Pakistan FM says more Arab nations seek defence deal

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that several Arab countries are interested in signing defence agreements with Pakistan, following the security pact signed with Saudi Arabia.

Dar made the remarks during a media talk in London, days after Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman signed the agreement in Riyadh. The pact explicitly states that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”

Calling the agreement a “historic milestone”, Dar said that while Pakistan has always considered the security of Saudi Arabia-particularly the protection of the Haramain Sharifain (the Two Holy Mosques)-a matter of national importance, this commitment has now been formally institutionalised.

“It is a historic pact between the two countries. Pakistan has always had an informal arrangement regarding the protection of Haramain Sharifain. This belief is deeply rooted in both the government and the people of Pakistan,” he stated.

When asked whether similar agreements could be signed with other Arab or Middle Eastern nations, Dar said it was premature to make any definitive announcements. However, he confirmed that several countries have expressed interest in establishing similar defence partnerships with Pakistan.

“This agreement wasn’t signed overnight; it took several months of discussion and coordination. Any future agreements will also follow a proper process,” he added.

Dar emphasised the strong and enduring ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, noting that the Kingdom has always supported Pakistan, especially during economic challenges.

“Saudi Arabia has consistently stood by Pakistan in difficult times and played a key role in supporting us during the recent economic crisis,” he said.

“Alhamdulillah, every Muslim is always ready to sacrifice his life for the Haramain Sharifain,” Dar added.

The recently signed strategic mutual defence agreement has completely changed the Gulf security dynamics.

For the first time, the Muslim world’s only nuclear power and Saudi Arabia have joined hands to form a shield for the Gulf and a sword against aggression.

The accord establishes a strong partnership, uniting Pakistan’s formidable military capabilities-ranked 12th out of 145 globally with a Power Index score of 0.2513 per Global Firepower’s 2025 rankings-and Saudi Arabia’s economic dominance, with a nominal GDP of $1.14 trillion and a purchasing power parity of $2.25 trillion.

One aspect of the agreement that got the world talking is that it stipulates that an attack on either nation will be treated as an attack on both. It means the strength of one country will be present for another country in the face of any danger.

The agreement is likely to redefine regional security by using the influence of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal and Saudi Arabia’s financial heft. It would not only counter emerging threats in the region but also reduce reliance on traditional Western guarantees.

The strategic mutual defence agreement comes just a week after Israel’s attack on Qatar, which is one of America’s biggest non-NATO ally in the Middle East. Israel’s audacious Doha missile strikes not only undermined Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions on the US role in the equation.

Regional players have realised that Pakistan is the only country they can look up to.

History lays bare that for Pakistan, the defence agreement is the culmination of decades of quiet, disciplined partnership dating back 1950s. Back then, Islamabad dispatched military missions to train Saudi forces.

NNI News Service