Islamabad-Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has said that other Gulf countries may also be included in the defense agreement reached between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and this agreement will be expanded beyond bilateral cooperation.
In an interview with Arab media, Khawaja Asif said that there is nothing secret in the defense agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, and this agreement reflects mutual trust and joint security.
He said that the framework of the agreement guarantees joint security, such that if aggression is committed against one country, it will be considered aggression against the other country as well. Given the current tense global situation, such agreements are necessary.
The Defense Minister said that this defense agreement does not contain any sub-clauses or secret conditions, but rather it is a transparent and strategic partnership for ensuring regional stability.
Khawaja Asif said that no one has any exemption in this agreement, and the agreement includes training exercises and technical cooperation.
He stated that Middle Eastern states cannot rely solely on external powers for their defense, and these countries cannot depend on others located miles away for their security, but rather they will become sovereign nations with the capability and capacity to defend themselves.
Referring to Pakistan’s strong role in regional cooperation and defense, the Defense Minister said that if any other Arab country expresses interest, Pakistan may consider including other countries in this agreement — as has happened in the case of Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan’s Nuclear program will be “Available” to Saudi Arabia: Defense Minister
Moreover, on Thursday night, in an interview given to a private Pakistani TV channel, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said that under the recent defense agreement between Riyadh and Islamabad, Pakistan’s nuclear program will be “available” to Saudi Arabia if needed.
According to news agency AP, both countries have had military relations for several decades.
Khawaja Asif made this statement in response to a question asking whether:
“The defense protection Pakistan derives from nuclear weapons — will that also be provided to Saudi Arabia?”
He replied:
“Let me make one thing clear about Pakistan’s nuclear capability: This capability was established when we conducted nuclear tests. Since then, our armed forces have been trained for the battlefield.”
He further added:
“Whatever we have, and the capabilities we possess, will be provided (to Saudi Arabia) according to this agreement.”
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with whom both countries have nuclear monitoring agreements, did not immediately respond to a request to comment on the Pakistani Defense Minister’s remarks.
In the interview, Khawaja Asif also criticized Israel for not fully disclosing its suspected nuclear weapons program to the IAEA.
Israel has not commented on the defense agreement between the two countries.
Khawaja Asif further said:
“We have not named any country whose attack would automatically trigger retaliation. Neither Saudi Arabia has named any country, nor have we.”
“This is a system like an umbrella, which is mutually offered by both sides: If there is aggression against one party — from any side — it will be jointly defended, and the aggression will be responded to.”
When asked whether other countries could be included in the agreement, the Defense Minister said:
“I can say that the door is not closed to others.”
