- Deputy PM credits Pakistan’s ‘successful’ foreign policy after landmark Saudi defence pact
- Claims several other countries have expressed desire for similar arrangements
- Says Pakistan, Kingdom satisfied with agreement, noting ‘Riyadh played key role in supporting Islamabad’
LONDON/ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that several countries have shown interest in pursuing strategic defence agreements with Pakistan, following its landmark security pact with Saudi Arabia.
“It is premature to say something, but after this development, other countries have also expressed a desire for similar arrangements,” Dar told journalists in London. “But such things follow a due process. Even with Saudi Arabia, it took several months to finalize.”
His remarks came two days after Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, under which any aggression against one country will be treated as aggression against both.
The pact was signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh on September 17, where he was received by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the agreement reflects the shared commitment of both nations “to enhance their security and achieve peace in the region and the world,” while also aiming to expand defence cooperation and strengthen joint deterrence.
Experts have described the pact as a “historic and unprecedented development,” which came just days after Israel carried out a strike in Qatar targeting Hamas leaders in Doha—an action that drew sharp criticism from Muslim countries and world leaders alike.
Dar termed the agreement with Saudi Arabia a “historic milestone,” noting that while Pakistan had always maintained informal commitments regarding the Kingdom’s security—particularly the protection of Haramain Sharifain—this understanding had now been formalised.
He further said both sides were “satisfied and happy” with the pact, recalling Saudi Arabia’s consistent support for Pakistan during difficult times. “Saudi Arabia played a key role in supporting Pakistan following the international crisis and during the recent economic crisis,” he added.
‘Doors not closed’
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, speaking on a Tv channel, said it was too early to discuss the possibility of other countries joining the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia pact but emphasized that “the door has not been closed.”
“If either Pakistan or Saudi Arabia is attacked from anywhere, it will be considered an attack on both nations, and we will respond together,” he said.
Meanwhile, Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar, speaking to reporters in London, said the agreement underscored the success of Pakistan’s foreign policy. “For the past one and a half years, our foreign policy has been progressing successfully,” Tarar remarked.
