Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Pakistan’s recently signed defense agreement with Saudi Arabia will extend beyond bilateral cooperation, opening doors for other regional countries to benefit from the pact.
In an interview with Arab media, Asif stressed that the accord carried no secret clauses and reflected mutual trust and shared security interests.
Scope of defense agreement
Khawaja Asif explained that the agreement’s framework ensures collective security, where aggression against one country would be considered aggression against the other. He underlined that such arrangements are essential in today’s volatile global landscape.
The minister further clarified that there are “no sub- or secret conditions” attached to the pact, describing it as a transparent and strategic partnership aimed at ensuring long-term regional stability. “There are no exemptions to anyone in this pact,” he claimed, adding that the deal includes training exercises and technical assistance.
Regional security outlook
Asif noted that Middle Eastern states could not rely solely on external powers for their defense.
“These countries cannot depend on another country miles away for security,” he said. “They will look towards a sovereign country that has the capacity and ability to protect them.”
His remarks highlight Pakistan’s bid to play a stronger role in regional defense cooperation, hinting that if any other Gulf country gives a signal, Pakistan could consider including other countries in it, as was the case with Saudi Arabia.
Hope for peaceful future
Touching on global security concerns, Khawaja Asif expressed optimism that the world would remain safe from the threat of nuclear war.
“I hope nothing like this will happen in the future,” he said, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation to avert catastrophic conflicts.
During Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recently concluded trip to Riyadh, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia concluded a historic strategic mutual defence agreement, under which Pakistan becomes a partner in the protection of the Two Holy Mosques.
The pact affirms Pakistan’s role alongside Saudi Arabia in defending the sacred sites and strengthens defence cooperation between the two countries. The heads of state of both nations signed the landmark agreement, with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir playing a key role in its success.
In light of current and anticipated threats and challenges, the agreement aims to enhance defence capabilities and integrate the military forces of both countries. Under its terms, any external armed attack on either nation will be considered an attack on both. This accord thus represents a significant milestone in the defence relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The signing reflects the deep bilateral ties and security cooperation maintained over decades, including joint military training, multilateral exercises and defence industry collaboration. The agreement also serves the shared objective of promoting peace and consolidating regional and international security. For both countries, the defence pact offers substantial benefits in terms of security, economy and diplomacy.
Joint defence means that both nations will confront any threat together, with the military strength of one supporting the defence of the other.
