Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Sign Strategic Defense Agreement

The Pakistani electronic outlet ‘Dawn’ quoted Muhammad Asif, stating that it is the fundamental right of nations and people here, especially the Muslim population, to collectively defend their region, countries, and nations. When asked if more Arab countries might join the joint defense agreement with Pakistan, he said, ‘I cannot answer this prematurely, but I will certainly say that the doors are not closed.’ He mentioned that the agreement does not contain any clause excluding the entry of other countries and does not prevent Pakistan from signing a similar agreement with additional parties. Regarding the inclusion of Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities in the agreement, Asif stated, ‘What we possess in terms of capabilities will be fully available under this pact. But let me clarify that since Pakistan became a nuclear state, no one has ever questioned our status as a responsible nuclear power.’ He emphasized that Pakistan has consistently opened its nuclear facilities for inspection and has not committed any violations, adding, ‘This contrasts with Israel, which has not allowed any inspection of its facilities.’ Last Wednesday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Prime Minister of Islamic Pakistan, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, signed the joint strategic defense agreement. According to the Saudi news agency (SPA), both the Saudi and Pakistani sides signed the joint strategic defense agreement, confirming the deep fraternal ties between the leaderships of both countries. It stressed that the joint agreement reflects the two countries’ commitment to strengthening their historic bilateral relations and establishing security, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif was received at the Royal Court in Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, where they held an official meeting to review the close bilateral relations between the Kingdom and Pakistan and the coordinated efforts to enhance cooperation between the two brotherly countries in various fields. Both sides discussed regional and international developments, issues of common interest, and efforts towards achieving security and stability.