Get all your news in one place.

100's of premium titles.
One app.

Get all your news in one place.

100's of premium titles. One news app.

FORGOTTEN HISTORY: Mecca - The Untold Story

Pakistan killed Palestinians for Jordan. Will it kill Houthis for Saudi?

Houthi attacks near Saudi Arabia have intensified, prompting a cautious response from Pakistan. Pakistan's defence pact with Saudi Arabia and Turkey is now being tested by these events. The nation is carefully balancing its relationship with Saudi Arabia and its neighbor Iran. Historical military ties with Arab nations are noted,…

The Economic Times

Pakistan blinks on Houthis, walks back Saudi defence warning within 24 hours

Pakistan has clarified that there are no current discussions about military responses related to the Mecca defense pact, following recent warnings from its defense minister. The agreement aims to enhance deterrence and defense cooperation among the involved nations, becoming active only if the Yemen conflict spreads to Saudi Arabia. Additionally,…

The Times of India

'Attack on one is attack on all': Pakistan warns Houthis, invokes Mecca defence pact

Pakistan warned Tuesday that its newly formed defence alliance with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye could be activated if the conflict in Yemen spills into Saudi territory, saying there should be “no ambiguity” that an attack on any one of the three members would be treated as an attack on all.

The Times of India

From analysis to the latest developments in health,
read the most diverse news in one place.

Mecca Pact and Bangladesh: Why Dhaka is keeping the door open to 'Islamic Nato'

In August, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye unveiled what has informally been dubbed the “Islamic Nato”. Named after Makkah, Islam’s holiest city, the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement or simply the Mecca pact—is based on the principle that an armed attack on one member would be considered an attack on all…

The Times of India

Bangladesh sees no risk in joining Mecca Pact: State Foreign Minister

Bangladesh is exploring the possibility of joining a defense alliance with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, aimed at fostering collective security among the countries. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir emphasized that this step poses no risk for Dhaka and will not limit its relationships with other nations. Positive discussions…

The Economic Times

In 1953, a Hong Kong imam brought eight date palms from Mecca; one survived and later officials changed a road route rather than cut it down

In 1953, an imam named Ai Pok-tak returned to Hong Kong from a pilgrimage to Mecca carrying eight date-palm saplings, hoping to grow a piece of his faith in a city where the tree was rarely seen. Only one survived. Planted outside the family's home near Hong Kong's border with…

The Times of India

'Positive approach': Bangladesh ministers on possibility of joining Mecca pact

Bangladesh maintains a positive approach towards joining the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye, two junior ministers have said, while stressing that any decision would be guided by the country’s national interests.

The Times of India

Read news from The Economist, FT, and more,
with one subscription

Why Pakistan is boosting defence ties with a nation known for its pirates

Pakistan is expanding its defense engagement through a new security pact with Somalia. This agreement covers counter-terrorism, military training, and capacity building efforts. Days later, Pakistan joined Saudi Arabia and Turkey in a Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. This pact commits members to mutual defense and military coordination. These developments highlight…

The Economic Times

The creation of a ‘Muslim Nato’ shows Trump is losing his grip in the Middle East

IN FOCUS: After the chaos sparked by Trump and Israel’s war in Iran, experts tell Maira Butt that the Mecca Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey could represent a new dawn in the region

The Independent UK

Is America behind Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey Mecca defence pact? Here’s what US President Donald Trump said on 'Islamic NATO'

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey Defence Pact: US President Donald Trump has welcomed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan, calling it an important step towards stronger regional security. Describing the agreement as a "BIG, BOLD, IMPORTANT FIRST STEP", he said he was "very happy" that…

The Economic Times

US backs 'Islamic Nato': Trump calls Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan pact 'big, bold and important step'

US President Donald Trump on Sunday threw his weight behind the newly signed Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, calling it a “big, bold, and important first step”.

The Times of India

A new ‘NATO of the East?’ Why the Mecca pact isn’t quite what it seems

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have signed the Mecca Joint Defence Pact, a new collective defence arrangement that connects the Middle East with South Asia.

The Conversation

Mecca Defence Pact Explained: The Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan NATO-Style Alliance

Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan have signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, pledging mutual defence and signalling a shift towards regional security cooperation amid tensions with Iran.

International Business Times UK

Saudi defence pact with Turkey and Pakistan is a verdict on the reliability of US security guarantees

Commentators predictably reacted to the news of the signing of a mutual defence pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan on August 7 by reaching for the label “Islamic Nato”. The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement stipulates that an armed attack on any one of them would be treated as an…

The Conversation

Get all your
news in one place.

100's of premium titles.
One news app.

The Economic Times

India examining Mecca Joint Defence Agreement's impact on national security, regional stability, says MEA

India is closely examining the new Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. This trilateral pact establishes a collective defence framework for the three participating nations. The agreement aims to strengthen regional and global peace, stability, and security. India remains committed to safeguarding its own national…

The Times of India

For India, the Mecca pact is a setback. For China, it's a warning

A new defense pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey has been signed. This agreement is seen as a setback for India's regional interests. China may benefit commercially from increased weapon system access. However, the pact could also reduce US military focus in West Asia. This shift might allow greater…

The Economic Times

With US taking a hostile approach to India, the 'Mecca pact' is threatening

A Saudi Arabia-Pakistan-Turkiye defence pact could complicate India’s security environment by deepening military, technological and diplomatic cooperation among the three countries. The article argues India should respond through multi-alignment, stronger Gulf partnerships, naval preparedness and continued engagement with Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The Times of India

Islamic Nato taking shape? What the Saudi-Pakistan-Turkey Mecca pact means for Iran, India & Israel

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed a new defence pact in Mecca. This agreement commits them to mutual defence against any armed attack. The deal combines Saudi financial power, Turkish defence industry, and Pakistan's military strength. It comes amid regional tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. This pact…

Get all your
news in one place.

100's of premium titles.
One news app.

The Economic Times

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan sign joint defence deal amid regional turmoil

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed a joint defense pact in Mecca. This agreement aims to strengthen collective deterrence against aggression. The pact follows years of regional conflict and instability. It builds on existing military ties and promotes regional security. The three nations seek to enhance their collective security and…

International Business Times UK

Saudi Arabia Reportedly Won't Accept Nuclear Inspections Near Mecca, Driving Trump's Weaker Nuclear Deal

The US-Saudi nuclear deal, backed by Trump, faces scrutiny over weaker inspection safeguards, raising concerns about potential nuclear weapons development and its impact on Middle East security.

Times Life

What Happened When Ramakrishna Followed Every Religion?

The Man Who Ran the Experiment Between roughly 1861 and 1874, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa did something no theologian had proposed and no institution had sanctioned. He practiced, in sequence and with full commitment, the sadhana of traditions that were supposed to be mutually exclusive. He spent months in Tantric discipline under…

Times Life

What Kabir Said About Religion That Made Both Hindus and Muslims Deeply Uncomfortable

The Man Who Picked No SideKabir was born into a Muslim weaver family in Varanasi sometime around 1440, and he spent his life in a city where the Ganga and the call to prayer existed within earshot of each other. He was not a scholar. He did not write treatises.…

Bangkok Post

All victims of pilgrimage scam urged to sue illegal travel firm

NARATHIWAT - All travellers ripped off by an illegal travel agent who offered cheap, pilgrimmage packages to Mecca are being advised to come forward and register their complaints with police, to help stamp out the scam.

The Independent UK

England enter the Azteca cathedral – football’s greatest stadium

ENGLAND V MEXICO: From Pele to Diego Maradona, the footballing Mecca has witnessed some of the sport’s most iconic moments, writes Miguel Delaney, and England must embrace the history when they face Mexico

The Economic Times

Government unveils Haj Policy 2027, invites applications from prospective pilgrims

The Haj Policy 2027 carries forward the Minority Affairs Ministry's sustained efforts to make the pilgrimage more comfortable, safe and dignified for every pilgrim, building on the initiatives of Haj-2026 such as sofa-cum-beds in Mina, hotel-style accommodation in Mecca and the 20-day Short Haj Package, an official statement said.

1 2 3 4 5

People

From analysis to the latest developments in health,
read the most diverse news in one place.

Organisations

the Los Angeles Times

the ministry of external affairs

the Congressional Research Service

22 stories

Read news from The Economist, FT, and more,
with one subscription

Topics

Places

Fourteen days free

Download the app

One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.