Pakistan is set to host the third meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee of the Makkah Defence Alliance later this month, diplomatic sources said. The gathering is meant to discuss trilateral strategic cooperation, defence partnerships and regional security under the Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye defence pact. The exact date is still being finalised.
The meeting is expected to bring together senior political, diplomatic and military leaders from the three countries. Diplomatic sources said foreign ministers, defence ministers and military chiefs are likely to attend, which reflects how much weight the three governments place on the framework. Pakistan will be represented by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif. Senior Turkish and Saudi counterparts are also expected to take part.
Background: the committee and its earlier meetings
The Strategic Political and Defence Committee operates under the Makkah Defence Alliance, which was formed under what is called the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. The alliance provides a framework for closer defence cooperation and collective security coordination among the three countries. The committee's inaugural meeting was held in Istanbul on August 31, and its second, an emergency session, took place in Riyadh on October 5.
The coming session will be the third gathering of the committee, and Pakistan's hosting of it is seen as a sign of its growing role in the trilateral initiative. Discussions are expected to cover political consultations, defence cooperation, military coordination and what officials describe as the further institutionalisation of trilateral engagement, meaning making the partnership more structured and regular. Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have long-standing political, economic, religious and strategic ties, and their leaders often stress closer cooperation on regional challenges.
Pakistan condemns attack on Saudi Aramco building
Separately, Pakistan on Monday condemned an attempted attack by the Houthis, a Yemen-based armed group, on a Saudi Aramco administrative building in Riyadh. Saudi Aramco is the kingdom's state oil company. The Foreign Office Spokesperson said no casualties were reported and that attacks on civilian facilities showed a reckless disregard for human life and regional security.
Pakistan called on the Houthis to stop all attacks on Saudi Arabia immediately and without conditions. The spokesperson also praised the vigilance and quick response of Saudi authorities and said Pakistan stood with the Saudi leadership and people, including on measures to protect the kingdom's security and territorial integrity. No outcome from the Riyadh-area incident or the upcoming committee meeting has been announced yet.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- August 31: The inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee was held in Istanbul, Türkiye.
- October 5: The second, emergency session of the committee took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Monday: Pakistan condemned an attempted Houthi attack on a Saudi Aramco administrative building in Riyadh; no casualties were reported.
- Later this month: Pakistan is set to host the third meeting, with the date being finalised.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Pakistan is mahine mein Saudi Arabia aur Türkiye ke sath Makkah Defence Alliance ki teesri meeting ki mezbani karne wala hai, diplomatic sources ke mutabiq. Is mein foreign aur defence ministers aur military chiefs shirkat kar sakte hain, aur tareekh abhi tay ho rahi hai. Aam shehri ke liye iska seedha asar abhi wazeh nahi, lekin yeh defence aur regional security ke liye ahem hai. Pakistan ne Monday ko Saudi Arabia par Houthi hamle ki mazammat bhi ki.
