Pakistan claims Mecca defense pact is purely defensive and open to other nations

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, made it clear on Sunday that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement is not aimed at any specific country and is open to other nations joining the pact. This assertion comes in response to earlier remarks by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, who suggested that the "Islamic world must unite to confront the common threat posed by Israel."

Dar emphasized that the Mecca Agreement is purely defensive in nature, not directed against any country, and is focused on enhancing peace, stability, and prosperity in the wider region. He explained that the agreement is the result of years of discussions and consultations among the three countries involved, aimed at bolstering strategic cooperation to tackle security challenges and foster peace in the region.

According to Dar, the Mecca Agreement does not replace or supersede any existing bilateral or multilateral agreements between the three nations or their relationships with other countries and organizations. It stipulates that an external armed attack against any one of the signatories would be considered an attack against all three, a principle that aligns with the concept of individual and collective self-defense under the United Nations Charter.

Dar reiterated Pakistan's dedication to collaborating closely with regional allies in promoting enduring peace and stability. "We remain committed to advancing efforts for the peaceful resolution of all disputes and to building a safer, more stable, and prosperous future for our people," he stated.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) praised the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement as a "significant strategic step." OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha noted that the agreement would contribute to strengthening security and stability in the region and across the Muslim world.