Saudi Arabia's nuclear defense could potentially be aided by Pakistan, as per Pakistan's own claims under their existing defense agreement.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a significant defense pact, declaring that an attack on one nation would be considered an attack on both. This development comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, following Israel's attacks across various countries and the recent conflict in Qatar.
The defense pact, which was finalized after several months of negotiations, was announced by Pakistan's Defense Minister, Khawaja Mohammad Asif, in an interview on Geo TV. Asif also stated that Pakistan's nuclear program could be made available to Saudi Arabia if needed, under the terms of the new agreement.
The Pakistani Defense Minister did not mention any direct involvement in war against Israel, but American officials had sought to mediate a diplomatic recognition deal involving Saudi Arabia before the recent conflict. The new defense pact, however, could potentially shift the balance of power in the region.
Pakistan's nuclear weapons program was developed as a countermeasure to India's atomic bombs. According to the U.S.-published Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, India is believed to have an estimated 172 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan has 170. The Pakistani Defense Minister, in the same interview, criticized Israel for not fully disclosing its suspected nuclear weapons program to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The defense pact comes as Gulf Arab countries weigh how to defend themselves following Israeli attacks. The agreement, which has been termed an 'umbrella arrangement' offering joint defense if either party is attacked from any side, could provide a deterrent against potential aggression.
Saudi Arabia has reportedly provided 'generous financial support' to Pakistan's nuclear program. This support, coupled with the new defense pact, could further strengthen Pakistan's nuclear capabilities and its strategic position in the region.
Pakistan faced U.S. sanctions for years over its pursuit of nuclear weapons and saw new ones imposed over its ballistic missile work at the end of the Biden administration. The International Atomic Energy Agency has not responded to a request for comment regarding the Pakistani Defense Minister's remarks about the nuclear program.
The Pakistani Defense Minister, Asif, also expressed a desire for similar defense arrangements with other countries, following the defense pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. So far, there is no publicly reported information about other countries showing concrete interest in defense agreements similar to the recent pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The defense pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia was signed in September 2025, marking a new development in their bilateral defense cooperation. The agreement has raised concerns in the region, particularly in India, where tensions with Pakistan have a long and tumultuous history, including multiple wars between the two nations.
The recent attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir has further strained relations between India and Pakistan. The defense pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, therefore, could potentially escalate tensions in the region.
In conclusion, the defense pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is a significant development that could reshape the strategic landscape of the Middle East. The agreement, which provides for joint defense if either party is attacked, could serve as a deterrent against potential aggression, but it also raises concerns about the potential escalation of tensions in the region, particularly between Pakistan and India.
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