By Afshain Afzal
Although Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan as sovereign countries are quite capable to defend every single inch of their territories but it is time to operationalize the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. Our memories are still fresh that Saudi Arabia took the lead role during Israeli genocide in Gaza in October 2023, and assembled entire Muslim nations on a single platform but there were gaps that allowed US and Israel to hijack the show and imposed its own terms through a brigade of hypocrites within Muslim nations. Through Makkah Joint Defence Agreement attempts have been made to overcome past gaps and loopholes. Still there are shortcomings in the agreement but as the Secretariat would become operational inherited defects would be rectified.
As a test case due to Houthis unprovoked continuing attacks on Saudi Arabia since 8th September 2026 and destroying their life line and oil economy, the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement seems to have placed Saudi Arabia or any other country under aggression in future between the devil and deep blue sea as a lot is expected from the new defence agreement. We must learn from past follies and prevent Makkah Joint Defence Agreement from becoming another Baghdad Pact, which was converted into Central Treaty Organization (CENTO), Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO) and Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) and later Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
The objectives of Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as tri-lateral agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have been clarified through Press Release No 204/2026 issued by Pakistan as Sectary General of Alliance at Makkah on 7 August 2026; To strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression; Any armed attack against any one of the three States shall be regarded as an attack against them all; and to work on enhancement of all aspects of defence cooperation among the three States.
Exactly after one month of signing of Makkah Agreement, Yemeni Houthis who are considered as rebels and terrorists by UN recognized Government of Yemen, launched full-scale drone and missile attacks on 8 September 2026. Pakistan has already issued a Press Release No 239/2026 supporting the Kingdom’s legitimate right to take all necessary measures to defend its territory, protect its citizens and residents and safeguard its national assets against any threat. The missing part is operationalization of Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. Hopes are high and all eyes on Pakistan as Secretary General that Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey would not act as hypocrites and honour their commitment signed at holy city of Makkah on 7 August 2026. Houthis are also Muslims and must be warmed before any action to abide by UNO Charter, International Law and guidance given to us by Almighty Allah through Al Quran. If they repent and come to peace terms they are brothers in Islam otherwise “Fasad Fil Ard” must come to an end for durable peace in the region.