Makkah Pact Can Transform Pakistan-Saudi-Turkiye Cooperation Into A Force For Unity Of Muslim Ummah: Ashrafi
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Sep, 2026) Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council and Coordinator of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, on Thursday stated that the evolving strategic partnership between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye could significantly contribute to promoting unity, peace, and collective security across the Muslim world.
Addressing a high-level strategic policy forum titled “The Makkah Pact and the New Geometry of Power: Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkiye Shaping an Emerging Regional Order”, Ashrafi noted that Saudi Arabia’s restraint during a recent regional crisis was crucial in preventing escalation into a broader conflict among Muslim nations.
He elaborated on how Israel’s attack on Iran could have sparked a dangerous chain reaction, but Saudi Arabia’s stance—making clear its territory and airspace would not be utilized against Iran—helped avert this scenario. Ashrafi emphasized that such a confrontation between Arab and Muslim states would have detrimental consequences for the entire Muslim world.
He singled out Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir's role, highlighting his strategic understanding in preventing the crisis from escalating. Ashrafi recounted Field Marshal Munir’s trip to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Saudi Minister of Defence Prince Khalid bin Salman, discussing the importance of avoiding broader confrontation.
Subsequent high-level engagement involving Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman reflected a shared strategic vision to ensure the regional conflict did not evolve into a Muslim-against-Muslim war. Ashrafi noted that Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye have since become key pillars in preserving regional stability, Muslim unity, and collective security.
The Pakistan Ulema Council chairman also emphasized religious unity within Pakistan, citing an unprecedented level of Shia-Sunni solidarity during the crisis. He praised scholars from various schools of thought for collectively condemning attacks on Iran, expressing grief over loss of life, and working to maintain peace and unity within the country.