Islamabad, September 19, 2025: Pakistan has clarified that its newly signed historic defence agreement with Saudi Arabia is strictly defensive in nature and does not target any third country.
Speaking at the weekly media briefing on Friday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan said the pact reflects the leadership’s determination to elevate bilateral relations to new heights.
“The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both,” Khan reiterated, underscoring that the accord was aimed at ensuring collective security and regional stability.
The landmark pact was signed on September 17 in Riyadh by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The agreement significantly expands a decades-old security partnership, just a week after Israel’s strikes on Qatar unsettled regional dynamics.
During his visit, the prime minister was received with full honors. Official-level talks were held, with participation from senior delegations of both sides. The Foreign Office noted that defence cooperation between the two countries dates back to the 1960s and has remained a cornerstone of their strategic relationship.
Ambassador Khan highlighted Pakistan’s “unique bond of brotherhood” with Saudi Arabia, rooted in faith, mutual respect, and strategic cooperation. He said the formalization of this defence pact not only strengthens bilateral ties but also contributes to broader peace and stability in the region.
Commenting on wider regional issues, the spokesperson confirmed that Pakistan actively participated in the emergency summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Doha. More than 50 Islamic countries attended to deliberate on Israel’s recent military escalation in Gaza and beyond.
Ambassador Khan said the OIC foreign ministers unanimously adopted a communiqué that condemned Israel’s “unlawful and unprovoked aggression” and civilian killings. The document demanded Israel be held accountable for grave violations of international law and reaffirmed unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people.
He said Pakistan’s Foreign Minister used the platform to strongly denounce Israeli attacks while also commending Qatar’s mediation role. The issue was simultaneously raised by Pakistan at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, where Islamabad called for an urgent debate on Israel’s actions.
“The international community must recognize the atrocities being committed and take immediate steps to stop the carnage,” Ambassador Khan stressed.
