ISLAMABAD: The swift follow-up meeting among Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan illustrates the rapid transition of the Makkah Pact from broad principles to concrete institutional and defense cooperation, stated Sardar Masood Khan, the former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, China, and the United Nations, and former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
According to President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan, during a panel discussion, the three countries have acted with speed following the agreement signed on August 7. The meeting in Istanbul, held within the same month, underscores their commitment to transforming the understanding into an effective mechanism for political, strategic, and defense coordination.
He noted that the proposed Political-Defense Committee would provide an institutional framework to guide and implement the agenda of the agreement. The principles of collective deterrence and strategic synergy are being translated into practical measures.
Sardar Masood Khan highlighted the anticipated focus on joint military training, enhanced interoperability among armed forces, defense procurement, intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, and coordination against emerging threats. Additionally, missile defense coordination and maritime security in strategic waterways and the Red Sea region would demand close consultation and comprehensive planning.
He emphasized the existing networks of political, economic, and defense cooperation among the three countries. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a long history of security cooperation, while Pakistan and Türkiye have developed partnerships in defense production and military collaboration. The Makkah Pact aims to elevate these existing linkages to a more structured level.
Addressing the possibility of expanding the arrangement, Sardar Masood Khan suggested that other Islamic countries with shared objectives of regional security could join. He identified Egypt and Bangladesh as potential participants and expressed hope for Malaysia and Indonesia’s involvement. Other Gulf states remain part of the regional security ecosystem.
Clarifying the arrangement’s nature, he stressed that it is not a sectarian or offensive alliance against any country. Its purpose is defensive, aimed at deterring aggression and enabling regional countries to take greater responsibility for their security.
Regarding the Iran-US conflict, Sardar Masood Khan noted that despite ongoing tensions, neither side seems prepared for a full-scale war. He stressed the importance of diplomacy, dialogue, and communication to prevent miscalculations and foster conditions for renewed negotiations and long-term regional interdependence.