Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement named “Mecca Joint Defense Agreement” with a strong commitment that “An attack on one country out of the three is considered an attack on all three”. The core line of the agreement reflects that attacks on Saudi Arabia would be assumed attacks on Pakistan and Turkey.
The trilateral agreement is a positive sign for Muslims world, but it will definitely annoy other leading powers, which may not accept it warmly. What their reservations and concerns would be is another debate, but the current situation and complete silence, particularly from the US, is a big question. More or less on the same terms and conditions, there was an agreement between Saudi and Pakistan last year that lost its worth because Pakistan didn’t get involved itself in the US-Iran war. Pakistan sent forces to Saudi Arabia only after the ceasefire with Iran. The Saudi reaction turned calm and cool when Pakistan’s strong diplomacy settled the US-Iran war through discussion. Even though the ceasefire between them couldn’t reflect the expected outcomes, the entire world learned that Pakistan is a nuclear power able to lead and resolve issues with diplomatic strategies. The point raised in the minds was what would be the stance of Turkey and Pakistan if the Arabs got attacked by any power, not to mention Iran. It is because some other active rebels usually came out from the bags and showed their existence with harmful actions in the region.
It was also revealed by the media analyst that “When Pakistan sent the forces, the Saudis transferred $3 billion to them,”. Moreover, Pakistan has provided training and technical assistance to the Saudi military for decades and in recent months deployed about 8,000 troops there, along with fighter jets, drones and an air defense system. Pakistan is close to Iran; both claim their strong bond and relations due to many reasons. Truly, Pakistan played its key role in lowering the extreme war hype, but apart from these facts, where is Pakistan standing at this stage?
Geographically, Pakistan has long border conflicts not only with India but with Afghanistan, a strong ally of it, reportedly involved in heavy attacks and terrorism in Pakistan by them. Pakistan is already confronting on borders since long time without any support from any nation. The situation is a little confusing because Pakistan is in a central position in the game, because if Saudi Arabia gets attacked from any side, it will play its role as an ally by all means, as it is weaponized with advanced technology. Turkey, which is about 2,077 miles away from Pakistan, may find it would be little difficult to arrange its best and urgent support if Turkey gets some sort of help. Now, just presume that a Saudi-Iran conflict arises; as a primary part of the agreement, what would be Pakistan’s stance on the matter? Iran and saudia both are Muslim countries, and we have brotherly relations with them. Our minute wrong turn may spark the sentiments of the world. The entire world has witnessed that Pakistan’s recent diplomatic move of Pakistan on the US-Iran issue created mixed opinions among Muslims and non-Muslims. It is also a fact that the positive reaction of the masses in support of Pakistan was largely revealed, but when both countries (US-Iran) didn’t act according to the ceasefire eventually generated a negative impact. Now comes the point that the US is still in silent mode over this mega triangular pact. There are two signs running parallel to these hypothetical assumptions; one is that the US has already calculated the far-end results of this agreement, which may would be in favour of the US. And the second, any quick response, either positive or negative, without preparation may create a negative impact on the Trump regime, which is already under pressure after the Iran attack.
The writer is a Ph.D. research scholar and foreign policy analyst, available at [email protected]
In my opinion, this agreement appears to be primarily designed to address the security concerns of Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, particularly in the face of a potential threat from Israel. My concern is that Pakistan may once again be positioning itself as a security provider for other countries without securing equivalent guarantees for its own national interests.
History has taught us that when Pakistan itself has been in serious need, our allies have not necessarily stood by us in the same way we have stood by them. Therefore, we should ask a very basic question: who is protecting Pakistan?
If Pakistan is expected to provide military support and security guarantees to protect Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, then what concrete security commitments, economic benefits, or strategic guarantees are being provided to Pakistan in return? We should not enter agreements where Pakistan assumes the risks while others receive the protection.
Our foreign policy should put Pakistan first. We should be a partner with equal interests and equal responsibilities—not a hired security force for the protection of others.
Very relevant and understandable analysis in context of regional and global perspective
Great piece of writing ✍ highly applauded
May Allah blessed Muslim ummah… Excellent…
Mahshallah very good