ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has rejected speculation about secret provisions in the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia, saying the pact’s publicly available text reflects its commitments and is aimed at collective defence rather than targeting any third country.
Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had completed the ratification process for the agreement. He also welcomed the ratification of the pact presented before the Turkish parliament, stressing that each country follows its own procedures for approving international agreements.
The spokesperson categorically denied the existence of any undisclosed clauses in the defence agreement.
“There are no secret clauses in the agreement,” he said, adding that Pakistan recognised the text of the Makkah defence pact that had become publicly available.
He explained that the ratification process differed from one country to another, depending on its constitutional and legal requirements.
The spokesperson further clarified that the provisions of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement were designed to strengthen cooperation and ensure collective security, rather than being directed against any particular country.
The agreement has drawn attention amid evolving regional security dynamics and discussions about defence cooperation among Muslim-majority countries. The Foreign Office’s clarification seeks to address questions about the scope and objectives of the arrangement.
Commenting on relations with India, Khan said false-flag operations had historically been a feature of Indian conduct. He added that Pakistan was prepared to respond to any such operation.
The spokesperson’s remarks reflected Islamabad’s concerns over potential security developments involving India and its emphasis on remaining prepared for possible contingencies.
Pakistan has consistently maintained that its defence arrangements and security policies are intended to protect its sovereignty and national interests.
The FO reiterated that the Makkah pact was a framework for mutual defence and cooperation, not an arrangement aimed at confrontation with a third country.