Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to sign trilateral defense pact

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are poised to sign a trilateral defense agreement, according to officials familiar with the matter in Islamabad. The pact is expected to be finalized during a meeting of the leaders of the three nations.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir are already in Saudi Arabia. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan departed for the kingdom on Friday morning. This new agreement builds upon an existing defense pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which has been in place since September 2025.

While the previous agreement focused on the deployment of Pakistani troops in Saudi Arabia, the new trilateral deal is reportedly centered on joint arms production. It aims to synergize Saudi Arabia's financial resources, Turkey's technological expertise, and Pakistan's combat capabilities. This collaboration is seen as a significant step in bolstering the defense industries of all three countries.

The signing of the agreement occurs against a backdrop of escalating military tensions in the Persian Gulf. Saudi Arabia recently reported casualties from a Houthi attack overnight, and media reports suggest the kingdom is preparing for further coordinated assaults by Iraqi groups and the Houthis, who are considered allies of Iran. This regional instability underscores the strategic importance of the defense pact.