Pakistan says over six countries seek to join Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defense pact

October 3, 2026 at 06:51 PM2 min

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Pakistan's foreign minister said more than six countries have expressed interest in joining the Mecca defense agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan. He said an emergency meeting under the pact will be held next week to discuss the latest situation in Saudi Arabia. The minister did not name the interested countries.

Key Facts

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar said more than six countries want to join the Mecca defense agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan.
The agreement was signed on August 7 in Mecca by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
Dar said an emergency meeting under the agreement will be held next week to discuss the latest situation in Saudi Arabia.
The agreement states that an attack on any member state will be considered an attack on all parties.
Dar said Pakistan wants Afghanistan's well-being but demands guarantees from Kabul that Afghan territory will not be used against Pakistan.

Interest in Joining

More than six countries have expressed interest in joining the Mecca agreement on joint defense signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar made the announcement at a meeting with journalists in Islamabad, according to Dawn newspaper. Dar did not name the countries that want to join the agreement.

Mecca Defense Agreement

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif signed the Joint Defense Agreement in Mecca on August 7. The document aims to strengthen security, peace, stability and prosperity at regional and global levels, as well as enhance joint deterrence. The agreement provides that an attack on any member state will be considered an attack on all parties. It also provides for the possibility of other states joining that comply with international law and share the concept of peaceful cooperation.

Afghanistan Stance

On Afghanistan, Dar said Islamabad wishes the country well but demands guarantees from Kabul that Afghan territory will not be used against Pakistan.