Pakistan, Nov. 3 -- The most consequential shifts in international politics do not always begin with a declaration of war. Sometimes, they begin with an agreement signed around a table, a diplomatic channel kept open when others are closing, or a country choosing dialogue at a moment when confrontation appears easier. As the Middle East confronts renewed security challenges and traditional regional calculations come under pressure, Pakistan finds itself at an important strategic crossroads. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye offers more than a framework for military cooperation; it presents an opportunity to redefine how regional security is understood, pursued and sustained.

Signed in August 20...