Makkah agreement purely defensive, designed to ensure regional peace: PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified on Monday that the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye is purely defensive in nature, designed to ensure regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Speaking at a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, the premier emphasized the agreement's intent is not to provoke aggression against any country, stating it is solely for defensive purposes.

The Makkah agreement, signed on August 7 between Shehbaz, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, aims to enhance collective deterrence, with any attack against one party considered an attack against all three. The prime minister highlighted the pact's significance for Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the broader Muslim Ummah, thanking Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir for their role.

Pakistan's strategic defense alliances with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye date back several years, with official recognition of Pakistan's role in safeguarding Makkah and Madina. The prime minister further noted that the agreement would bolster cooperation among the three nations while promoting peace, progress, and prosperity across the region.

Regarding Azad Jammu and Kashmir's recent elections, Shehbaz reported on the results from Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, and Poonch divisions, attributing the outcomes to public support for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). He also condemned those disrupting law and order in AJK, urging political parties to resolve differences through dialogue.

Lastly, the prime minister assured that the sacrifices made by Pakistan's security forces in combating terrorism would be worthwhile, vowing to overcome the menace and resume progress and prosperity.