ISLAMABAD — Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Monday that the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is "entirely for defensive purposes" with "no aggressive intent." The trilateral security framework was formalized Aug. 7, 2026, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
The pact brings together Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. It stipulates that an armed attack against any of the three signatory states shall be considered an attack against all, aiming to strengthen collective deterrence.
Speaking at a federal cabinet meeting, Sharif said the agreement seeks to enhance regional stability, peace and prosperity. He described the pact as a "source of pride and strength for the entire Muslim Ummah."
The Makkah agreement extends a bilateral Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed last year between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. That earlier arrangement also established that aggression against one country would be considered aggression against both.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also signed the agreement alongside Sharif. The pact formalizes a longstanding strategic relationship among the three nations.
Sharif congratulated Field Marshal Asim Munir, chief of defence forces and chief of army staff, for his multi-year efforts in securing the agreement. He said it is an honor for Pakistan's armed forces to stand with Saudi forces in safeguarding holy places.
During the same cabinet address, Sharif spoke about recent terrorist incidents, specifically attacks on police stations in Hangu and Swat that killed police officers and military personnel.
Captain Hamza Akram, Major Hafiz Ihsan Elahi and DSP Diyar Khan were among those who died. Sharif said that "Fitna al-Khawarij are being decimated day and night," adding that Pakistan would eradicate terrorism and move toward peace.
Sharif also provided an update on elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Polling had concluded in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad, with voting underway in two districts of Poonch on Monday.
He said the people of AJK voted in large numbers for PML-N, securing a majority for the party in the first two divisions and refugee seats. The outcome, he said, affirmed Nawaz Sharif's leadership.
