Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a historic 'Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement'. Under this NATO-like arrangement, both countries will respond jointly in case of an attack. Pakistan claims that other Muslim countries may also join it.
Mutual Defense Agreement: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed the historic 'Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement', which Pakistan is promoting as a symbol of unity among Muslim nations. This agreement grants both countries the right to joint defense. The agreement was reached on Wednesday at Riyadh's Al-Yamamah Palace between Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Under its provisions, an attack on one country will be considered an attack on both, and they will respond jointly. Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that this agreement is not against any specific country but should be viewed as a defensive arrangement similar to NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).
Efforts to Include More Muslim Nations
Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that more Arab Muslim countries could join this agreement. He emphasized that the doors are open to all and it is not limited to just Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He clarified that the agreement does not state anywhere that other countries cannot be included. Asif has long advocated for a regional security arrangement similar to NATO and believes it is a fundamental right of the Muslim population to unite and protect their region and countries.
Statement on Nuclear Capability
When Defense Minister Khawaja Asif was asked whether Pakistan's nuclear capability would also be included in this agreement, he stated that all of Pakistan's capabilities would be available under the agreement. He claimed that Pakistan has always demonstrated responsibility since becoming a nuclear power and has made its nuclear facilities available for international inspection. Taking a jab at Israel, he remarked that Israel has never done so. Asif also clarified that if one country is attacked, the other country will step forward to defend it.
Background of India-Pakistan Conflict
Discussions regarding this agreement are intense in India because of the recent military confrontation between the two countries. On April 22, following the Pahalgam attack, India took action against 9 terrorist bases located in Pakistan and PoK. This was followed by a four-day war-like situation between the two nations. Now, the question arises as to what Saudi Arabia's role would be if such a situation were to recur in the future.
Agreement for Defense, Not Aggression
Pakistan's Defense Minister reiterated that this agreement is not for aggression but solely for defense. He stated that if Pakistan or Saudi Arabia is attacked, it will be jointly confronted. He described the agreement as a defensive arrangement similar to NATO and said its objective is to ensure the security of Muslim countries and protect Islamic holy sites. Asif stated that safeguarding Mecca and Medina is a sacred duty for Pakistan.
