Pakistan appointed chair of Islamic NATO alliance for three‑year term

Pakistan has been selected to head the so‑called Islamic NATO, formally known as the Mecca Military Alliance, for a three‑year period. The decision was confirmed during the inaugural gathering of the pact’s members, held in Riyadh earlier this week.

Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt attended the meeting alongside Pakistan’s top diplomat. Delegates reviewed the alliance’s charter, which was signed in early 2023 to foster security cooperation among Muslim‑majority states and to counter regional threats.

The Riyadh session focused on establishing a rotating chairmanship system, with Pakistan slated to assume the lead role starting in the coming months. Officials outlined a schedule of joint military exercises, intelligence‑sharing mechanisms and coordinated counter‑terrorism initiatives that will be rolled out under the new chairmanship.

Pakistan’s appointment reflects its strategic ties with Gulf partners and its desire to play a more prominent role in regional security architecture. Analysts note that the alliance, often dubbed the “Islamic NATO,” seeks to provide a collective response to challenges such as extremist militancy, maritime security in the Red Sea and the broader geopolitical contest with Iran.

The first meeting also addressed humanitarian concerns, with participants agreeing to coordinate assistance for conflict‑affected areas, including the Gaza Strip. While the pact’s long‑term impact remains to be seen, the establishment of a formal leadership rotation marks a significant step toward deeper military collaboration among its members.