Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and defensive cooperation under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement during a meeting with Lieutenant General (Rtd.) Nauman Mahmood at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Mahmood, who will lead the General Secretariat of the Alliance from Riyadh, is the first Secretary General appointed under the agreement signed by Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia.
According to Press Information Department, President Zardari expressed confidence that the Makkah Accord, signed on August 7, 2026, would enhance regional peace and stability through defensive cooperation grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and international law. The President highlighted that the agreement is defensive in nature, not directed against any country, and does not aim to form a new bloc.
President Zardari also emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to peaceful conflict resolution and the strengthening of regional and multilateral cooperation to tackle emerging challenges. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi.