THIS is with reference to the report “Pakistan joins Saudi Arabia, Turkiye in ‘all for one’ pact” (Aug 8). The security situation in the Middle East has become rather challenging, and cooperation among Muslim-majority countries has become critically important. While Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have had close relations for decades, especially in defence, security and economic domains, the new trilateral agreement has provided a stronger framework for this relationship alongside Turkiye with which Pakistan has seen an increasing level of strategic cooperation in recent years.

Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three countries would be regarded as an attack against all three. The agreement is intended to strengthen collective deterrence and security cooperation. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan rightly compared the mutual-defence principle to Nato’s Article 5, although the agreement has its own regional character and should not be seen as just another Nato.

The new security triangle can become an important platform for critical regional cooperation. While Pakistan has military experience and geostrategic importance in South Asia, Turkiye has a rather decent defence industry and a significant geographical position. On its part, Saudi Arabia has major economic and strategic importance in the Middle East. Their cooperation can increase their collective diplomatic and security influence globally.

Pakistan can play an important diplomatic role because of its relations with countries in the region, especially Iran. Pakistan needs to maintain a balanced foreign policy. Stronger defence co-

operation with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye should not mean that Pakistan closes the door to dialogue with other regional countries. Pakistan should continue to follow a balanced approach and focus on peace and stability rather than becoming part of unnecessary conflicts.

Besides, the trilateral agreement should not remain limited to military matters. The three countries should also increase cooperation in trade, education, technology, investment and culture. Greater economic and people-to-people relations can make the partnership stronger and more useful for the people.

The real success of this partnership will not depend only on military cooperation. It will also depend on how effectively the three countries build trust, increase economic cooperation, support regional peace efforts and maintain good relations with other states.

If this cooperation is handled carefully, the new triangle can become an important example of how Muslim-majority countries can work together for peace and security.

Israr Ullah Khattak
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2026