RIYADH: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye have agreed to immediately put their collective defence commitments into action, including arrangements for the rapid deployment of designated military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia.
The decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA) in Riyadh on Monday, according to a joint statement issued by the three countries and shared by Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
The proposed deployment will be carried out under approved mechanisms and in line with the national laws of all three countries. The measures are intended to improve operational readiness, strengthen military coordination and enhance the three countries’ collective ability to respond to security threats.
The three sides reiterated that the security of each member is closely linked to the collective security of the alliance.
They said implementation of the MJDA through concrete measures would reinforce their collective defence commitments, strengthen deterrence and demonstrate their resolve to protect their sovereignty, security and territorial integrity in accordance with the agreement.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye also condemned attempts to target the holy cities of Makkah and Madina, as well as attacks against Saudi cities and civilian and economic infrastructure.
The three countries reaffirmed their categorical opposition to any threat or attack against Saudi Arabia’s security and territorial integrity.
Pakistan and Turkiye praised the Saudi armed forces for their preparedness and vigilance, as well as their professionalism in responding to threats and protecting the kingdom.
Vah abhi kah Raha hai ki aise Nahin khilane se bhi kah doThe meeting also covered recent developments in the region, with the three countries expressing their determination to maintain close coordination in support of regional peace and stability.
Pakistan reaffirmed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reiterated its support for the kingdom’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. Islamabad also renewed its commitment to efforts aimed at promoting lasting peace and stability across the region.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir represented Pakistan at the emergency meeting.
The meeting followed reports that the Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthis had accused the group of attacking a power distribution facility in Madina that supplies electricity to the Prophet’s Mosque.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in August, establishing that an armed attack against any one of the three members would be treated as an attack against all.
Pakistan’s Lieutenant General (retd) Nauman Mahmood has been appointed the first secretary-general of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement for a three-year term.
His appointment was announced during an emergency session of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee (S-PDC) of the MJDA held in Riyadh on October 5 to discuss the security situation and emerging threats confronting Saudi Arabia.
The committee welcomed Nauman Mahmood and expressed confidence that he would contribute to strengthening the alliance and advancing its objectives.
The appointment forms part of efforts to establish and strengthen the MJDA’s institutional framework. The committee also reviewed the results of political and military consultations conducted ahead of the emergency session and approved recommendations presented during the meeting.
The three countries reaffirmed that the alliance represents a shared commitment to collective defence and a coordinated response to threats facing its members.
The post Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye agree to expedite joint defence deployment appeared first on Karachi News.