Makkah Defence Pact Ali Şahin’s 2023 Vision Gains New Relevance

The Makkah Defence Pact between Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has added a new dimension to the security ties among the three countries. Signed in Makkah on August 7, the agreement has also renewed attention to a vision Turkish parliamentarian Ali Şahin has promoted since 2023.

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Şahin has consistently called for stronger Türkiye-Pakistan defence cooperation. He has also urged Muslim countries to develop their own mechanisms for regional peace and security.

A member of the Turkish Parliament and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Şahin chairs the Türkiye-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group. His relationship with Pakistan also has a personal dimension.

He studied at the University of Karachi and has frequently spoken about his connection with the country. In addition, he has described himself as a “son of Pakistan” and promoted closer political, parliamentary, defence and people-to-people ties.

Şahin’s 2023 Security Vision

In August 2023, Şahin called on Türkiye and Pakistan to play a greater role in addressing challenges facing the Muslim world. He described the two countries as the “twin sons” of the Muslim world.

Rather than relying entirely on security arrangements shaped by outside powers, he argued that Muslim countries should develop their own mechanisms to address regional problems.

Şahin also highlighted the potential for a Türkiye-Pakistan security mechanism. In his view, such cooperation could contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East and other regions.

His proposal extended beyond military cooperation. He also raised concerns about Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred. Furthermore, he called for greater political and diplomatic influence for Muslim countries.

At first, the idea remained largely a political vision. Over time, however, Türkiye and Pakistan continued to deepen their defence relationship.

The Gwadar Defence Proposal

In September 2025, another proposal focused on defence technology cooperation between Türkiye and Pakistan.

The concept included a possible joint SİHA/UCAV and air-defence centre at Gwadar Port. It sought to combine Türkiye’s growing expertise in unmanned aerial systems with Pakistan’s military capabilities and Gwadar’s strategic location.

Although the proposal did not constitute a government-to-government agreement, it reflected the broader expansion of defence ties between the two countries.

The relationship has increasingly focused on defence technology, military capabilities, training and potential joint production.

Saudi Arabia Enters the Wider Vision

The regional dimension became more prominent in February 2026. Speaking on Kashmir Solidarity Day, Şahin again called for Muslim countries to develop their own security mechanisms.

He specifically referred to Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, saying:

“The problems of the Muslim neighbourhood should be solved by the children of the Muslim neighbourhood, through Muslim mechanisms — Türkiye, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia…”

At the time, the remarks represented a political argument for greater regional cooperation. Months later, however, the three countries moved into a formal trilateral defence framework.

Makkah Pact Creates New Framework

The August 7 agreement in Makkah now brings Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia together under a new security arrangement.

The development comes amid growing security concerns across the Middle East and South Asia. It also marks an important development in the strategic relationship among the three countries.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia already maintain a longstanding defence relationship. Meanwhile, Türkiye and Pakistan have expanded cooperation in military training, defence technology and defence production.

Each country also brings different strategic strengths to the partnership. Türkiye has developed a major indigenous defence industry, particularly in unmanned systems. Pakistan contributes significant military capabilities and a strategic position in South Asia. Saudi Arabia brings substantial economic and geopolitical influence in the Middle East.

The agreement’s practical impact will depend on how the three governments implement it. Future cooperation could cover defence planning, military training, technology and other security mechanisms.

From Political Idea to Strategic Cooperation

It would be premature to describe the Makkah agreement as a direct implementation of Şahin’s proposals. The pact represents a sovereign decision by the governments of Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and reflects a much wider strategic process.

There are nevertheless clear similarities between Şahin’s ideas and the direction of the new partnership.

Since 2023, he has repeatedly advocated stronger cooperation among Muslim countries. He has also promoted greater indigenous defence capabilities and regional solutions to security challenges.

The Makkah agreement now gives those ideas a new context. The key question is how far the three countries will take their cooperation.

If the partnership develops into sustained military, technological and institutional collaboration, it could become an important element of the emerging security relationship between South Asia and the Middle East.

For Şahin, the agreement marks a significant development. His calls for stronger Türkiye-Pakistan relations and greater Muslim-led security cooperation now coincide with a formal trilateral defence pact involving Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Whether the arrangement develops into a broader and lasting regional security framework will depend on the practical steps taken by the three governments in the months and years ahead.