FM Dar meets MJDA secretary general, underscores defence pact's importance for regional peace

Foreign minister congratulates Nauman Mahmood on appointment, wishes him success

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday met with the Secretary General of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA), Lieutenant General (retd) Nauman Mahmood, and underscored the critical role of the defence pact in promoting lasting peace in the region, the Foreign Office said.

 According to a statement issued by the FO, Dar congratulated Mahmood on his appointment "and wished him success in his important responsibilities." The foreign minister also highlighted Pakistan's ongoing diplomatic efforts to promote regional and international peace and stability, the statement added.

The first Secretary General of the Makkah Alliance for Defence, Lt. Gen. (R) Nauman Mahmood, HI (M), called on the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.

The DPM/FM congratulated Lt. Gen. (R)… pic.twitter.com/DQi0Qjl7sd

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 28, 2026

The meeting came as Pakistan, which has been trying to maintain its role as a bridge between Iran and the United States while simultaneously managing its growing security commitments to Saudi Arabia. Earlier this week, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Iran agreed to continue a new four-way dialogue on regional peace and security under the MJDA, following an unprecedented meeting in Tehran involving the top military, defence and intelligence officials of the three Makkah pact countries.

Read: Khawaja Asif hints at 'progress' in Makkah alliance’s talks with Iran on Saudi-Houthi conflict

Lt Gen Mahmood was appointed as the MJDA's first secretary general on September 23, set to lead the general secretariat of the alliance, which was established in Riyadh. The appointment marked the formal establishment of the MJDA's secretariat and its administrative leadership.

In August, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark "Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement", declaring that "any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both". On August 7, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye formalised their longstanding strategic relationship through the MJDA, a trilateral security framework that its proponents describe as a defensive arrangement aimed at strengthening collective deterrence, enhancing military cooperation and promoting regional stability.