Islamabad, September 19, 2025: Pakistan’s landmark defense agreement with Saudi Arabia could eventually broaden to include other Gulf states, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif suggested in an interview with Arab media.
Asif underscored that the accord, signed earlier this week during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh, was rooted in transparency, mutual trust, and collective security. He stressed that the agreement contained “no sub- or secret clauses” and was designed to strengthen long-term stability in the region.
“The pact ensures collective defense: an act of aggression against one country will be treated as aggression against both,” Asif said. “These countries cannot depend on another country miles away for security. They will look towards a sovereign country that has the capacity and ability to protect them.”
The defense minister clarified that the agreement encompasses joint training exercises, technical assistance, and operational cooperation, but does not exempt any party from its obligations. He emphasized that other Gulf states could also benefit from the pact if they express interest, pointing to Saudi Arabia’s inclusion as a precedent.
The deal — signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir playing a pivotal role — represents a milestone in bilateral defense ties. It formally commits Pakistan to assisting in the protection of Islam’s Two Holy Mosques and integrates the military capacities of both nations.
“Joint defense means confronting any threat together, with the military strength of one supporting the other,” Asif remarked.
The agreement comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, particularly following Israel’s strikes on Qatar last week, which unsettled Gulf security dynamics. Observers say the pact strengthens Pakistan’s role as a key regional security partner while reaffirming Riyadh’s reliance on trusted Muslim allies rather than distant global powers.
Highlighting broader security concerns, Asif also expressed optimism that the world could avoid catastrophic conflicts, particularly the threat of nuclear war. “I hope nothing like this will happen in the future,” he said, urging dialogue and cooperation among nations.
For Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the pact builds on decades of defense cooperation dating back to the 1960s, which has included military training, joint exercises, and defense industry collaboration. Officials on both sides say the latest agreement enhances not only military ties but also economic and diplomatic relations, consolidating their shared objective of regional and international peace.
