More than six countries have expressed interest in joining the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Dar said the alliance was defensive in nature and was not directed against any country. He said potential new members would be considered once the agreement becomes fully operational.
Emergency meeting planned in Riyadh
Dar said the Strategic Political Defence Committee of the Makkah Defence Alliance would hold an emergency meeting in Riyadh next week to discuss the situation in Saudi Arabia, particularly recent attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi movement.
The committee comprises the foreign and defence ministers and military chiefs of the three member states.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye on August 7. Under the pact, an attack on one member is regarded as an attack on all three. The military chiefs of the three countries also met in Riyadh on September 25 amid the escalation in attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Dar said Pakistan was “bound to defend Saudi Arabia” under the agreement and referred to the UN Charter while discussing the right of states to enter collective defence arrangements.
Iran suggests political engagement with Houthis
Dar also said Iran had suggested that the Houthis should be engaged politically rather than through military action.
According to Dar, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had expressed a desire for the situation to be resolved. He described the suggestion as an informal discussion between foreign ministers rather than a formal proposal.
The issue is expected to be discussed at the upcoming Makkah alliance meeting in Riyadh.
MBS backs Makkah defence pact, vows decisive response to threats
Dar calls for free passage through Strait of Hormuz
Addressing the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Dar said there should be no fee or service charge for vessels using the strategic waterway.
The comments come as tensions surrounding the waterway remain high amid the broader regional conflict and disruptions to energy and maritime routes.
Pakistan raises concerns over Afghanistan
Dar also addressed Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan, saying Islamabad wanted Kabul to ensure that its territory was not used for attacks against Pakistan.
He called on Afghan authorities to demonstrate action against banned militant groups, including the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, Balochistan Liberation Army and Fitna al-Hindustan.
Dar said the Pakistan-Afghanistan border had remained closed since October and acknowledged that the prolonged closure had affected agricultural crops on the Afghan side.
The Makkah agreement’s possible expansion comes as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye move to strengthen coordination under the trilateral defence framework.
