ISLAMABAD, Sept 27 – Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the recently signed Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia has transformed bilateral relations from being “a bit transactional” into a formalised strategic partnership.
The pact, signed in Riyadh last week, commits both countries to treat any attack on either nation as an “act of aggression against both”—a significant shift in the security architecture of the region.
“The relationship that was previously a bit transactional has now been formalised,” Asif told reporters, highlighting the long-standing security cooperation between Islamabad and Riyadh.
Nuclear Weapons Not Part of Deal, Clarifies Asif
Earlier, Asif hinted that Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities could be included under the pact’s framework. However, in a follow-up interview, he dismissed such claims, stating nuclear weapons were “not on the radar” and had no role in the agreement.
Background
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Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have historically shared close defence and economic ties.
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The Kingdom has often provided financial support to Islamabad during economic crises.
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Pakistan has, in the past, sent troops and military advisers to Saudi Arabia for training and security roles.
Analysts say the new pact could further deepen military cooperation, intelligence-sharing, and joint training programs amid growing regional security challenges.