ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said the newly signed Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia could be expanded to other Arab nations, underscoring Islamabad’s commitment to collective security in the Muslim world.
Speaking in an interview on Geo News, cited by Dawn, Asif said the “doors are not closed” for the entry of other states into the landmark pact, which commits both countries to respond jointly to any act of aggression against either side.
“I cannot prematurely answer this, but I will definitely say the doors are not closed.” he said.
A Defensive Umbrella, Not Aggression
The agreement was signed in Riyadh on Wednesday by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace. It marks the most significant upgrade in Pakistan-Saudi military cooperation in decades.
Asif stressed the deal was not an aggressive arrangement but a defensive one, comparable to NATO’s framework. “It is an umbrella that has been provided by both sides, that, if there is aggression against any side from any side, it will be jointly defended against and responded to.” he said.
The minister added that Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities remained within the scope of the pact but reiterated that the country has always acted responsibly. “What we have, our capabilities, will absolutely be available under this pact. But let me say, since Pakistan has become a nuclear state, never has anyone challenged our status of being a responsible nuclear power.”
He contrasted Pakistan’s openness to international inspection with Israel, saying, Pakistan had always offered its nuclear facilities for inspection and never committed any violation. This is in contrast to Israel, which had not allowed any inspection.
Deep Military Ties with Saudi Arabia
According to Dawn, Asif pointed out that Pakistan has long maintained a large military presence in Saudi Arabia, training and assisting the kingdom’s forces for decades. He described the latest agreement as a formalisation of a relationship deeply rooted in history.
“I think that [pre-existing] relationship has been more defined now and that understanding has been given the form of a defence agreement. This is embedded in the history of our military cooperation and our brotherly relationship with Saudi Arabia.” he said.
Asif also called the protection of Islamic holy sites in Saudi Arabia a “sacred duty” for Pakistan.
Questioned about whether the United States was taken into confidence on the matter, Asif said he felt there was no ground or justification for any other third party to be involved in the development.
“This agreement will not be a hegemonic arrangement but a defensive arrangement … we don’t have any plans to conquer territory or attack anyone. But our fundamental right can’t be denied to us and we exercised that yesterday.”
Strong Words on Afghanistan
Turning to regional security, Asif accused Afghanistan of allowing its soil to be used against Pakistan and declared Kabul a hostile neighbour.
“We were swept into two wars in Afghanistan. The US, on both occasions, left the region and we are still dealing with the consequences, be it the Taliban, the TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan), the BLA (Balochistan Liberation Army) or anyone else,” Asif said, referring to the Soviet-Afghan War of the 1980s and the US-led International Security Assistance Force mission after 2001.
“People embrace martyrdom daily; this liability emerged due to those two wars,” he added. “The Kabul government is not innocent in this, I am being categorical. Through these people, we are being blackmailed by them.
“I say with no ambiguity: Afghanistan is a hostile country.” He said.
The defence minister added that Afghanistan was the last country to recognise Pakistan and that discussions on terrorism went nowhere. He further accused Afghan authorities of political interference and providing space to groups attacking Pakistan’s security forces: “They are involved in our politics as well, with a party I will not name,” he stated. “This party advocates for these people who have our children’s blood on their hands.
“This is a subject Pakistan should be clear on, and we are very clear.”
Strategic Significance
The joint statement, issued in Riyadh and Islamabad, said the pact “reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieve security and peace in the region and the world”.
Importantly, the text underscored that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both”.
The timing of the agreement, shortly after Israel’s attack on a Hamas delegation in Doha, underscores its regional context. Analysts note that the accord not only strengthens Saudi Arabia’s defensive posture but also reinforces Pakistan’s role as a key security partner in the Muslim world.
