FO says Makkah defence pact 'defensive' in nature, expansion currently 'not on the cards'

The Foreign Office (FO) stated on Thursday that the Makkah Defence Alliance, comprising Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, is "defensive" in nature, with expansion currently "not on the cards". FO spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan made these remarks during a weekly press briefing, emphasizing that the pact was primarily a "defensive alliance to ensure regional security primarily through deterrence".

Khan stated that expansion of the pact was "not on the cards", and that "Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye must first further consolidate their organisation and cooperation". He added that once this consolidation occurs, the agreement would be "open to all countries that share similar stances and perspectives". The spokesperson mentioned that the three member states were holding consultations at various levels under the framework, and that any decision on the agreement's expansion would be made at a later stage.

No discussions were currently taking place about expanding the Makkah agreement, he reiterated. The FO spokesperson also condemned the "systematic and state-sanctioned" demolition of Muslim worship sites in India, calling it a breach of the Liaquat-Nehru Pact, India's laws, and a "dreadful memory" of religious intolerance. He urged the international community to take notice of the persecution and desecration of Muslim places of worship in India.