'Khawaja Asif suggests possibility of additional Arab countries joining Pakistan-Saudi defense agreement'
In an interview with Geo News TV on September 19, 2025, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif discussed the recently signed strategic mutual defense pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The pact declares that any attack on either country will be considered as an 'aggression against both'. Khawaja Asif confirmed that Pakistan's nuclear capabilities would be available under the defense pact with Saudi Arabia. However, he mentioned that the defense pact with Saudi Arabia has no clause that rules out the entry of any other country or that Pakistan couldn't sign a similar pact with anyone else. When asked about the possibility of other Arab countries joining the defense pact, Khawaja Asif stated that 'doors are not closed' for such developments. He added that Muslim countries have a right to defend their countries. Regarding the involvement of other countries in case of an attack, Khawaja Asif stated that there should be no doubt about it and it's a defensive pact, similar to NATO. He emphasized that no information was provided about any specific country joining the defense pact, beyond the earlier statement that 'doors are not closed'. Meanwhile, Randhir Jaiswal, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson for India, stated that India will study the implications of the defense pact for its national security and regional and global stability. Jaiswal reiterated the Indian government's commitment to protecting national interests and ensuring comprehensive national security in all domains. It's important to note that no Arab countries besides Saudi Arabia have officially registered to join the mutual defense pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia so far. The deal was signed days after Israel attacked the Hamas leadership in Qatar, but no new information was provided about the Qatar-Israel conflict or the Hamas leadership in the interview. Khawaja Asif also mentioned that Pakistan has never committed any violation regarding nuclear facility inspections. He stated that it is a fundamental right of countries and people, particularly the Muslim population, to together defend their region, countries, and nations. The deal was not described as an 'aggressive pact' by Khawaja Asif.
