Islamabad turned into a colourful display of friendship on Saturday as major buildings, roads and landmarks were illuminated in the colours of Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia following the signing of a landmark trilateral defence agreement.
The capital was decorated with national flags, colourful lighting and LED displays to celebrate the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed by Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia on August 7, 2026. The agreement establishes a framework for closer defence and security cooperation among the three countries.
Major government buildings and prominent locations across Islamabad displayed the flags of the three countries. Constitution Avenue and other important roads were also decorated, creating a prominent visual tribute to the new strategic partnership.
The agreement was signed in Makkah by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Under the pact, an armed attack against any one of the three countries is to be regarded as an attack against all three, strengthening their commitment to collective defence.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has described the agreement as purely defensive and said it is not directed against any particular country. He also indicated that the framework could be open to other countries willing to support its principles.
The illumination of Islamabad’s landmarks symbolised the importance Pakistan places on its expanding relations with Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. Similar celebrations were also reported in Saudi Arabia, where landmarks were illuminated in the colours of all three nations.
The historic pact could mark a new chapter in regional security cooperation, bringing together Pakistan’s military capabilities, Türkiye’s defence expertise and Saudi Arabia’s strategic and economic influence.
