Islamabad: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif met the alliance’s newly appointed secretary general, retired Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood, who briefed him on the strategy for advancing defence and strategic cooperation under the agreement.
He reviewed defence cooperation under the Makkah Defence Alliance on Wednesday and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
Shehbaz described the pact as an important milestone for regional peace, unity and stability and wished Mahmood well in his role.
Mahmood was appointed the alliance’s first secretary general last month. The agreement, signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on August 7, treats an attack on one member as an attack on all.
The meeting came after Saudi Arabia launched strikes on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on Tuesday. Saudi authorities said they targeted fuel and energy facilities supporting missile and drone attacks.
The Houthis threatened further attacks on Saudi airports, refineries and oil installations.
Witnesses subsequently reported explosions near Saudi Aramco’s headquarters in Dhahran, and a Saudi energy ministry official confirmed an attack, Dawn reported.
Saudi civil defence authorities said debris from two intercepted Houthi cruise missiles wounded four people in Riyadh and damaged 15 homes.
At an emergency alliance meeting on October 5, the three members agreed to the rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities to Saudi Arabia.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan and Türkiye had a presence in the region, while only Saudi troops were conducting combat operations.
Pakistan has described the alliance as defensive and intended for collective deterrence. Wednesday’s meeting reaffirmed its existing security commitment; the report did not announce a new Pakistani combat deployment.
