The Makkah Accord has been signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan. This development has certainly elevated Pakistan’s stature in a meaningful manner. No doubt, this trilateral pact, as pointed out by deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar, is “purely defensive in nature”.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, too, has said that the Makkah Accord is not aggression against anyone. Therefore, every Pakistani, every Turkish, and every Saudi must celebrate the Makkah Accord in a befitting manner.
Be that as it may, it is heartening to note that Iran has responded to this development in an objective and positive manner. According to Iran’s foreign ministry, Iran sees no reason to be concerned that a new security pact between Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia is directed against Tehran. Its spokesman has pointed out that the pact has shown a shift in regional countries’ approach to security, with greater reliance on their own capabilities rather than outside powers. He is, in my view, spot-on.
Mehrunnisa Qizlibash, Peshawar
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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