Zardari reaffirms commitment to regional peace under Mecca pact

President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to regional peace under the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement during a meeting with its first Secretary General, Lt. Gen. (retd) Nauman Mahmood, at Aiwan-e-Sadr. He said the accord is purely defensive.

What is the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement?

The Mecca Joint Defense Agreement is a defensive cooperation accord signed by Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia on August 7, 2026. According to President Zardari, it is purely defensive in nature. It is neither directed against any country nor intended to create a new regional bloc.

Who is the first Secretary General under the Mecca pact?

Lt. Gen. (retd.) Nauman Mahmood is the first Secretary General under the agreement. He will lead its General Secretariat, which is being established in Riyadh. President Zardari met him at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday.

Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi was also present, according to a press release issued by the President's Secretariat.

What is Pakistan's position on regional security under the agreement?

President Zardari expressed confidence that the accord would strengthen regional security through cooperation in line with the United Nations Charter and international law. He said enhanced defense cooperation among the participating countries would contribute to greater regional peace and stability.

He stressed that Pakistan remains committed to the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The president also pledged to strengthen regional and multilateral cooperation to address emerging challenges.