ISLAMABAD: A prominent Turkish political commentator has stirredinternational speculation by claiming that a groundbreaking militaryalliance between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan is fully prepared andawaiting imminent signatures. Eyüp Sağcan, a Middle East affairs expert,posted on social media platform X that this trilateral pact wouldprofoundly impact global geopolitics and ensure security for Muslimsworldwide. His assertion, made on January 6, 2026, rapidly gained tractionacross regional networks, amplifying discussions on shifting securitydynamics in the Muslim world.
The claim emerges against a backdrop of deepening bilateral defence tiesamong the three nations, though no official confirmation of a newtrilateral military agreement has surfaced from Ankara, Riyadh, orIslamabad. Sağcan’s statement in Arabic translated to: theTurkish-Saudi-Pakistani alliance is ready and will be signed soon,describing it as a military coalition capable of shaking the world. Whilehis words resonate in pro-Muslim unity circles, analysts urge caution,noting the absence of corroborating evidence from government sources.
Existing defence cooperation provides context for such speculation. InSeptember 2025, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan formalised a Strategic MutualDefence Agreement, marking a significant escalation in their longstandingsecurity partnership. This pact obligates mutual defence in case ofaggression against either party, with experts viewing it as Riyadh’s effortto bolster deterrence amid regional tensions. Pakistan, as the onlynuclear-armed Muslim-majority state, brings unique strategic weight to sucharrangements.
Turkey maintains robust military ties with Pakistan, including jointexercises, arms sales, and technology transfers. Ankara and Islamabad havecollaborated on projects like fighter jet development and dronemanufacturing. Meanwhile, Saudi-Turkish relations have warmed considerablysince 2022 reconciliations, evidenced by increasing defence industrypartnerships, such as joint production of Turkish Akinci drones in theKingdom, projected to reach over seventy percent local manufacturing by2026.
Historical trilateral engagements further fuel the narrative. In 2023 and2024, defence officials from the three countries held meetings to expandcooperation in technology transfer, localisation of production, andscientific research. These discussions built on earlier frameworks, yetstopped short of announcing a formal mutual defence treaty encompassing allthree. Recent diplomatic exchanges, including phone calls between TurkishPresident Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,have focused on regional stability, including Yemen.Regional observers note that while bilateral pacts strengthen individualpairings, a comprehensive trilateral military alliance would represent aparadigm shift. It could counterbalance influences from Iran, Israel, orWestern-led coalitions, potentially reshaping Middle East and South Asiansecurity architectures. Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, Turkey’s NATOmembership and advanced defence industry, and Saudi Arabia’s financialresources would combine formidably.
Yet scepticism persists due to geopolitical complexities. Turkey’s NATOobligations might complicate overt alliances outside the Atlanticframework. Saudi Arabia balances relations with the United States, itsprimary security guarantor, while pursuing diversification. Pakistannavigates delicate ties with India and China. No joint statement ordiplomatic leak supports an impending signing ceremony.
The viral nature of Sağcan’s post highlights growing aspirations forMuslim-world solidarity amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Yemen, and beyond.Social media amplification in Urdu, Arabic, and Turkish spheres reflectspublic enthusiasm, but official channels remain silent. Defence ministriesin the three capitals have not responded to queries on the matter.
In conclusion, while Sağcan’s bold prediction captures imagination andunderscores evolving partnerships, it remains unsubstantiated by verifiablesources. The claim serves as a reminder of fluid regional alliances, wherespeculation often precedes reality in an era of rapid diplomaticrealignments.
Source:https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/17/saudi-arabia-signs-mutual-defence-pact-with-nuclear-armed-pakistan
Tags: Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Military Alliance
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