Mecca Agreement: Three Nations to Jointly Respond to Any Attack, DG ISPR
Rawalpindi , September 16, 2026: Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye will jointly decide their response if any one of the three countries comes under attack under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.
Speaking in an interview with an Arab television channel, the DG ISPR said the three countries would assess the situation through mutual consultation before determining an appropriate course of action. Details of the operational mechanism, he added, would not be made public because military and security-related information remains sensitive.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan does not have aggressive intentions against any country and that its defence capabilities are primarily aimed at protecting the country.
He said Pakistan has confidence in its ability to defend itself effectively and possesses the capability to respond to and punish aggression if necessary. He also said Pakistan was not seeking to participate in an arms race.
Political Leadership Sets National Objectives
Responding to questions about political and military objectives, the DG ISPR said national political objectives are determined by the political leadership.
He maintained that the objectives of the state and the armed forces are not separate, while national goals and aspirations fall within the domain of the country’s political leadership.
Pakistan Raises Concerns Over Terrorism from Afghanistan
Discussing the situation in Afghanistan, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry referred to United Nations reports regarding the presence of dozens of terrorist organisations in Afghanistan.
He said Pakistan’s position was clear that Afghan territory should not become a centre for terrorism. According to the DG ISPR, Pakistan’s primary demand is that Afghan soil should not be used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.
He further alleged that elements operating from Afghanistan are involved in terrorist activities inside Pakistan.
Joint Decision Under Mecca Agreement
On Pakistan’s potential response under the Mecca Agreement, the DG ISPR said the practical mechanism for fulfilling defence commitments is not disclosed publicly due to the sensitive nature of military operations and security matters.
He clarified that if any member country is attacked, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye will jointly assess the circumstances and determine the nature of their response.
The DG ISPR described the agreement as defensive in nature, saying its fundamental objective is to strengthen joint defence capabilities and contribute to regional peace and stability.
He added that the agreement is not intended as an arrangement against any particular country or alliance. The three member states will continue maintaining their independent relations with other countries and international alliances.
According to Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Mecca Agreement is intended to serve as a framework for mutual defence cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, while leaving each country’s other international relationships intact.