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Who Is Nauman Mahmood, Pakistan’s Pick for Mecca Pact Secretariat
Pakistan chose retired army general Nauman Mahmood to lead a new defence group’s office in Riyadh.
The group includes Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Its agreement says the countries will treat an attack on one member as an attack on all three.
The office will help organize and carry out the agreement.
Mahmood has held several important jobs in Pakistan’s army and intelligence services.
He also previously led Pakistan’s National Defence University.
The appointment comes while fighting and shipping concerns are increasing near Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan and Turkey have supported Saudi Arabia’s security, but they have not announced new troops.
Pakistan appointed retired Lt. Gen. Nauman Mahmood as the first secretary-general of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement Secretariat.
The Secretariat will be based in Riyadh and oversee implementation of the trilateral pact involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
The agreement says an armed attack on one member will be treated as an attack on all three.
Mahmood previously led Pakistan’s National Defence University and served in senior army, intelligence and communications roles.
His appointment comes amid Houthi activity near Saudi Arabia, although the Houthis denied involvement in an alleged drone incident near Mecca.
- Who
- Retired Lt. Gen. Nauman Mahmood was appointed by Pakistan as secretary-general.
- What
- He will lead the General Secretariat for the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.
- Where
- The Secretariat is being established in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- When
- Pakistan announced the appointment in a Foreign Ministry post; the article does not give a calendar date.
- Why
- The Secretariat is intended to oversee implementation of the defence pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Saudi-Pakistan-Turkey Position
Houthi Position
Alleged drone incident near Mecca
Saudi-Pakistan-Turkey Position
Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a drone approaching restricted airspace near Mecca. Pakistan and Turkey condemned the alleged targeting of the holy site.
Houthi Position
The Houthis denied having any role in the alleged drone incident.
Response to regional security threats
Saudi-Pakistan-Turkey Position
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey have backed Saudi Arabia’s security, while Pakistan’s prime minister emphasized support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty and holy sites.
Houthi Position
Pakistan and Turkey did not commit military reinforcements, and the foreign ministers called for a diplomatic resolution to the wider regional crisis.
Key facts
- Appointee
- Retired Lt. Gen. Nauman Mahmood, Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military)
- New role
- First secretary-general of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement Secretariat
- Secretariat location
- Riyadh
- Pact members
- Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey
- Pact principle
- An armed attack on one member is to be treated as an attack on all three
- National Defence University role
- Mahmood served as its president from November 2021 to April 2023
- Army rank
- He was promoted to lieutenant general in April 2019
Quotes
Pakistan’s foreign ministry
Pakistan’s foreign ministry, which announced Mahmood’s appointment
“The Government of Pakistan is pleased to announce the appointment of Lt. Gen. Nauman Mahmood, Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military), (Retired), as the first Secretary General pursuant to Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.”
theprint.in
“Pakistan stands unwaveringly, shoulder to shoulder, with the Kingdom in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and the sanctity of Islam’s holiest sites”
theprint.in
Sources
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