Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar signalled that Pakistan’s landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia could become a template for wider regional security cooperation.
He said multiple countries have already conveyed interest in pursuing similar arrangements after the Riyadh pact, though any new deal would follow a formal process and timeline.
A milestone that formalises long-standing commitments to the Kingdom
Dar called the accord a historic milestone that formalises what Pakistan has always considered an implicit obligation: safeguarding the Kingdom and the sanctity of Harmain Sharifain.
He noted that both Islamabad and Riyadh are “very pleased” with the agreement and recalled Saudi Arabia’s consistent support for Pakistan during recent economic and geopolitical headwinds.
By placing collective defence into a written framework, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have strengthened deterrence and provided clarity for partners and markets alike.
Framework built on trust, transparency, and operational cooperation
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, speaking to Arab media, confirmed the pact includes no secret clauses.
Instead, it lays out practical cooperation which includes joint training, technical collaboration, and a clear collective-security provision that treats aggression against one as aggression against the other.
He added that the arrangement is designed to move beyond traditional, ad-hoc bilateral ties and can be expanded to other Gulf states.
This approach underscores mutual confidence and a shared commitment to regional stability.
Toward a self-reliant regional security architecture
Asif stressed that Middle Eastern countries should reduce dependence on distant powers and build indigenous capabilities.
In that spirit, Pakistan is open to discussing extensions of the framework to interested Arab partners, provided the process remains deliberate and transparent.
With the Saudi pact now in force, Islamabad sees an opportunity to anchor a cooperative security network that encourages burden-sharing, enhances readiness, and deters escalation.
Read more: Pakistan-Saudi deal took months of effort, not overnight: Ishaq Dar
