Islamabad, October 23,2026: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have completed the ratification processes for the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, while Turkiye is undertaking the required procedures, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said on Friday.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed the agreement in August, committing to collective defence under which an armed attack on one member is considered an attack against all.
The pact has gained significance amid Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said earlier this week that Pakistan was providing “whatever support is needed” to defend the kingdom.
The FO had previously clarified that signing the agreement and committing military capabilities under it were executive functions under Pakistan’s national laws and Rules of Business and did not necessarily require parliamentary approval.
Responding to questions after the weekly press briefing, the FO spokesperson said matters concerning the agreement, its ratification and operationalisation remained under discussion among the three parties.
These discussions also took place during a meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee (SPDC) on October 5, he added.
“The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye to strengthening collective defence and cooperation for regional security and stability,” Khan said.
He noted that each country followed its own constitutional and legal procedures for approving and ratifying international agreements.
“Pakistan and [the] Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have already completed their ratification processes, while Turkiye is undertaking the requisite procedures in accordance with its domestic legal framework,” he said.
Turkiye submitted the agreement to its parliament for ratification earlier this week.
The spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the letter and spirit of the agreement, describing it as “defensive in nature, consistent with the UN Charter, and aimed at promoting regional peace, security and stability”.
Asked about Article 2, which states that an attack on one party would be considered an attack against all parties, Khan said the agreement was essentially defensive and consistent with Article 51 of the UN Charter, which recognises the right to self-defence.
“The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement reflects the shared commitment of all three parties, primarily to strengthening collective defence, deterrence, and regional stability,” he said.
He added that the agreement was not directed against any particular country but provided a framework for collective assistance in the event of external armed aggression against any member.
According to Khan, the “nature and extent” of any assistance would be determined collectively by the three countries in light of the circumstances and following an objective assessment of the situation.
Responding to another question, he rejected speculation about undisclosed clauses in the agreement.
“We endorse the text released in the media from the Turkish Parliament. There are no hidden provisions; the agreement is explicit and clear in its provisions and articles,” he said.
Asked whether the agreement could be invoked in response to Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, the spokesperson said the matter would be decided by the three partner countries in accordance with the pact.
He also expressed Pakistan’s concern over the recent Houthi attacks and their implications for regional peace and security.
“Our position has been clear and consistent,” Khan said. “We support Yemen’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and believe that a lasting solution to the conflict can only be achieved through dialogue and a negotiated political settlement.”
“At the same time, we unequivocally condemn attacks against Saudi Arabia and reaffirm our commitment to the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security,” he added.
Khan stressed that Pakistan supported meaningful diplomatic engagement to end hostilities and achieve a durable political settlement.
Earlier this month, the FO said Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye had agreed to rapidly deploy military forces and capabilities in the kingdom following an emergency meeting of the SPDC in Riyadh, established under their joint defence agreement.
Although the statement did not specify the threat prompting the decision, the development came amid Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia linked to the conflict in Yemen.
The Houthis and their opponents have exchanged strikes during the conflict, which has affected control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait.
