DG ISPR Explains Joint Response Mechanism Under Makkah Agreement

Pakistan’s Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has said that Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye would jointly determine their response if any member of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement faces an attack.

In an interview with Al Arabiya English, Chaudhry said the agreement does not prescribe an automatic or predetermined military response. Instead, the three countries would evaluate the circumstances of an attack and collectively decide on an appropriate course of action.

He described the pact as a defensive arrangement aimed at strengthening collective deterrence and promoting regional peace and stability. According to him, the agreement is not intended to serve an offensive purpose or target any specific country.

His remarks come amid heightened regional tensions following Saudi Arabia’s reported interception of a drone south of Makkah. Saudi authorities attributed the incident to Yemen’s Houthi movement, while the Houthis denied targeting Makkah.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in August 2026. Discussions are continuing among the three countries regarding the practical implementation of the agreement.