve scrutiny. The country hosts a large Shia minority whose security has repeatedly been tested by sectarian violence. Field Marshal Asim Munir’s reported remarks to Shia clerics in Rawalpindi, warning that loyalty to foreign causes would not be permitted to create disorder at home, were widely read by community leaders as signalling an uncompromising line. Whether a Saudi-led defence framework can remain insulated from Pakistan’s own sectarian tensions is an open question that officials have so far declined to address in detail. Financial context is equally difficult to separate from the security one. Saudi deposits arrived shortly before Pakistani aircraft reached the kingdom in April; the Mecca pact followed weeks later. No official has linked the money to the military commitments, yet the sequence invites scrutiny of the conditions under which Pakistan’s resources are being committed abroad. Also Read: After flydubai co-pilot attack, Air France bans Pakistani, Muslim-majority crew on Israel flights The Mecca agreement has succeeded in projecting unity and resolve. What it has not yet done is define the precise circumstances in which that resolve would be tested, or how the three capitals would share the political and military costs. Until those questions are answered, the pact remains more a declaration than a doctrine. The ongoing Houthi attacks have only raised more questions, especially on Islamabad's commitment, given it faces several challenges at home, including separatist one in restive Balochistan province.

Ambiguity surrounds the nuclear question also as Pakistan is the only nuclear-armed party; the published text is silent on whether its deterrent is included, and no official has ruled the possibility out. In the absence of explicit language, speculation fills the gap.

A Mecca defence pact that leaves more questions than answers

Turkey and Pakistan will undertake a ‘rapid deployment’ of troops to Saudi Arabia under a new mutual defence alliance, as the Gulf kingdom faces increasing attacks from Yemen's Houthi movement. The announcement came on Monday after representatives from Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia held an emergency meeting in Riyadh to discuss the kingdom's security situation.&nbsp;The three countries signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement in August, committing to support one another if any of the member states comes under attack. The agreement brings together Turkey, which has NATO's second-largest military, Pakistan, the Islamic world's only nuclear-armed country, and Saudi Arabia, the leading military and economic power in the Gulf.&nbsp;During Monday's meeting, the three countries discussed recent attacks against Saudi Arabia, including incidents targeting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The joint statement did not specifically name Iran-backed Houthi forces.The three countries 'reaffirmed their unequivocal rejection of any attack or threat against the Kingdom's security and territorial integrity', they said in a joint statement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-rejects-icc-jurisdiction-over-arrest-warrants-for-afghan-leaders-akhundzada-and-haqqani-says-does-not-recognise-the-court-1791225773990">Taliban rejects ICC jurisdiction over arrest warrants for Afghan leaders Akhundzada and Haqqani; says 'does not recognise the court'</a>&nbsp;They also agreed to move immediately to the practical implementation of the collective defence commitments and to take the necessary measures to provide the agreed military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment in the Kingdom. The statement did not provide details about the number of troops involved or clarify what specific duties the Turkish and Pakistani forces would undertake after arriving in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia has faced repeated Houthi attacks targeting cities, oil facilities and maritime routes since Yemen's civil war intensified again in July. The security situation has deteriorated further after the Houthis launched a new offensive in September, capturing large areas of territory from Yemen's Saudi-backed government. On Monday, forces backed by Riyadh launched a counteroffensive aimed at reclaiming Houthi-held territory, including areas that the group has controlled for more than a decade.

Turkey and Pakistan will deploy troops to Saudi Arabia under a new defence pact as Riyadh faces escalating Houthi attacks and regional tensions

Turkey and Pakistan will undertake a ‘rapid deployment’ of troops to Saudi Arabia under a new mutual defence alliance, as the Gulf kingdom faces increasing attacks from Yemen's Houthi movement. The announcement came on Monday after representatives from Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia held an emergency meeting in Riyadh to discuss the kingdom's security situation. The three countries signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement in August, committing to support one another if any of the member states comes under attack. The agreement brings together Turkey, which has NATO's second-largest military, Pakistan, the Islamic world's only nuclear-armed country, and Saudi Arabia, the leading military and economic power in the Gulf. During Monday's meeting, the three countries discussed recent attacks against Saudi Arabia, including incidents targeting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The joint statement did not specifically name Iran-backed Houthi forces. The three countries 'reaffirmed their unequivocal rejection of any attack or threat against the Kingdom's security and territorial integrity', they said in a joint statement. Also Read: Taliban rejects ICC jurisdiction over arrest warrants for Afghan leaders Akhundzada and Haqqani; says 'does not recognise the court' They also agreed to move immediately to the practical implementation of the collective defence commitments and to take the necessary measures to provide the agreed military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment in the Kingdom. The statement did not provide details about the number of troops involved or clarify what specific duties the Turkish and Pakistani forces would undertake after arriving in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has faced repeated Houthi attacks targeting cities, oil facilities and maritime routes since Yemen's civil war intensified again in July. The security situation has deteriorated further after the Houthis launched a new offensive in September, capturing large areas of territory from Yemen's Saudi-backed government. On Monday, forces backed by Riyadh launched a counteroffensive aimed at reclaiming Houthi-held territory, including areas that the group has controlled for more than a decade.

Turkey and Pakistan will rapidly deploy troops to Saudi Arabia under a new defence pact as Houthi attacks intensify across the region

Turkey, Pakistan to rapidly deploy troops to Saudi Arabia under Mecca Joint Defence Agreement as Houthi attacks escalate

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are set to hold urgent talks between their military chiefs to discuss ways to support the kingdom, Riyadh said in a statement on Friday (Sept 25). The meeting comes amid a rise in attacks by Yemen's Houthis against Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;The announcement followed a meeting between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in New York on Thursday. The three ministers met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;The meeting "addressed ongoing arrangements for an urgent meeting of the Chiefs of Staff of the three countries to discuss ways to support the Kingdom in accordance with the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement," according to a statement shared by Saudi Arabia's official news agency SPA.&nbsp;Turkey's chief of general staff will travel to Saudi Arabia on Friday to attend the meeting, the Turkish defence ministry said. It was not immediately clear whether the talks would also take place on Friday.<h3>Saudi Arabia seeks support under defence pact</h3>Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement last month, committing the three countries to mutual defence if any one of them is attacked.&nbsp;The agreement was signed on August 7, 2026, at Al Safa Palace in Mecca by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.&nbsp;The pact evolved from an earlier Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed on September 17, 2025.&nbsp;The agreement establishes a NATO-style mutual defence framework aimed at strengthening joint military deterrence and regional security.&nbsp;Despite the agreement's mutual defence clause, Pakistan and Turkey have so far not responded militarily to the Houthi attacks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sir-row-congress-stages-nationwide-protests-demands-cec-gyanesh-kumar-s-resignation-gaurav-gogoi-detained-1790339848783">SIR row: Congress stages nationwide protests, demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, Gaurav Gogoi detained</a><h3>Houthi attacks raise tensions</h3>The Iran-backed Houthis have intensified attacks against Saudi Arabia since July, including on key energy infrastructure, ending a years-long truce and declaring a maritime blockade. The group has targeted Saudi facilities and seized Yemen's entire Red Sea coast as it seeks to disrupt Saudi oil exports.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia is the world's top crude oil exporter, making the attacks a major concern for the kingdom.&nbsp;The three foreign ministers also condemned Houthi attacks targeting civilian and economic facilities in Saudi Arabia, SPA reported. They also condemned attacks on Mecca, Islam's holiest city, which the Yemeni group has denied carrying out.&nbsp;On Thursday, Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al Fawzan called on soldiers to "be prepared to fulfil your duty". He also prayed for God to "eradicate the Houthi group and those who support it".&nbsp;The planned chief of staff meeting will focus on ways to support Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement as the kingdom faces continued attacks from the Houthis.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are set to hold urgent chief of staff talks on supporting Riyadh under their defence pact as Houthi attacks against the kingdom intensify.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are set to hold urgent talks between their military chiefs to discuss ways to support the kingdom, Riyadh said in a statement on Friday (Sept 25). The meeting comes amid a rise in attacks by Yemen's Houthis against Saudi Arabia. The announcement followed a meeting between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in New York on Thursday. The three ministers met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting "addressed ongoing arrangements for an urgent meeting of the Chiefs of Staff of the three countries to discuss ways to support the Kingdom in accordance with the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement," according to a statement shared by Saudi Arabia's official news agency SPA. Turkey's chief of general staff will travel to Saudi Arabia on Friday to attend the meeting, the Turkish defence ministry said. It was not immediately clear whether the talks would also take place on Friday. Saudi Arabia seeks support under defence pact Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement last month, committing the three countries to mutual defence if any one of them is attacked. The agreement was signed on August 7, 2026, at Al Safa Palace in Mecca by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The pact evolved from an earlier Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed on September 17, 2025. The agreement establishes a NATO-style mutual defence framework aimed at strengthening joint military deterrence and regional security. Despite the agreement's mutual defence clause, Pakistan and Turkey have so far not responded militarily to the Houthi attacks. Also Read: SIR row: Congress stages nationwide protests, demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, Gaurav Gogoi detained Houthi attacks raise tensions The Iran-backed Houthis have intensified attacks against Saudi Arabia since July, including on key energy infrastructure, ending a years-long truce and declaring a maritime blockade. The group has targeted Saudi facilities and seized Yemen's entire Red Sea coast as it seeks to disrupt Saudi oil exports. Saudi Arabia is the world's top crude oil exporter, making the attacks a major concern for the kingdom. The three foreign ministers also condemned Houthi attacks targeting civilian and economic facilities in Saudi Arabia, SPA reported. They also condemned attacks on Mecca, Islam's holiest city, which the Yemeni group has denied carrying out. On Thursday, Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al Fawzan called on soldiers to "be prepared to fulfil your duty". He also prayed for God to "eradicate the Houthi group and those who support it". The planned chief of staff meeting will focus on ways to support Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement as the kingdom faces continued attacks from the Houthis.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are set to hold urgent chief of staff talks on supporting Riyadh under their defence pact as Houthi attacks against the kingdom intensify.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan to hold urgent military talks amid intensifying Houthi attacks

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have agreed to establish a secretariat Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. The countries officially agreed that the central administrative body in Riyadh will be managed initially by the Pakistani Secretary General for three years.&nbsp;“A Secretariat, headed by a Secretary General, will be established in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support their work within the framework of the agreement," said the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement following the meeting. &nbsp;“The Secretariat will be initially headed by a Secretary General from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for a period of three years.”This is being seen as a move to institutionalise the cooperation between the three nations, “enhance their solidarity, ensure the credibility and effectiveness of their collective deterrence and defence,” and support “a just, inclusive and lasting peace.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-vance-trump-kharg-island-post-iran-us-denies-strike-1788192311560">JD Vance says Trump’s Kharg Island AI video was a message to Iran</a>Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that the alliance was based on “international principles, such as respecting the sovereignty of other states, territorial integrity and not intervening in internal affairs” and it remained open for participation &nbsp;"of any other country.”Pakistan's delegation was led by Ishaq Dar, Asim Munir and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. Turkiye was represented by Fidan, Defence Minister Yasar Guler and Chief of the General Staff Selcuk Bayraktaroglu. Saudi Arabia’s delegation included Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman and Chief of the General Staff Fayyad al-Ruwaili.While many analysts have previously termed it an Islamic NATO based on an Article 5-like stipulation where an attack on one is considered an attack on all. However, many analysts push back on this analogy that the pact has no integrated command, no joint military budget, and no discernible bureaucratic structure that underpins NATO. However, this decision to establish a secretariat can be seen as a step towards having an operational capacity of the alliance.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey agree to establish a secretariat in Riyadh under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement to strengthen trilateral defence cooperation.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have agreed to establish a secretariat Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. The countries officially agreed that the central administrative body in Riyadh will be managed initially by the Pakistani Secretary General for three years. “A Secretariat, headed by a Secretary General, will be established in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support their work within the framework of the agreement," said the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement following the meeting. “The Secretariat will be initially headed by a Secretary General from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for a period of three years.” This is being seen as a move to institutionalise the cooperation between the three nations, “enhance their solidarity, ensure the credibility and effectiveness of their collective deterrence and defence,” and support “a just, inclusive and lasting peace.” Also Read: JD Vance says Trump’s Kharg Island AI video was a message to Iran Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that the alliance was based on “international principles, such as respecting the sovereignty of other states, territorial integrity and not intervening in internal affairs” and it remained open for participation "of any other country.” Pakistan's delegation was led by Ishaq Dar, Asim Munir and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. Turkiye was represented by Fidan, Defence Minister Yasar Guler and Chief of the General Staff Selcuk Bayraktaroglu. Saudi Arabia’s delegation included Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman and Chief of the General Staff Fayyad al-Ruwaili. While many analysts have previously termed it an Islamic NATO based on an Article 5-like stipulation where an attack on one is considered an attack on all. However, many analysts push back on this analogy that the pact has no integrated command, no joint military budget, and no discernible bureaucratic structure that underpins NATO. However, this decision to establish a secretariat can be seen as a step towards having an operational capacity of the alliance.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey agree to establish a secretariat in Riyadh under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement to strengthen trilateral defence cooperation.

Pakistan to lead secretariat in Riyadh under Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defence pact

Three days ago, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye signed a trilateral defence pact with great fanfare. However, cracks within the alliance surfaced within 24 hours. Even as Iran-backed Houthis launched an attack on Saudi Arabia, Pakistan stayed away from the battlefield.&nbsp;Pak Army Chief Asim Munir's choice is glaring, considering the most important aspect of this deal.&nbsp;According to this agreement, any armed attack against any one of these three countries shall be regarded as an attack against them all.&nbsp;It is worth noting that despite a similar clause being present in the Pakistan-Saudi defence pact signed in September last year, Munir's forces did not join hostilities against Iran.&nbsp;Houthis, who have declared a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia, did not hold back, though.&nbsp;&nbsp;Over the weekend, the group struck a facility operated by Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil firm Aramco in Jazan in retaliation for alleged incursions by drones into north-west Yemen. This facility reportedly processes four hundred thousand barrels of crude oil per day.On its part, Riyadh clarified that a fire which broke out at this facility was extinguished and no injuries were reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This is not all. Houthis also attacked Yemen's port city of Mokha. Houthis claimed to have launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones towards alleged Saudi troops and weapon depots in Mokha as part of a large-scale operation. Thick plumes of black smoke billowed over this city and loud explosions rang out as Houthis launched their attack. According to Yemen's military, at least 11 people, including eight military personnel and three civilians, were killed in the first wave of attacks whereas 32 others were injured. As per the military, its air defences intercepted and shot down 11 Houthi drones. Now, even Turkiye has remained silent on this. While Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan affirmed that the Mecca Pact has a NATO's article 5-like collective defence clause, he told the media that the agreement does not target any country. Amid speculation of whether it will rush to Saudi's aid in the ongoing conflict, Pakistan too issued a clarification. Its Deputy PM and foreign minister Ishaq Dar said, "I wish to reiterate that the Mecca accord is defensive in nature. It is not directed against any country.” He also added that its purpose is to strengthen collective deterrence against external aggression. Interestingly, Iran too made it clear that it is not worried by the Mecca Pact. Taking a dig at US, it reasoned that this agreement showed that countries are relying more on their own capabilities rather than those of outside powers. Let’s try to decode why Pakistan is running away from joining forces with Saudi Arabia. Even after intense strikes by US and Israel, Iran maintains a strong military and arsenal of weapons that can cause significant damage to Pakistan. The answer also lies in Balochistan's strategic location, it shares a 900 kilometre-long border with Iran, which is not easy to manage, considering that Balochistan has been on the boil. Even as Pakistan continues to jail human rights activists like Dr. Mahrang Baloch, the unrest on the ground cannot be understated. In July, the Pakistani military revealed that at least 42 persons, most of whom were security personnel, were killed in three attacks by Baloch insurgents. In subsequent operations, Pakistani forces claimed to have killed at least 129 militants. The Baloch Liberation Army has also intensified its operations. In July, gunmen killed nine police officers in an attack on a checkpost at the Mangi Dam project in Balochistan. This is not all. In May, over 30 people were killed after a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden car into a train in Quetta, which was carrying Pakistani security personnel and their families. Beyond its backyard, the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir also remains volatile. Amid Munir's brutal crackdown on civilians and supporters of Joint Awami Action Committee, the third round of so-called assembly polls in PoK was held only in four constituencies whereas polling was indefinitely postponed in seven other seats. As Pakistan's turmoil intensifies, a key question arises: Is it even in a viable position to fulfill the commitments of Mecca Pact? And if this is the case, it is clear that this agreement was more of symbolism than substance.

The answer also in Balochistan's strategic location, it shares a 900 km-long border with Iran, which is not easy to manage, since Balochistan has been on the boil. Even as Pakistan continues to jail human rights activists like Dr. Mahrang Baloch, the unrest cannot be understated.

Three days ago, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye signed a trilateral defence pact with great fanfare. However, cracks within the alliance surfaced within 24 hours. Even as Iran-backed Houthis launched an attack on Saudi Arabia, Pakistan stayed away from the battlefield. Pak Army Chief Asim Munir's choice is glaring, considering the most important aspect of this deal. According to this agreement, any armed attack against any one of these three countries shall be regarded as an attack against them all. It is worth noting that despite a similar clause being present in the Pakistan-Saudi defence pact signed in September last year, Munir's forces did not join hostilities against Iran. Houthis, who have declared a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia, did not hold back, though. Over the weekend, the group struck a facility operated by Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil firm Aramco in Jazan in retaliation for alleged incursions by drones into north-west Yemen. This facility reportedly processes four hundred thousand barrels of crude oil per day. On its part, Riyadh clarified that a fire which broke out at this facility was extinguished and no injuries were reported.

The answer also in Balochistan's strategic location, it shares a 900 km-long border with Iran, which is not easy to manage, since Balochistan has been on the boil. Even as Pakistan continues to jail human rights activists like Dr. Mahrang Baloch, the unrest cannot be understated.

Mecca deal cracks in 24 hours, Pakistan runs away from Houthi battlefield | Gravitas

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye have signed a new defence pact, the “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement”, aiming to deepen security cooperation amid increasing military tensions and conflicts in the Middle East. The signed agreement means that an attack on one country would be treated as an attack on all three. The pact brings together the financial strength of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s nuclear and military capabilities and defence technology, as well as Türkiye's military experience. The pact has also renewed discussion about the possibility of an “Islamic NATO” and its impact on the regional balance of power.<h2>Why defence partnership signed at this point?</h2>The development comes amid increasing military tensions and conflicts in the Middle East threatening the sovereignty and security of these nations. It has been signed with the focus on strengthening their collective security and promoting peace and stability along with security in the region and beyond. After the deal, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry announced that the pact meant an attack on any member would be considered as an attack on all, and added that it was “intended to strengthen collective deterrence”. The ongoing conflict in West Asia has imperilled the oil exports of Saudi Arabia and ⁠its ambitious development plans, raising serious questions about the reliability of its longstanding US security umbrella. Meanwhile, Turkiye and Pakistan have skipped significant direct attacks in the ongoing conflicts, but both nations are eager to calm regional conflicts that threaten their security and economies. The development will not safeguard each other, but it will also stitch together a web of partnerships which will help shift regional threats away from relying on any single partner or bloc.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-burning-through-its-arsenal-in-iran-russia-and-china-are-watching-closely-1786269529721">US is burning through its arsenal in Iran. Russia and China are watching closely</a><h2>What it means for Saudi, Pak and Türkiye?</h2>In terms of Pakistan, this agreement firmly places Islamabad within the Middle East's evolving security framework, coming soon after the new defence pact of the nation with Saudi Arabia and amid deepening ties with Egypt and Jordan. As a nuclear-armed, Muslim-majority nation, Pakistan gains added regional prestige and influence valuable for reshaping its global image away from associations with repression and terrorism. The deal could also strengthen ties with Washington, since the Trump administration favours greater burden-sharing among key allies and is likely to welcome a pact aimed at boosting collective regional deterrence, particularly against Iran, according to media reports. For Turkey, this expands an existing network of alliances with Qatar, Syria, and Libya, reinforcing a broader Muslim collective defence framework and the principle that outside powers shouldn't unilaterally alter regional political orders. While Saudi Arabia gains leverage against Iran and Pakistan against India, Turkey benefits from added deterrence against Israel amid rising tensions. The Doha airstrike has heightened regional interest in collective air defence against both Iran and Israel. Each country stands to gain militarily and diplomatically, with Turkish defence industries poised for commercial growth, and the agreement strengthening Turkey's role in India-Europe trade networks. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's new security pact with Turkey strengthens its regional leverage amid an emboldened Iran and limits on US deterrence, positioning Riyadh as a stabilising regional leader. Like its existing defence agreements with Pakistan and the GCC, this deal is unlikely to guarantee a NATO-style collective response, though it may offer diplomatic advantages, as seen when Riyadh used its Pakistan ties to shape Iran-related negotiations. The move signals Saudi Arabia stepping back from seeking a binding US security guarantee, though it doesn't reject the US partnership, potentially aligning with Washington's shift toward a regional "integrator" role.

The development comes amid increasing military tensions and conflicts in the Middle East, threatening the sovereignty and security of these nations. It has been signed with a focus on strengthening their collective security and promoting peace and stability.

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye have signed a new defence pact, the “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement”, aiming to deepen security cooperation amid increasing military tensions and conflicts in the Middle East. The signed agreement means that an attack on one country would be treated as an attack on all three. The pact brings together the financial strength of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s nuclear and military capabilities and defence technology, as well as Türkiye's military experience. The pact has also renewed discussion about the possibility of an “Islamic NATO” and its impact on the regional balance of power. Why defence partnership signed at this point? The development comes amid increasing military tensions and conflicts in the Middle East threatening the sovereignty and security of these nations. It has been signed with the focus on strengthening their collective security and promoting peace and stability along with security in the region and beyond. After the deal, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry announced that the pact meant an attack on any member would be considered as an attack on all, and added that it was “intended to strengthen collective deterrence”. The ongoing conflict in West Asia has imperilled the oil exports of Saudi Arabia and ⁠its ambitious development plans, raising serious questions about the reliability of its longstanding US security umbrella. Meanwhile, Turkiye and Pakistan have skipped significant direct attacks in the ongoing conflicts, but both nations are eager to calm regional conflicts that threaten their security and economies. The development will not safeguard each other, but it will also stitch together a web of partnerships which will help shift regional threats away from relying on any single partner or bloc. Also read: US is burning through its arsenal in Iran. Russia and China are watching closely What it means for Saudi, Pak and Türkiye? In terms of Pakistan, this agreement firmly places Islamabad within the Middle East's evolving security framework, coming soon after the new defence pact of the nation with Saudi Arabia and amid deepening ties with Egypt and Jordan. As a nuclear-armed, Muslim-majority nation, Pakistan gains added regional prestige and influence valuable for reshaping its global image away from associations with repression and terrorism. The deal could also strengthen ties with Washington, since the Trump administration favours greater burden-sharing among key allies and is likely to welcome a pact aimed at boosting collective regional deterrence, particularly against Iran, according to media reports. For Turkey, this expands an existing network of alliances with Qatar, Syria, and Libya, reinforcing a broader Muslim collective defence framework and the principle that outside powers shouldn't unilaterally alter regional political orders. While Saudi Arabia gains leverage against Iran and Pakistan against India, Turkey benefits from added deterrence against Israel amid rising tensions. The Doha airstrike has heightened regional interest in collective air defence against both Iran and Israel. Each country stands to gain militarily and diplomatically, with Turkish defence industries poised for commercial growth, and the agreement strengthening Turkey's role in India-Europe trade networks. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's new security pact with Turkey strengthens its regional leverage amid an emboldened Iran and limits on US deterrence, positioning Riyadh as a stabilising regional leader. Like its existing defence agreements with Pakistan and the GCC, this deal is unlikely to guarantee a NATO-style collective response, though it may offer diplomatic advantages, as seen when Riyadh used its Pakistan ties to shape Iran-related negotiations. The move signals Saudi Arabia stepping back from seeking a binding US security guarantee, though it doesn't reject the US partnership, potentially aligning with Washington's shift toward a regional "integrator" role.

The development comes amid increasing military tensions and conflicts in the Middle East, threatening the sovereignty and security of these nations. It has been signed with a focus on strengthening their collective security and promoting peace and stability.

EXPLAINED: Why did Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye decide to strengthen their defence partnership now?

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a major trilateral defence pact aimed at strengthening mutual security amid growing threats and instability across West Asia.

The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement brings together three strategically important countries and is being presented as a defensive arrangement rooted in the UN Charter. Officials have stressed that the pact is not intended to create a new military bloc or automatically commit the three countries to offensive operations.

The agreement comes amid escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States, Yemen and the wider Gulf region. Iranian officials have reacted sharply to the pact, with some warning Saudi Arabia that a security agreement with Turkey and Pakistan would not guarantee protection.

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Sign Trilateral Defence Pact Amid Iran Tensions