ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has appointed Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood, Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military), as the first Secretary General of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement (MJDA), the Foreign Office announced on Wednesday.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nauman Mahmood will lead the General Secretariat of the alliance being established in Riyadh.

The appointment marks the establishment of the leadership structure for the alliance formed under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

The Foreign Office said Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood is retired from military service and has been awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military).

The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye to strengthen cooperation in defence and security.