Top officials from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye gathered in Istanbul on Monday for the first committee meeting under the joint defence accord that they signed earlier this month. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir are representing Pakistan at the high-level trilateral huddle.

The meeting is also being attended by the foreign and defence ministers, as well as the chiefs of general staff of Turkiye and Saudi Arabia. Discussions during the crucial session are focused on enhancing military cooperation, counter-terrorism strategies, and regional security frameworks.

Pakistan's participation in the meeting reflects its historic bonds of friendship with the brotherly countries of Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, as well as its commitment to lasting regional peace and stability. The trilateral platform aims to foster deeper strategic alignment among the three Islamic nations.

Further detailed deliberations are expected to conclude with a joint communique outlining actionable steps for defence collaboration. This is a developing story and is being updated with more details as they emerge from the venue.