ISLAMABAD, 31 August 2026 (Kamran Raja): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar attended the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee, established under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, in Istanbul on Monday. The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, along with their Turkish and Saudi counterparts. The committee has been established under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement to strengthen strategic political and defence cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The inaugural meeting provided an important platform for the three countries to discuss matters of mutual interest and explore ways to further enhance coordination and cooperation in the political and defence fields. The participation of Pakistan’s senior political and military leadership reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening strategic relations with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye and advancing cooperation under the framework of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.