Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has extended warm felicitations to the nation on the signing of the “Makkah Joint Defence Agreement” by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.

In his message to the nation, he said this historic accord reflects the depth of our brotherly bonds, shared values and common commitment to peace, security and stability.

Ishaq Dar said the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (Makkah Accord) is a significant milestone in Pakistan’s longstanding strategic relationships with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Türkiye. It embodies our shared resolve to strengthen cooperation in addressing the evolving peace and security challenges facing our region.

He reiterated that the Makkah Accord is defensive in nature and that it is not directed against any country. He emphasized that its purpose is to strengthen collective deterrence against external aggression and reinforce our capacity to defend our sovereignty, territorial integrity and peoples.

Ishaq Dar said the Makkah Accord provides that an armed attack against any one of the three countries shall be regarded as an attack against all, consistent with the inherent right of individual and collective self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Pakistan remains firmly committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes, respect for sovereignty and international law, and the pursuit of regional peace, stability and prosperity.

He said the Makkah Accord is not an instrument of confrontation, but an expression of our collective commitment to peace through strength, solidarity and mutual respect.

He said the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and the Foreign Office of Pakistan played a pivotal role in bringing this historic Makkah Accord to fruition. He said the leadership and vision in safeguarding Pakistan’s national interests and strengthening our strategic partnerships with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye are commendable.