Islamabad: In a significant diplomatic announcement, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Saudi Arabia has pledged to support Pakistan militarily if India were to launch an attack. Speaking to Geo TV, Asif confirmed that the recently signed security agreement between the two nations includes a mutual defence clause obligating Saudi Arabia to come to Pakistan’s aid in the event of aggression.
“Asif emphasized, “Absolutely, there is no doubt about Saudi Arabia’s commitment under this pact.” He further explained that the alliance is designed as a collective defence arrangement, meant to protect both countries against any external threats rather than targeting any specific nation. “Whether the threat comes to Saudi Arabia or Pakistan, we will stand united to defend ourselves,” he remarked.
This new pact has drawn comparisons to NATO’s Article 5, which commits member states to collective defence if one is attacked. Asif highlighted that the agreement symbolizes a similar mutual guarantee of protection but insisted the pact is defensive in nature. “This agreement does not imply any intention of aggression; it is purely to counter external threats,” he clarified.
A particularly notable and controversial element of the pact involves Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal. Asif confirmed that Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities would be available to support Saudi Arabia’s defence needs if required, marking a potential expansion of Pakistan’s nuclear posture beyond its traditional deterrence against India.
A senior Saudi official also echoed the nature of the agreement, describing it as a “comprehensive defence pact” that includes conventional and nuclear military assets.
The announcement is expected to have far-reaching implications for regional security dynamics, raising concerns about how this alliance might influence the already tense relationship between India and Pakistan.
