New Delhi: Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif announced on Friday that Saudi Arabia has agreed to defend Pakistan in an event of a war with India. Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Asif emphasized the “strategic mutual assistance” component of the deal signed between the two countries this week.
When asked by Geo TV whether the agreement means Saudi Arabia will stand with Pakistan, Asif responded, “Yes, absolutely. There is no doubt about it.” He drew a parallel to Article 5 of the NATO agreement, which outlines a principle of “collective defense,” where an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.
However, Asif was quick to clarify that the pact is “defensive” in nature, not “offensive.” “If there is aggression, whether against Saudi Arabia or Pakistan, we will jointly defend against it,” he told the news channel. He also separately told Reuters, “We have no intention of using this pact for any aggression. But if the parties are threatened, then obviously this arrangement will become operative.”
Asif also confirmed that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons would be available for Saudi Arabia’s use under the pact. This is a significant statement, as Pakistan’s official nuclear doctrine has always maintained that its warheads are for use only against India. “Our capabilities will absolutely be available under this pact,” he said. He added that Pakistan has always allowed inspections of its nuclear facilities and has never been in violation of any non-proliferation treaties.
A senior Saudi official, when asked by Reuters if the deal obliges Pakistan to offer a nuclear shield, simply stated, “This is a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means.”
The “mutual defense” agreement was signed during Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh. A key clause of the pact reportedly states that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”
In response to the development, the Indian government said that the Pakistan-Saudi pact “formalizes a long-standing arrangement between the two countries” and that its full implications are being evaluated.
According to military and political analysts who spoke to Reuters, the deal effectively “marries Riyadh’s money with Islamabad’s nuclear arsenal.” This is seen as a major win for both nations: Pakistan gains formidable financial backing and the prospect of a wider “Arab nations alliance,” while Saudi Arabia secures a “nuclear shield.” The agreement is also expected to be watched closely by regional powers, including Iran and Israel, the only West Asian nation with access to nuclear weapons.
When asked about the possibility of a larger “Arab alliance,” the Pakistani defense minister said, “the doors are not closed.” “I cannot prematurely answer this… but I think it is a fundamental right of the countries and people here, particularly the Muslim population, to defend their region together,” he added.
Pakistan Claims Saudi Arabia Will Provide ‘Defensive Shield’ In Event Of War With India
