Mecca Defence Agreement Marks Pakistan's Quest for Islamic World Standing

Three countries — Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan — signed a special promise in the holy city of Mecca.

The promise says that if one of them is attacked, the others will come to its defence.

Pakistan wants the rest of the Muslim world to see it as a very important country.

It has a large, professional army and is the only Muslim country that has nuclear weapons.

But many respected Muslim countries have not placed Pakistan at their level.

Pakistan often has to ask other countries for money because its economy is struggling.

Saudi Arabia and Turkey are among the most respected Muslim countries.

Turkey's leader, President Recep Erdogan, wants his country to be powerful again like in the past.

Pakistan hopes joining the agreement will make it an equal partner.

The article's writer says Pakistan will only gain true respect when its economy becomes strong.