RAWALPINDI, 19 October, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Saudi Arabia’s newly appointed ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Rajeh Tami Albugamy, have expressed satisfaction over progress under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, according to the military’s media wing. The ambassador called on Field Marshal Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Monday, where the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest and regional security developments. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said both dignitaries appreciated the progress achieved under the trilateral defence framework and stressed the need to further strengthen defence cooperation, institutional links and strategic coordination. Field Marshal Munir congratulated Albugamy on his appointment and expressed confidence that his tenure would help reinforce the longstanding fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, based on shared faith, mutual trust and strategic partnership. The Saudi envoy assumed his diplomatic responsibilities in Islamabad last Thursday and has also held meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
During his meeting with the ambassador, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity amid a recent escalation in attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement. Ishaq Dar also emphasised the longstanding strategic and fraternal ties between Islamabad and Riyadh and reiterated both countries’ commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation for mutual progress and prosperity. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are parties to the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, while the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement also includes Türkiye and aims to strengthen collective deterrence among its signatories. Earlier this month, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye held an emergency meeting under the Makkah alliance and agreed to facilitate the rapid deployment of military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia. The agreement, signed on August 7, seeks to reinforce collective security by providing that an attack against one signatory would be treated as an attack against all. The latest diplomatic and defence engagements come amid heightened regional tensions and reported Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. In a televised interview on Sunday, ISPR Director General said Pakistan was providing whatever support was required to help defend the kingdom.