Ten Year Withdrawal Ban Set In New Makkah Defense Pact By Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, And Turkiye

Signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement bars members from leaving during the first 10 years following its entry into force, according to newly published text. The treaty lacks a set expiry date and permits exit only after the initial decade, provided members give written notice at least three months ahead, establishing long term ties as Turkiye pursues parliamentary approval.

An unofficial English translation of the full text was reported by Middle East Eye, outlining specific provisions.

• Ten year restriction on withdrawal: Article 16 states that the agreement will remain in force indefinitely. A member can withdraw only after 10 years have elapsed from the date the treaty enters into force, by notifying the other members in writing through diplomatic channels at least three months beforehand.
• An attack on one member concerns all three: Article 2 states that an externally originating armed attack against any member will be considered an attack against all members. The other countries must immediately assist the attacked member using available means of mutual assistance, including military capabilities.
• Members must assess the assistance required: The treaty does not prescribe an identical military response in every situation. The countries will determine the scope and nature of assistance following an objective assessment of requirements and within the limits of their available resources.
• Protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity: Article 1 commits the three countries to safeguarding one another's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and internationally recognized borders. They agree to use all necessary means to eliminate threats to these interests.
• Military and defense industry cooperation: Article 3 calls for closer cooperation in defense, defense industries, and security, including activities aimed at strengthening collaboration among the armed forces.
• Regular security consultations: Article 4 requires the members to consult regularly on international security matters and develop individual and joint measures based on common assessments to protect their national security interests.
• Counterterrorism cooperation: Article 5 commits the three countries to strengthening joint efforts against terrorism in all its forms, including operational cooperation intended to improve regional and international security.
• Joint training and military exercises: Article 6 encourages personnel exchanges between defense institutions, joint training programs, exercises, and deployments intended to improve coordination and interoperability among the armed forces in peacetime and wartime.
• Joint defense production and technology sharing: Article 7 provides for technology sharing, joint research and development, defense equipment production, personnel training, and the exchange of technical expertise and lessons learned across the defense industries of the three countries.
• A strategic committee to oversee implementation: Article 8 establishes a Strategic Political and Defence Committee comprising the foreign ministers, defense ministers, and chiefs of general staff of the member countries. The committee will meet twice a year, with the host country rotating among the members. National leaders may also meet annually if necessary.
• A secretariat based in Saudi Arabia: The agreement provides for a secretariat headquartered in Saudi Arabia to support the committee. Its secretary general will serve a three year term on a rotating basis among the members, with Pakistan supplying the first secretary general.
• Intelligence sharing through secure channels: Article 9 requires the members to exchange intelligence through mutually agreed secure channels while observing information security, data protection, and confidentiality requirements.
• Logistical and military supplies: Article 10 provides for mutual logistical support in peacetime, wartime, and other emergencies, subject to the availability and compatibility of support services. Supplies may include weapons, ammunition, fuel, spare parts, and other equipment.
• Existing international agreements remain unaffected: Article 12 states that the pact will not prejudice rights and obligations arising from international agreements the members have already concluded.
• Strict protection of classified information: Article 13 requires the countries to protect classified documents and information obtained under the agreement. Such material cannot be shared with states, companies, or individuals outside the pact, and access is restricted to authorized personnel with the appropriate security clearance.
• Disputes must be resolved through consultation: Article 14 requires disputes over the interpretation or implementation of the agreement to be settled amicably through consultations and discussions among the members.
• Changes require unanimous agreement: Article 15 allows amendments through consultations and unanimous agreement among the core members.
• Ratification determines when the pact takes effect: Article 16 states that the agreement will enter into force when the final instrument of ratification is deposited with the secretariat. Ending the agreement or withdrawing from it will not affect ongoing activities or projects agreed upon before the termination or withdrawal date. Obligations concerning the protection of classified information will also continue afterward.

Turkiye Seeks Parliamentary Approval

Turkiye sent the agreement to parliament for ratification to formalize the mutual defense arrangement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Turkish treaty rules demand legislative approval, and separate parliamentary authorization is needed to send Turkish troops abroad.

Ankara's contribution might restrict itself to military equipment, weapons systems, and intelligence sharing, according to a Turkish official who spoke with Reuters. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan characterized the pact as defensive rather than offensive, stating that Turkiye would not deploy troops to another country to launch attacks from its soil.

Pakistan already completed its ratification, based on the report, using an executive led treaty process requiring approval from the prime minister and cabinet. The signing took place in Makkah on August 7, 2026.

Egypt, outside the pact, plans a parliamentary vote on October 26 to decide on potential military backing for Saudi Arabia.

In a separate initiative, Pakistan, Turkiye, Qatar, and Indonesia plan to sign a defense industry cooperation memorandum in Doha. This four country deal is distinct from the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement and centers on defense manufacturing cooperation.