Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye Activate Collective Defense Commitments

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye agreed on October 5 to begin immediate practical implementation of their Makkah alliance’s collective defense commitments, according to a joint statement. An emergency Strategic-Political and Defense Committee meeting in Riyadh approved recommendations following political and military consultations. The countries directed measures to provide agreed forces and capabilities and ensure rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia, subject to approved arrangements and national legislation. They also appointed retired Pakistani Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood as the alliance’s first secretary-general for a three-year term. The statement did not specify troop numbers or a deployment deadline.