US Magazine FPIF Highlights Pakistan’s Growing Regional Importance Through Makkah Defence Agreement

A report published by the US-based Foreign Policy in Focus (FPIF) has highlighted Pakistan’s growing regional importance following the Makkah Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.

According to FPIF, the agreement provides Pakistan with greater strategic reach and diplomatic influence while also contributing to a new regional balance.

The report said the agreement reflects the growing role of regional powers in a changing Middle East. It brings Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye together under a new defence framework focused on regional security and stability.

Under the agreement, the three countries have agreed to consider an armed attack against any one of them as a threat to all three. The countries have also expressed their commitment to playing a constructive role in regional defence and promoting lasting peace.

FPIF said the agreement should not be viewed as an anti-Iran alliance. Instead, it is better understood as a flexible defensive framework aimed at responding to regional security challenges.

The report noted that Pakistan’s historic ties with Iran and its role in maintaining communication between Washington and Tehran show that Islamabad can maintain a balanced foreign policy.

It also highlighted the importance of the agreement in the context of growing Indian-Israeli strategic cooperation and deeper Saudi-Pakistani defence ties.

According to FPIF, Saudi Arabia’s financial and political strength, Türkiye’s defence capabilities and Pakistan’s military experience give the agreement significant strength.

The report said the agreement leaves the door open for other regional countries to join and focuses on addressing security threats, including regional proxy conflicts.

The instability caused by Houthi attacks in Yemen and tensions in the Red Sea has also increased the need for new regional security arrangements, FPIF noted.

The report concluded that the main strength of the Makkah agreement lies in its flexible and inclusive nature rather than the creation of a rigid regional bloc.