Is a 'Muslim NATO' Taking Shape? Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey Set for Major Defense Pact

Islamabad: Amid growing tension in West Asia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey are going to sign an important defence agreement in Jeddah on Friday. According to international media reports, this agreement can give a new direction to defence cooperation between the three countries. It is believed that the changed security environment after the US-Iran conflict has accelerated this process.

Why is this defence agreement considered important?

According to reports, this defence deal was in talks for a long time, but it was finalised after the recent tension in the Gulf. Its objective is clear – to increase defence cooperation and jointly handle the security challenges of the region. After the US-Iran conflict, new concerns have emerged regarding the security of the Gulf and maritime trade. Especially the routes through Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea are becoming risky. For this reason, now regional countries are busy strengthening their security partnerships.

Who will meet in Jeddah?

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will meet 3 big leaders: Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief General Asim Munir, and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Pakistan delegation has already reached Saudi Arabia. Turkish President will reach Jeddah on Friday. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has also confirmed this visit.

What is 'Muslim NATO'? 

'Muslim NATO' is not an official organisation. This is just an informal name being used for the potential defense alliance. It is compared to NATO. NATO i.e. North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance of 32 countries of Europe and North America. The biggest rule of NATO is that if there is an attack on one member, it will be considered an attack on all the members.

After the defence cooperation agreement was signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia last year, this possible alliance came to be called 'Muslim NATO'. Now with the possibility of Turkey joining, its discussion has become more intense.

Why is Turkey's role considered important?

For the last few months, there have been reports of increasing strategic cooperation between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Pakistan has tried to reduce tensions between the US and Iran, while Türkiye has been active in ongoing diplomatic efforts regarding the Gaza war. In such a situation, defence cooperation between the three countries can impact regional politics and security equations.

Why is the world keeping an eye on this agreement?

Pakistan is the only nuclear-weapons country among Muslim countries. Whereas Saudi Arabia and Turkey are the major regional powers of West Asia. In such a situation, if defense cooperation between the three countries becomes stronger, it can have an impact on the security and strategic balance of the entire region.