RAWALPINDI: Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has described the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement as defensive in nature.
The agreement was signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. It aims to strengthen defense cooperation among the three countries.
Speaking to Al Arabiya English, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said the agreement does not compete with other alliances. He described it as defensive and complementary.
The DG ISPR said the partnership focuses on regional peace, stability and security. He also said the framework could allow other countries to join in the future.
According to him, membership will not be limited to Muslim countries. He said the decision about expansion will rest with the leadership of the three participating nations.
The agreement is based on shared principles of regional peace and security. These include non-aggression, non-interference and collective deterrence.
The Makkah Joint Defense Agreement was signed on August 7, 2026. It establishes a collective defense framework among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. An armed attack against one member is treated as an attack against all three.
The DG ISPR was also asked how the three countries would respond if one member came under attack.
He said the operational details of their defense commitments remain classified. He did not provide details about possible military responses.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry also addressed the wider situation in the Middle East. He said dialogue remains the only way to resolve the conflict.
He called on all sides to work toward a negotiated and peaceful solution. His comments come amid continued regional tensions and security concerns.
The Pakistani military spokesperson also discussed the country’s defense posture toward India. He said Pakistan is not seeking an arms race with India.
He acknowledged Pakistan’s continuing development of military capabilities. However, he said Islamabad’s position is not based on pursuing an arms race.
The DG ISPR further said Pakistan would continue its counterterrorism operations. He said these operations would target attacks that Pakistan says originate from Afghanistan.
The Makkah agreement has entered its implementation phase. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye held their first Strategic Political and Defense Committee meeting in Istanbul in August. The three countries have also begun developing institutional mechanisms for the pact.
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The three countries have said the agreement seeks to support regional stability. They have also emphasized de-escalation and peaceful solutions to regional crises.
