ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated commitment that Pakistan stand should to shoulder with Saudi Arabia for defending its sovereignty.
The premier stated this when Lieutenant General (retd) Nauman Mahmood, the first Secretary General of the Makkah Defence Alliance, called on him at the PM’s Office. The premier congratulated him on assuming the office.
The prime minister described the Makkah Peace Agreement as a historic milestone in promoting regional peace, unity and stability. He reaffirmed that Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, defence and regional security under the Makkah Defence Agreement.
He reiterated Pakistan’s full support for Saudi Arabia’s legitimate right to self-defence, underscoring the country’s unwavering commitment to protecting the Kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
During the meeting, Makkah Defence Alliance Secretary-General Lieutenant General (Retd) Nauman Mahmood briefed the prime minister on his strategy to further strengthen defence and strategic cooperation within the framework of the agreement.
Last month, Lieutenant General (retd) Nauman Mahmood, Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military), was appointed as the first Secretary General of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA), marking a significant development in the establishment of the newly formed defence alliance.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the appointment was formally announced on September 23, 2026, with Lt Gen Nauman Mahmood entrusted with the responsibility of leading the alliance’s General Secretariat in Riyadh.
The appointment places a senior Pakistani military figure at the helm of the alliance’s central administrative structure as member states move forward with putting the agreement’s institutional framework into operation.