Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister has moved to clarify the intent behind a newly signed trilateral defence agreement, describing it as a purely protective arrangement with no adversarial targets. The statement, delivered via social media on Sunday, arrives amid regional speculation about the pact's broader strategic implications. Main Developments Ishaq Dar, who also serves as Foreign Minister, posted a detailed explanation on X asserting that the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is "purely defensive in nature" and "not targeted against any country." His remarks came exactly two days after the agreement was formally signed in Makkah. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan jointly signed the accord on Friday. Pakistan's Foreign Office subsequently confirmed the pact's core provision: an armed attack on any one of the three states "shall be regarded as an attack against them all." Read also: Why Iran's Hormuz Closure Could Redraw Gulf Alliances Beyond the collective defence clause, the agreement mandates enhanced defence cooperation across all aspects among the signatories. Dar emphasised that the accord does not abrogate or replace any existing bilateral or multilateral agreements these countries hold with other nations or organisations. Background The agreement represents the culmination of what Dar described as "years of discussions and coordination" among the three nations. The stated objective has been to strengthen strategic cooperation in addressing "multifarious peace and security challenges" while advancing regional stability. Dar framed the pact's mutual defence provision within the context of Article 51 of the UN Charter, which upholds the inherent right of individual and collective self-defence. He also noted the agreement's consistency with Pakistan's fundamental foreign policy pillars. Why It Matters The clarification carries weight given the strategic geography of the signatories, who span South Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, and Anatolia. The explicit reassurance that the pact targets no specific country appears designed to allay concerns from other regional powers about shifting alliance structures. Dar's emphasis on the accord remaining open to any country in the region signals an inclusive approach. Nations willing to uphold its fundamental principles and resolve differences through mutual respect, cooperation, and peaceful means are eligible to join. What's Next The agreement's operational framework will likely develop through subsequent defence cooperation channels among the three states. Whether additional regional countries seek to accede to the accord remains an open question that will test its stated inclusivity. Dar concluded by reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to working closely with "all brotherly countries in the region" toward lasting peace, while advancing the cause of peaceful conflict resolution. Observers will watch for concrete military cooperation initiatives that translate the accord's provisions into practice.