RIYADH: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Republic of Türkiye held an emergency meeting of the Strategic-Political and Defense Committee of the Makkah Alliance for Defense in Riyadh on October 5, 2026. The meeting’s primary focus was to address security developments and threats targeted at Saudi Arabia.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Committee appointed His Excellency Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood (Ret.) of Pakistan as the first Secretary-General for a three-year term. The decision was part of the ongoing institutional development of the Makkah Alliance for Defense. The participating countries expressed confidence in his ability to advance the Alliance’s objectives.

The attendees strongly condemned attacks targeting Makkah, Madinah, and other Saudi cities and facilities, reiterating their rejection of threats against the Kingdom’s security. Pakistan and Türkiye praised the Saudi Armed Forces for their competence in countering these threats.

The Committee reviewed prior political and military consultations and approved recommendations aimed at enhancing collective defense. The Parties committed to deploying military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia to improve readiness and integration.

They affirmed that the Makkah Agreement for Joint Defense reflects a credible commitment to collective defense, reinforcing deterrence and unity among the three nations in safeguarding their sovereignty and territorial integrity.