What happened
Military leaders from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye met in Riyadh on Friday to convert their commitments under the Makkah Defence Alliance into practical military cooperation, according to a report by Dawn citing the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The meeting was attended by Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, alongside the chiefs of general staff from Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.
During the session, the defense chiefs evaluated safety threats facing Saudi Arabia and agreed to deepen cooperation among their armed forces. Key measures discussed include enhancing intelligence sharing, improving military coordination, and integrating military capabilities to strengthen collective deterrence.
Key facts
- Pact background: The alliance was established in Makkah on August 7, with a follow-up meeting in Istanbul on August 31 establishing a permanent secretariat in Riyadh.
- Leadership structure: Retired Lt Gen Nauman Mahmood of Pakistan was appointed as the alliance's first secretary general for a three-year term.
- Saudi endorsement: Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman stated on X that he and Field Marshal Munir welcomed the outcomes of the chiefs of staff meeting and reaffirmed joint efforts to confront attacks.
- Support commitments: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated last week that Ankara is prepared to help address Saudi military needs, particularly regarding technical issues.
- Deployments: Specific troop deployments or direct military assistance details are Not specified in the source; please check the official notice.
Why it matters
The strategic meeting took place against the backdrop of heightened security concerns in Saudi Arabia driven by renewed fighting between Houthi fighters and the Yemeni government. According to Dawn, the Houthis have declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, launched attacks on Red Sea shipping, and targeted civilian infrastructure, economic assets, and the holy city of Makkah. The tripartite alliance demonstrates the shared determination of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye to uphold Saudi Arabia's security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Source: Dawn - Home · Published September 26, 2026