Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the 81st session of the UN General Assembly on September 25 that the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement signed by Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is not directed against any country.
Sharif said Pakistan’s commitment to peace is also reflected in the historic agreement between the three brotherly nations, describing the alliance as a collective commitment to regional defense, stability and peace.
The agreement was signed on August 7 by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Sharif. Under its terms, an armed attack against any one of the three states is regarded as an attack against them all.
Sharif also condemned recent attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis on Saudi Arabia, particularly an attempted strike on Makkah. “Any threat to the safety and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain is a red line that must never be crossed,” he said, adding that Pakistan stands with Saudi Arabia.
He called for the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb to remain open and warned that any attempt by India to stop, impede or divert Pakistan’s rightful share of the Indus waters would be treated as an act of war.