- Saudi Arabia, Tükiye, and Pakistan signed a joint defence pact in Mecca on Friday, formally committing to treat an armed attack against any one of the three countries as an attack against them all.
- Pakistan ordered all restaurants and cafés in Islamabad to light up their walls in red and green by 9 pm on Monday to celebrate the treaty.
- Non-compliance with the order could result in the establishment being sealed, according to analyst Javed Hassan.
- Journalist Shahbaz Gill highlighted that Pakistan transferred musical instruments like dholaks, tablas, and harmoniums instead of military equipment.
- Hassan pointed out that the colors of the lighting resemble those of Imran Khan's PTI, raising questions about potential rapprochement.
Pakistan has ordered all restaurants in Islamabad to light up in red and green by 9 pm Monday to celebrate the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. This pact commits the three nations to mutual defense against armed attacks.
The agreement, signed during the Mecca Summit on Joint Defence, emphasizes the historical ties and strategic interests shared among the countries. The government has also released a celebratory song highlighting the bond of friendship, describing the nations as “three brothers.”
However, the directive has drawn criticism. Analyst Javed Hassan noted that “non-compliance will apparently result in the establishment being sealed,” raising concerns about the implications for local businesses. He also questioned whether the celebratory colors were a nod to former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party, PTI.35
Critics like journalist Shahbaz Gill have pointed out the absurdity of the situation, suggesting that while one might expect military equipment to be the first shipment to these countries, Pakistan instead sent musical instruments. Gill remarked on the serious economic and national-security concerns facing Pakistan, contrasting them with the government's focus on frivolous musical productions.4
“The order follows the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed Friday, committing the three nations to mutual defense. Analyst Javed Hassan warned that non-compliant establishments could be sealed, while journalist Shahbaz Gill noted Pakistan sent musical instruments like dholaks instead of military hardware.”
