Brig. (R) Syed Ghazanfar Ali (Defence Analyst):I think that regional happenings, especially tensions between the US and Iran have led to Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. Actually, the US has claimed responsibility of security of Gulf States, but Iranian drone and missile strikes completely destroyed infrastructure in these countries. Even, the Gulf States had to evacuate their people from US bases in those countries. So, there was a strong public call for a new defence pact. This forced Gulf States to think about having a security or defence pact with Pakistan.  Pakistan had already defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan practically came up to this defence pact. Pakistan displayed its military power during operation Bunyan Un Marsoos against India and diplomatic strength through forceful mediation between the US and Iran. The world has recognized Pakistan’s military power. Factually, the world pays heed to only those countries which have military power. Pakistan also brought US and Iran to a ceasefire MoU through coercive diplomacy.  Pakistan and Turkiye have historical ties and Turkiye is also a leading military power being NATO member. Turkiye also has world famed drone technology. Now defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has been further formalized supported by the Turkiye. Now all three countries will be ensuring counter terrorism cooperation and would not allow non-state actors to carry out their activities against any one from them. It will also hamper India from committing genocide in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and even in Gaza. India has been involved in Palestinians’ genocide in Gaza. Pact will also check Indian terror sponsorship because India is sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan via Afghanistan. Egypt and Kuwait may also join this pact.

Amb. Waheed Ahmad (Former Diplomat):All three Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye have been in discussions for this pact for quite some time. Now Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have further refined this agreement and joined Turkiye. Muslim countries are giving weight to this agreement in the background of Iran-US tensions. This pact has a symbolic significance as all three countries took oath at Ka’aba to honour this pact. Moreover, pact is a win-win situation for all three countries as it is not against any country. Wars are ended and decided on negotiation tables; therefore, we may expect some sort of agreement between US and Iran. Later, this pact will also prove as a game-changer for entire Mideast as countries like Iran and others will join this pact. However, UAE may abstain for the time being, but later it will also join this pact. I think that spoiler and hostile countries will try to sabotage this pact as Afghanistan and India won’t like a strong Pakistan.

Amb. A M Shahid (Former Diplomat):Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye have been holding talks on this pact and Erdogan is also there. It is welcoming development that all three countries will jointly defend against any attack on any of them. Turkiye is also producing state of the art weapons and other equipment. Pakistan has already numerous pacts with Gulf or Arab countries in defence sector regarding provision of military training to their troops. We hope that Egypt will also join this pact and then pact will reshape Middle East. This pact will also cast positive impacts on Iran-US possible deal because it has strengthened Pakistan’s diplomatic stature. It will also cast positive impacts on friendly and enemy countries. Pact will be very significant especially it will enhance defence capabilities of all three countries because it is uniting their military and economic powers. This pact may not be digestible to India and Israel and other hostile countries despite the fact it is a defensive nature and not aggressive one. I think that other countries will also be brooding on joining this pact to enjoy a nuclear umbrella facility for their defence. Hopefully Bangladesh and Indonesia will also be part of this pact.