Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has revealed that several countries are showing interest in forging strategic defence agreements with Pakistan, following the historic security pact signed with Saudi Arabia earlier this week.
Speaking to reporters in London on Friday, Dar said, “It is premature to say something, but after this development, other countries have also expressed a desire for similar arrangements. Such things follow a due process. Even with Saudi Arabia, it took several months to finalise.”
The comments came two days after Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, under which both nations pledged to consider any aggression against one as aggression against both. The agreement was signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh on September 17, where he met Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the pact reflects the two nations’ commitment to strengthen defence cooperation, enhance security, and build joint deterrence. Experts have described the accord as a “historic and unprecedented development,” coming amid heightened regional tensions following Israel’s strike on Qatar that targeted Hamas leaders in Doha.
Dar stressed that the defence pact formalises what had long been an informal understanding about Pakistan’s role in safeguarding Saudi Arabia, particularly the Haramain Sharifain. “There had always been beliefs about Pakistan’s responsibility towards Saudi security, but this has become formal now,” he said, adding that both countries were fully satisfied with the agreement.
He also praised Riyadh’s consistent support for Islamabad, noting, “Saudi Arabia played a key role in supporting Pakistan following the international crisis and during the recent economic crisis.”
‘Doors Not Closed’
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, speaking on Geo News programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, said it was too early to speculate whether other nations might join the Pakistan-Saudi pact. However, he added that “the door has not been closed” on such a possibility.
He reiterated that the agreement ensures collective security, saying, “If either Pakistan or Saudi Arabia is attacked from anywhere, it will be considered an attack on both nations, and we will respond together.”
Meanwhile, Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar said in London that the agreement highlights the success of Pakistan’s foreign policy in recent years. “For the past one and a half years, our foreign policy has been progressing successfully,” he added.
