Editorial
Pakistan’s landmark mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia is not only a reaffirmation of decades-old bonds but also a reminder of the shifting security calculus in the Gulf. At a time when Israel’s aggression against Qatar and waning American guarantees have unsettled Arab states, Riyadh has turned decisively towards Islamabad. For Pakistan, the agreement reaffirms its central role as the only nuclear-armed Muslim nation with the largest standing Islamic army.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar both underscored that the pact is defensive in nature and rooted in the longstanding belief among Pakistanis that the protection of Harmain Sharifain is non-negotiable. For years, there was an unspoken understanding of this responsibility; now it has been formalized. The symbolism is as powerful as the strategic value.
The agreement does not reference nuclear weapons, but its mere existence introduces a new layer to the region’s security framework. With Israel widely believed to possess nuclear capabilities and Iran threatening to develop them, Saudi Arabia’s alignment with Pakistan strengthens deterrence in the Gulf. Analysts suggest the pact is designed to fill the void left by America’s retreating security umbrella.
Critics point to the risks of Pakistan’s deeper entanglement in Middle Eastern conflicts. Yet, the economic and political dividends are undeniable. Saudi Arabia has been Pakistan’s financial lifeline in times of crisis, and this pact paves the way for further economic integration. It also signals to other Gulf nations that Pakistan is willing to extend similar arrangements, potentially reshaping regional balances.
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For India, Iran, and Israel, the pact raises questions about new security alignments. But for Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, it is a reaffirmation of trust, solidarity, and mutual protection. It underscores a simple truth: in an uncertain world, political will and strategic partnerships remain the ultimate guarantors of national security.
