ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has named retired Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood as the first Secretary General of the Makkah Defence Alliance.
The Foreign Office announced the appointment on Wednesday. It said Lt Gen Mahmood will lead the alliance’s General Secretariat in Riyadh.
The appointment marks an important step in building the alliance’s institutional structure.
Pakistan to Lead General Secretariat
The General Secretariat will operate from Riyadh. Lt Gen Mahmood will lead its work and help coordinate activities among the three member states.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye agreed to establish the secretariat under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
Moreover, Pakistan will provide the first Secretary General for an initial three-year term.
The three countries created the framework to strengthen defence cooperation and coordination.
Hakan Fidan Confirmed Pakistan’s Role
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had earlier confirmed that Pakistan would provide the first Secretary General.
Fidan made the announcement after a meeting of the alliance’s Strategic Political and Defence Committee in Istanbul.
He also confirmed that Riyadh would host the General Secretariat.
The announcement followed the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
Makkah Defence Agreement
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the defence agreement in Makkah on August 7.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed the agreement.
The agreement seeks to strengthen defence ties among the three countries.
In addition, it provides a framework for closer security coordination.
The agreement includes a collective defence provision. Under this provision, an armed attack on one member will constitute an attack on all three members.
Focus on Regional Security
The three countries have also expressed their commitment to regional security and stability.
Meanwhile, the creation of the General Secretariat gives the alliance a permanent institutional structure.
As a result, the appointment of Pakistan’s first Secretary General marks a new phase in cooperation between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
