ISLAMABAD, OCT 13 /DNA/ – Lieutenant General (Rtd.) Nauman Mahmood, the first Secretary General pursuant to Makkah Joint Defence Agreement called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. He will lead the General Secretariat of the Alliance being established at Riyadh.

The President expressed confidence that the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia on 7 August 2026, would strengthen regional peace and stability through defensive cooperation guided by the principles of the UN Charter and international law.

The President underscored that the Accord is purely defensive in nature, is not directed against any country and does not constitute the formation of a new bloc. He emphasised that Pakistan remains committed to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and enhanced regional and multilateral cooperation to address emerging challenges.

Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi was also present during the meeting.