Islamabad: The Makkah Defence Alliance should broaden its membership to include additional Gulf states and other Muslim countries to bolster collective security and foster regional cooperation, Sardar Masood Khan, former Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, China, and the United Nations, and former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, stated in a television interview.
According to President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khan suggested that countries such as Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, and Malaysia be considered for inclusion in the alliance. He noted that many Muslim nations share strong historical and strategic ties with Pakistan, Türkiye, and Iran, laying a foundation for expanded cooperation. The expansion of membership could be executed either rapidly or gradually while the alliance strengthens its institutional frameworks and establishes a Secretariat.
Khan highlighted the necessity for Muslim countries to enhance their collective defence capabilities amid ongoing regional conflicts. He cautioned that the momentum for cooperation might wane if hostilities cease without establishing a lasting institutional framework.
Addressing recent interactions involving the alliance and Iran, Khan mentioned that these engagements have contributed to dispelling misconceptions and fostering trust. He emphasized the increasing recognition among regional countries of the need to assume greater responsibility for their own security, rather than relying solely on external powers.
Regarding the tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement, Khan emphasized the importance of halting Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, identifying these attacks as a critical issue for both Saudi Arabia and the Makkah Alliance. He warned that the conflict near the Bab al-Mandab Strait could harm the international economy, affecting the Gulf states, the broader Middle East and North Africa, and Europe.
Khan asserted that Iran holds considerable sway over the Houthis and could leverage this influence to encourage a cessation of hostilities. He indicated that Tehran’s readiness to facilitate dialogue between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia demonstrates its potential role in de-escalating tensions.
Discussing potential renewed hostilities involving Iran, Khan warned that political dynamics in Israel and the United States might heighten the risk of further escalation. He observed that threats of military action could serve domestic political purposes amidst growing public criticism of the war in the United States and other Western nations.
On Afghanistan, Khan outlined Pakistan’s dual approach of implementing security measures against terrorist threats from Afghan territory and engaging diplomatically with countries such as China, Qatar, and Türkiye. He advocated for the Makkah Alliance’s collective defence principle to encourage recognition of Pakistan’s security concerns and support efforts to combat terrorism.
Khan concluded by asserting that expanding regional cooperation, strengthening mutual trust, and integrating credible defence arrangements with diplomatic efforts are crucial for preventing broader conflicts and establishing a more secure regional order.