Published: 11:55 PM, 10 September 2026
No plans to expand Mecca Defence Pact for now: Pakistan
Pakistan on Thursday said there are currently no plans to expand the Mecca Defence Alliance, a three-member pact involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, stressing that the alliance is defensive in nature.
Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan made the remarks at a weekly press briefing, according to Dawn.
He said the alliance was primarily aimed at ensuring regional security through deterrence and that Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye must first consolidate their organisation and cooperation.
"Expansion of the pact is currently not on the cards," Khan said, adding that the agreement could eventually be opened to countries that share similar stances and perspectives.
He said the three member states were holding consultations at various levels under the framework and would decide on any expansion at a later stage.
"At this stage, there are no discussions regarding the expansion of the Mecca agreement," he said.
Khan said the pact was still in its initial stage, with detailed consultations needed on its structure, procedures and other matters.
"Significant work lies ahead to finalise the organisation's structure, mechanisms and procedures," he said, adding that details of future developments would emerge in due course.
The defence pact, signed on 7 August, seeks to strengthen collective deterrence and allows its signatories to treat an attack against one member as an attack against all.
Its inaugural meeting was held in Istanbul on 31 August, where the three countries agreed to establish a secretariat in Saudi Arabia, headed by a secretary general, to support the alliance's work. The secretariat will initially be headed by a Pakistani secretary general for three years.
