Other countries seek Saudi-style agreements with Pakistan
“It is premature to make any definitive statements, but following this development, other countries have expressed interest in comparable arrangements,” said Ishaq Dar, who also serves as Pakistan’s defence minister, while speaking to journalists in London.
He added that such agreements follow a formal process, noting that even with Saudi Arabia, it took several months to finalise.
Riyadh and Islamabad signed the defence pact late Wednesday, significantly strengthening a decades-long security partnership, just a week after Israel’s aggressive strike on Qatar reshaped regional diplomatic dynamics.
The development comes amid growing concerns among Gulf Arab states about the reliability of the United States as a security guarantor.
Dar described the agreement as a “historic milestone,” emphasizing that while Pakistan has long held an implicit commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security—particularly the protection of the two Holy Mosques—the formal signing of the pact now codifies that commitment.
Both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are satisfied and happy with the agreement, he said, adding that the kingdom has consistently stood by Pakistan during difficult times.
"Saudi Arabia played a key role in supporting Pakistan following the international crisis and during the recent economic crisis," he added.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told Reuters that nuclear weapons were "not on the radar" of the pact.
He said the agreement could be extended to cover other Gulf nations.
"We have no intention of using this pact for any aggression," said Asif. "But if the parties are threatened, then obviously this arrangement will become operative."
Asked whether Pakistan would now be obliged to provide Saudi Arabia with a nuclear umbrella, a senior Saudi official told Reuters: "This is a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means."
A statement from Saudi Arabia said the pact "aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence".
The Saudi government media office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether Pakistan's nuclear weapons were included in the agreement.
Wednesday's announcement made no mention of nuclear weapons or any payment to Pakistan. "The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both," Pakistan said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, for "his keen interest in expanding Saudi investments, trade and business ties", in a statement on Thursday.
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