Makkah pact: Pakistan moves to allay concerns

DPM Dar says pact not against any country Insists accord culmination of years of coordination Agreement remains

ISLAMABAD:

Two days after signing the landmark "Makkah Accord," Pakistan on Sunday clarified that the trilateral defence pact does not target any country, saying the arrangement leaves the door open for other Muslim countries, even Iran, to join.

Since the leaders of Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia formally signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on August 7, a debate has raged over the move's exact purpose, its primary target and, most importantly, whether it targets Iran.

The defence pact declares that an armed attack on one will be treated as an attack on all three, drawing parallels with Article 5 of the NATO alliance, which enshrines the principle of collective defence.

When asked whether the trilateral defence pact could be equated with NATO's collective security clause, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan replied affirmatively but clarified that the grouping does not target Iran.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday provided further context and explained in detail the real objective of the trilateral arrangement in a post on X.

He said that given the ongoing discussion and interest surrounding the "Makkah Joint Defence Agreement" - the Makkah Accord - over the past two days, providing "context and clarity" would be useful for everyone to note.

"The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, jointly signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye in Makkah Mukarramah on Friday, 7th August 2026, reflects the depth of the brotherly relations between the leadership and peoples of the three countries," he wrote on X.

In an attempt to delink the Makkah Accord from the current regional situation, Dar insisted that the accord is the culmination of years of discussions and coordination, driven by a common desire to strengthen strategic cooperation in addressing multifarious peace and security challenges and advancing regional peace, stability and prosperity.

"The Makkah Accord does not abrogate or replace any existing bilateral or multilateral agreements between these countries, or with other countries or organisations," he explained.

He said any external armed attack on any one of the three countries would be considered an attack on all, consistent with the inherent right of individual and collective self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

In an attempt to allay fears in certain countries, including Iran, Dar stressed that the Makkah Accord is purely defensive in nature. "It is not targeted against any country and its sole purpose is to further strengthen our ongoing efforts towards peace, stability and prosperity in the wider region," he said.

Dar also made clear that the Makkah Accord remains open to any country in the region willing to uphold its fundamental principles and resolve differences through mutual respect, cooperation and peaceful means.

Defending Pakistan's decision, the foreign minister said the Makkah Accord is consistent with the fundamental pillars of the country's foreign policy. "Pakistan looks forward to continuing to work closely with all brotherly countries in the region towards lasting peace and stability," he said.

"We remain committed to advancing the cause of peaceful resolution of all conflicts and building a more secure, stable and prosperous future for our peoples," he stressed.

Questions have also arisen over whether Pakistan can continue to act as a mediator after entering the new arrangement, particularly given its close relationship with Iran and its defence partnership with Saudi Arabia.

The sense in Islamabad is that Pakistan has already successfully navigated its relationships with Iran and Saudi Arabia during the conflict, despite having a defence pact with Riyadh. "There is no reason Pakistan cannot maintain the same approach even after signing the Makkah Accord," said an official.

The ultimate purpose of Pakistan and the other countries, including Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, is to see a diplomatic solution to the conflict, whether between Iran and the United States or between Iran and the Gulf countries, according to the official.