Makkah Agreement: Ratification by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
(Asghar Ali Mubarak)
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have completed the ratification process for the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.
Full Translation of the Makkah Defense Agreement

The Government of the Republic of Türkiye, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (hereinafter referred to individually as a “Party,” and collectively as the “Parties” or “Principal Parties”);

Mindful of the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, the tenets of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the respective national laws; and agreeing to transform existing mechanisms of cooperation, coordination, and integration regarding defense partnerships into a joint defense agreement;

Reiterate their commitment to further developing relations based on the shared interests of the Parties. This cooperation shall encompass enhancing the interoperability, readiness, and effectiveness of their armed forces, with the aim of further strengthening the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the Parties and their respective peoples.

The Parties affirm the importance of the principles of non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of internationally recognized borders. They further declare that, in the event of an armed attack against the independence, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of any Party, it is imperative to take necessary measures for mutual assistance.

The Parties acknowledge the significance of joint efforts and coordination—in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter—to ensure global and regional peace, stability, and security. The parties express their desire to further deepen the existing cooperation between their respective institutions in the war against terrorism.

They emphasize the importance of strengthening mutual cooperation within regional and international organizations to adopt a common stance on international affairs.

Recognizing the need to further promote cooperation in the fields of defense and the defense industry, the parties agree on the following:
Article 1: Protection of Independence, Sovereignty, and Territorial Integrity
The parties shall cooperate to ensure and protect each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of their internationally recognized borders.

Should the territorial integrity, sovereignty, or internationally recognized borders of any party be threatened or at risk of being compromised, all parties shall employ all necessary means to eliminate such a threat or risk.
Article 2: An Attack on One Shall Be Considered an Attack on All
An armed attack from an external source against any one of the parties shall be considered an attack against all the parties.

In the event that any party is subjected to an armed attack or military aggression by another country or a group of countries, the other parties shall immediately assist the party under attack, utilizing all available means of mutual aid.

To this end—and to facilitate the exercise of the right to self-defense as recognized under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter—the parties shall determine the nature and scope of the assistance to be provided, following an objective assessment of the required support.

The parties shall cooperate within the limits of their available resources, including military assets and capabilities. Article 3: Cooperation in Defense, Defense Industry, and Security
In accordance with Article 2, the Parties shall cooperate closely in the fields of defense, the defense industry, and security; foster relations between their respective armed forces; and undertake mutually agreed-upon activities to strengthen defense cooperation.
Article 4: Consultations on International Security
The Parties shall hold regular consultations on matters concerning international security.

They shall provide continuous and effective mutual assistance and cooperation in developing individual and joint measures—based on shared assessments—to safeguard their core interests and national security, and to eliminate threats to their national security.
Article 5: Joint Efforts Against Terrorism
The Parties shall strengthen existing cooperation and joint efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cooperation at practical and operational levels.

The objective of this cooperation is to counter terrorism that negatively impacts regional and international stability and security.
Article 6: Military Training, Exercises, and Personnel Exchange
In both peacetime and wartime, the Parties shall encourage the mutual exchange of personnel from defense institutions, as well as joint training programs and military exercises.

They shall also promote deployments and activities aimed at enhancing interoperability between their respective armed forces and improving their defense capabilities.
Article 7: Collaboration in Defense Industry and Technology
To strengthen their defense capabilities, the Parties shall—based on mutual agreement—support the exchange of technology, joint technical development, joint production, and cooperation among entities within their defense industries. The key areas of this cooperation will be as follows:

A. Encouraging joint production in the defense sector.

B. Promoting defense innovation through joint research and development projects for technologies that require specialized expertise.

C. Training relevant personnel and providing support to the defense industry through experts within the respective countries of the parties.d. Exchange of expertise and experience gained in the fields of defense industry, defense research and development, and innovation.

e. Other areas of cooperation as mutually agreed upon by the Parties.
Article 8: Establishment of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee

  1. Composition and Responsibilities of the Committee

The primary Parties shall establish a “Strategic Political and Defense Committee,” comprising the Foreign Ministers, Defense Ministers, and Chiefs of General Staff of the Parties.

The responsibilities of the Committee shall include providing strategic guidance for joint defense, promoting defense and security cooperation between the Parties, and addressing any obstacles that may arise during the implementation of this Agreement.

The Committee shall meet twice a year, with the Parties hosting the meetings on an alternating basis. If deemed necessary, the heads of the Parties may meet once a year.

  1. Sub-Committees

The Strategic Political and Defense Committee may establish sub-committees as and when deemed necessary.

  1. Additional Agreements and Protocols

Where necessary, the Parties shall negotiate additional agreements or protocols to facilitate the implementation of the areas of cooperation stipulated in this Agreement.

  1. Accession of New Member States

Subject to the consensus of the primary Parties, the Strategic Political and Defense Committee shall be empowered to determine and approve the procedures and principles for the accession of other parties to this Agreement.

  1. Establishment of a Secretariat

A Secretariat, with its headquarters located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, shall be established to provide support to the Strategic Political and Defense Committee. The Secretariat shall enter into an agreement with Saudi Arabia regarding its headquarters. Its operational procedures, organizational structure, and the principles governing its establishment shall be determined subsequently through the consensus of the primary parties.

  1. Appointment of the Secretary-General

The Secretariat shall be headed by a Secretary-General appointed for a three-year term. This position shall be held on a rotational basis among the primary parties.

The first Secretary-General shall be from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

  1. Continuity of Existing Military Committees

Nothing in this clause shall affect the functioning of any existing military cooperation committees between the parties.
Clause 9: Exchange of Intelligence Information
To deepen intelligence cooperation and facilitate necessary coordination, the parties shall exchange intelligence information through mutually agreed-upon secure channels.

This process shall adhere to principles regarding information security, data protection, and confidentiality.
Clause 10: Provision of Logistics and Military Equipment
Subject to the availability of logistical support services and mutual compatibility, the parties shall provide logistical assistance to one another during peacetime, wartime, or other emergency situations.

Such assistance shall encompass weapons, ammunition, fuel, spare parts, and other equipment.
Clause 11: Legal Status of the Agreement
Without prejudice to international law or the respective domestic laws of the parties, the parties shall recognize this Agreement as the legal basis for the implementation of its provisions.

Where necessary, they shall also propose additional legal measures. Article 12: Pre-existing International Agreements
This Agreement shall not affect the rights and obligations of the Parties arising from international agreements to which they are already party.
Article 13: Protection of Classified Information and Documents

  1. The Parties shall maintain the confidentiality of classified information and documents obtained under this Agreement and shall comply with their respective national laws.
  2. Classified information and documents shall not be shared with any state, company, or individual outside of the Parties.
  3. Access to classified information and documents shall be granted only on a “need-to-know” basis to individuals who possess the appropriate level of security clearance.
    Article 14: Dispute Resolution
    Any dispute arising from the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement shall be resolved amicably through consultation and negotiation between the Parties.
    Article 15: Amendment of the Agreement
    This Agreement may be amended through consultation and mutual consent between the primary Parties.
    Article 16: Ratification, Entry into Force, Duration, and Withdrawal
  4. Ratification and Entry into Force

This Agreement shall be ratified in accordance with the procedures applicable to each Party. The Agreement shall enter into force on the date the final instrument of ratification is deposited with the Secretariat of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee.

  1. Duration of the Agreement

This Agreement shall remain in force for an indefinite period.

  1. Withdrawal from the Agreement

Upon the completion of ten years from the date the Agreement enters into force, any party may withdraw from it, provided that it gives written notice of its intention to withdraw to the other parties, through diplomatic channels, at least three months in advance.

  1. Continuity of Ongoing Activities and Projects

The termination of the Agreement or the withdrawal of any party shall not affect activities or projects that the parties had agreed upon prior to the date of such termination or withdrawal and which are currently in progress.

  1. Obligation to Protect Confidential Information

Even after the termination of the Agreement or the withdrawal of any party, the obligations of the parties regarding the protection of confidential information and documents, and the prevention of their disclosure, shall remain in effect.

Signatures and Authoritative Languages

This Agreement is signed in three original copies in the Turkish, Arabic, and English languages. The texts in all three languages ​​shall be considered equally authoritative.

However, in the event of any discrepancy in the interpretation of these texts, the English text shall prevail.

Place of Signature: Makkah Al-Mukarramah

Date: Friday, 7 August 2026 (24 Safar 1448 AH) Makkah Agreement reflects the commitment of Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia toward collective defense and regional security. Both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have completed their respective ratification processes for this agreement.

The Makkah Collective Defense Agreement is a trilateral defense pact concluded between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye in Makkah Al-Mukarramah on August 7, 2026.

Key Points and Features:

  • Parties: Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Republic of Türkiye.
  • Date of Signing: August 7, 2026.
  • Core Principle: The agreement is founded on the principle of “an attack on one is an attack on all” (collective defense), which strengthens regional security and the framework for joint defense.
  • Nature: The agreement is strictly defensive in nature and is not directed against any third country.
  • Structure: The text of the agreement consists of 16 articles, which have been submitted to the parliamentary and legal bodies of the respective countries for ratification.
  • Secretary General: Lieutenant General (Retd) Nauman Mahmood, a former general of the Pakistan Army, has been appointed as the first Secretary General of this agreement.
  • Scope: The agreement remains open to other Muslim or regional nations that are committed to the principles of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. In a statement, Ishaq Dar said that “under this agreement, an external armed attack on any one of the three countries will be considered an attack on all three; the objective is to further strengthen ongoing efforts for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.” In a statement released on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), Dar added that “the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement was jointly signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye in Makkah Al-Mukarramah on August 7, 2026—a reflection of the deep, brotherly ties between the leadership and the people of the three nations.” Ishaq Dar noted that “any country in the region may join the Makkah Agreement, provided they adhere to its core principles and are committed to mutual respect, cooperation, and the resolution of differences through peaceful means.”

The Foreign Office announced on Friday that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have completed the ratification process for the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement. A spokesperson stated that Türkiye is currently in the process of securing approval for the trilateral agreement in accordance with its own domestic legal procedures.

During a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan stated, “Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have already completed the ratification process, while Türkiye is undertaking the necessary steps in line with its own legal framework.”

This confirmation comes as Ankara has submitted the agreement to the Turkish Parliament for approval—a move that has brought the text of the agreement into the public domain for the first time. Islamabad has not yet released the text of the agreement. Addressing a question regarding why the text of the agreement has not been made public in Pakistan—despite Cabinet approval—the spokesperson stated that every nation follows its own constitutional and legal procedures for the approval and ratification of international agreements.

According to the spokesperson, matters concerning the ratification and implementation of the agreement are currently under discussion among the three parties—a process that includes the Strategic Political and Defence Committee, which last met on October 5.

Confirming the 16-point text of the agreement as released by the Turkish Parliament, the spokesperson dismissed the notion that there might be undisclosed clauses. “There are no secret clauses,” the spokesperson asserted. “The provisions and terms of the agreement are clear and explicit.”

Under Article 2 of the agreement, an external armed attack against any one party is to be considered an attack against all parties. When asked whether Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia would fall within the scope of this provision, the spokesperson explained that the agreement is defensive in nature and aligns with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

“This agreement is not directed at any specific country,” the spokesperson stated. He added that the nature and scope of any assistance provided would be determined collectively by the three nations, following an objective assessment of the prevailing circumstances.

Responding to a further inquiry on this matter, the spokesperson drew attention to the specific clause in the agreement that outlines the procedure for its activation. According to him, any decision in this regard will rest at the discretion of the three partners. The spokesperson stated that Pakistan is “fully committed to both the letter and the spirit of the agreement.” He described the agreement as a means to promote peace, security, and stability in the region.