Dar clarifies scope, intent of Makkah Joint Defence Agreement

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar clarified the scope and intent of the recently signed "Makkah Joint Defence Agreement," also known as the Makkah Accord, amid public discussions over the past two days. The agreement, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey in Makkah on Friday, highlighted the deep ties between the three nations' leadership and people.

Dar stated that the accord resulted from years of talks and coordination, driven by a mutual desire to enhance strategic cooperation in tackling various peace and security issues and to promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity. He emphasized that the Makkah Accord did not nullify or supersede any existing bilateral or multilateral agreements among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, other nations, or international organizations.

Under the pact, an external armed attack on any one of the three countries would be regarded as an attack on all three, aligning with the UN Charter's inherent right of individual and collective self-defence under Article 51. Dar described the accord as "purely defensive in nature," stressing that it was not directed against any specific country and was solely intended to bolster ongoing efforts towards regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

He added that the agreement remained open to any regional country willing to uphold its core principles and resolve disputes through mutual respect, cooperation, and peaceful means. Dar noted that the Makkah Accord was in line with Pakistan's fundamental foreign policy principles, and Islamabad expressed its commitment to continued collaboration with all regional allies in pursuit of lasting peace and stability.

"We remain dedicated to advancing the cause of peaceful conflict resolution and building a more secure, stable, and prosperous future for our peoples," Dar concluded.