Lt Gen (Retd) Nauman Mahmood appointed first Secretary-General for three-year term; parties agree on rapid deployment of agreed military forces and capabilities in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH, Monday, October 5, 2026 (WNP): Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye have agreed to move immediately towards the practical implementation of their collective defence commitments under the Makkah Alliance for Defense, including measures to provide agreed military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment in the Kingdom.

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the Strategic-Political and Defense Committee of the Makkah Alliance for Defense, held in Riyadh on October 5 to discuss security developments and threats facing Saudi Arabia.

As part of the institutional development of the Alliance, the Committee appointed Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood (Ret.) of Pakistan as its first Secretary-General for a three-year term.

The three parties welcomed his appointment, wished him success in discharging his responsibilities and expressed confidence that he would contribute to advancing the Alliance and achieving its objectives.

The parties strongly condemned the attempted targeting of Makkah and Madinah, as well as continuing attacks against cities and civilian and economic facilities in Saudi Arabia.

They reaffirmed their unequivocal rejection of any attack or threat against the Kingdom’s security and territorial integrity.

Pakistan and Türkiye also commended the vigilance, readiness, professionalism and competence demonstrated by the Saudi Armed Forces in countering threats and attacks and safeguarding the Kingdom’s security and territorial integrity.

The Committee reviewed the outcomes of political and military consultations held ahead of the emergency meeting and approved the recommendations submitted to it.

The parties affirmed that the Makkah Alliance for Defense represents a firm commitment to collective defence and a unified position in confronting threats.

A key decision of the meeting was to move immediately towards practical implementation of the collective defence commitments.

The parties agreed to take the necessary measures to provide the agreed military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia, in accordance with approved arrangements and the national legislation of the three countries.

The measure is intended to enhance military readiness and integration and strengthen the collective capacity of the three countries to confront and counter threats.

The parties further affirmed that the security of each member is an integral part of the collective security of all three countries.

They said translating the Makkah Agreement for Joint Defense into practical measures demonstrates the credibility of their collective-defence commitment, strengthens deterrence and reaffirms their unity and determination to defend their security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The emergency meeting marks a significant institutional step for the trilateral defence framework, with the appointment of its first Secretary-General and the decision to begin implementing agreed collective-defence arrangements.