ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that the recently signed defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is not directed against any particular country, stressing that the pact formalises longstanding fraternal ties between Islamabad and Riyadh.
Earlier this month, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a defence pact in Riyadh, under which an attack on one nation will be considered an attack on both.
The agreement was finalised during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to the Kingdom and aims to strengthen joint deterrence while deepening the longstanding military and security ties between the two countries. Analysts suggest the pact may also pave the way for expanded economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at the Pakistan High Commission in London, Sharif said Saudi Arabia is a “brotherly country,” adding that Pakistan enjoyed close ties with the Kingdom for decades.
“We have formalised it [through a defence pact],” the Pakistani premier said. “And the bottom line of the agreement is that if anyone attacks one of the brother countries, the attack will be seen as against the other. And both will combat it together with consultation. So I think this agreement is not against anyone,” he added.
Sharif stated that the agreement was made in alignment with the wishes of both the people of Saudi Arabia and the Pakistani nation. He emphasised that every Muslim is ready to sacrifice their life for the honor of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the holy city of Makkah, and the protection of the Holy Kaaba.
“So, if this agreement has been signed, I believe we have earned both in religion and in this world,” he concluded.
For decades, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have maintained strong political, military, and economic relations. The Kingdom is home to over 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates, the largest overseas community contributing remittances to Pakistan.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia has consistently offered financial assistance to Islamabad during times of economic hardship. Their defence collaboration has encompassed training, arms acquisitions, and joint military exercises.
Civil-military leadership on one page
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that there is a consensus on all key issues, including foreign policy, between the country’s political and military leadership, and the two are “on the same page”.
“We consult on every issue. We are on one page and making sincere efforts [….] Mutual consultations are also held regarding the economic situation,” PM Shehbaz said.
Underscoring the close working relationship between the civil and military leadership, the prime minister lauded the army chief, saying, “Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir is a true nationalist. He only cares for Pakistan. Under his leadership, both the army and air force have achieved remarkable successes. He is a man of vision and bravery. We discuss all important matters and make decisions in unity. It’s all for Pakistan”.
Gaza crisis
Premier Shehbaz apprised the media of his “fruitful and successful” visits to New York and Washington, particularly, the meeting on the Gaza situation co-chaired by President Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and attended by leaders from Pakistan, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Jordan and Egypt.
“There was an encouraging discussion, and I’m confident that it will come up with a positive outcome for the Gaza ceasefire. After the meeting, my expectations have greatly risen [….] In our meeting in Washington, President Trump’s words were reassuring. Insha Allah, I hope you will hear good news very soon,” he remarked.
Meeting with Trump
Referring to his meeting with President Trump, which was also attended by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, he said Pakistan-US relations are being revitalised. The discussions focused on trade, investment, oil and gas exploration, mining, IT, AI, and other sectors, with Trump pledging to accelerate bilateral economic cooperation.
In response to a question, the prime minister noted that terrorism had resurged due to imprudent decisions made in the past. However, law enforcement agencies are actively targeting terrorist strongholds, including groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Majeed Brigade, and other foreign elements working against Pakistan’s progress.
On the economy, the prime minister said it had stabilized at the macro level, with ongoing efforts to achieve growth. He also highlighted the devastating impact of recent floods, which have claimed over 1,000 lives, injured many, and destroyed thousands of villages across the country.
“We should take advantage of this time as friendly countries are willing to support, like the Gulf states, Saudi Arabia, the US, and China. There can be no better conditions. Now all up to us. The only thing we lack is the will to do. If we have this will, no one can impede our progress,” he concluded.
