PM says Makkah deal ‘absolutely not aggression’ against anyone
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said the Makkah Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye was “absolutely not aggression” against any country, but was intended solely to promote peace, security, development and prosperity in the region.
The prime minister made the remarks while chairing a meeting of the federal cabinet, days after the trilateral defence agreement was signed in Makkah.
He said Pakistan had for decades worked with Saudi Arabia to protect the two holy mosques, with a formal agreement reached last year, and that the latest pact served as an extension of that arrangement.
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He said Pakistan and Turkiye also had decades of close cooperation and described the trilateral agreement as a continuation of the existing ties between the three countries.
“Protecting the two holy mosques is an important responsibility for the people and armed forces of Pakistan,” he said, stressing that the agreement was in no way an act of aggression against anyone.
He said the pact was solely for defensive purposes and was intended to contribute to peace, development and prosperity in the region, adding that the agreement would also strengthen the Muslim world.
He appreciated the efforts of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in concluding the agreement, saying the pact was the outcome of efforts spanning several years.
The prime minister also reiterated the government’s resolve to completely eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country, saying militants had unleashed a new wave of violence in certain areas, but the security forces remained determined to defeat them.
He paid tribute to officers and personnel of the police and armed forces who had been martyred in terrorist attacks, particularly in Hangu, Swat and other areas.
The prime minister said the sacrifices of security personnel would not go in vain and reiterated the government’s determination to root out terrorism and restore lasting peace.
Turning to the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Sharif said the government would not allow lawlessness or anarchy and stressed that political disputes should be resolved through dialogue.
He said an offer had been made to take the issue concerning seats reserved for refugees before the forthcoming elected AJK Assembly, where it could be decided by a majority in accordance with the Constitution and law.
“All matters had been settled, but the other side remained adamant, leading to an unnecessary deterioration in the situation,” he added.
He alleged that certain elements had deliberately attempted to disrupt the situation in AJK and claimed there was clear evidence that they were acting at the behest of foreign elements.
He recalled that an all parties conference (APC) had been held in Muzaffarabad before the elections, attended by all political parties except one. The conference, he said, had discussed all aspects of the issue.
“Those willing to engage in peaceful dialogue will be given an opportunity, but there will be no room for anarchy. The new government will provide an opportunity for dialogue with peace, patience and tolerance,” he maintained.
The prime minister also claimed that the people of AJK had expressed confidence in the PML-N in the recent elections, thanked them for their support, and pledged that his party would once again embark on a journey of development and prosperity in the region.
With Independence Day approaching, Sharif said the nation was making preparations to celebrate August 14 in the traditional and befitting manner. The day, he added, would be celebrated with enthusiasm and grandeur in coordination with the provinces.
He expressed his resolve to build a Pakistan in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam, saying the country would be given its rightful and dignified place in the comity of nations through integrity, honesty and dedication.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026