Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the recently concluded defence cooperation agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is not limited to the two countries, adding that the “doors are not closed” for other Arab nations to join the pact in the future.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Asif described the agreement as a significant step forward in Islamabad’s longstanding military relationship with Riyadh. He said the pact focuses on strengthening military-to-military cooperation, defence training programmes, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism coordination.
“The Pakistan-Saudi defence partnership is historic and deep-rooted. This agreement takes it to an institutional level. But let me be clear—it is not exclusive. Our Arab brothers are welcome to join should they wish to,” the minister said.
A Longstanding Defence Partnership
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed close defence ties for decades. Thousands of Pakistani military personnel have served in the kingdom in various capacities, ranging from training roles to operational assignments. The Pakistan Army has also been instrumental in providing expertise to Gulf states, particularly in air defence, infantry training, and counter-terrorism operations.
The latest pact formalises what has historically been an informal but robust cooperation framework. Officials say the agreement reflects mutual trust between the two nations at a time when both are seeking to bolster regional security partnerships.
Regional Context
The timing of the deal is notable, coming against a backdrop of shifting alliances in the Middle East. With conflicts in Gaza, tensions in the Red Sea, and uncertainty in global energy markets, Arab states have increasingly looked towards regional cooperation on security matters.
Analysts believe Pakistan’s inclusion in Saudi Arabia’s broader defence strategy highlights Islamabad’s enduring relevance in Gulf security architecture. “Pakistan brings not only manpower but also valuable combat experience and nuclear deterrence credibility to the table. This makes its role indispensable in any collective security arrangement in the Arab world,” said a retired Pakistani diplomat familiar with Gulf affairs.
Potential for Expansion
While the agreement is currently bilateral, Asif’s comments suggest the possibility of a multilateral framework in the future. Observers see parallels with the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), a Saudi-led initiative launched in 2015, in which Pakistan played a prominent role.
“Regional security challenges such as terrorism, cyber warfare, and maritime threats are shared concerns across the Middle East. It makes sense that other Arab states, particularly Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, may eventually see value in joining such an arrangement,” said defence analyst Brig (r) Mahmood Shah.
Economic and Political Dimensions
Beyond security, the agreement is also seen as part of the broader Pakistan-Saudi partnership, which extends into economic and political domains. Saudi Arabia remains a key source of financial support for Pakistan, including oil supply arrangements and potential investments under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 programme.
At the same time, Pakistan has historically provided military assistance to safeguard Saudi territory, including the deployment of troops during times of heightened threat. This duality of economic reliance and defence collaboration has shaped a unique relationship between the two countries.
Looking Ahead
For now, officials have not confirmed whether discussions with other Arab states are already underway. However, Asif’s remarks underline Islamabad’s willingness to play a central role in any future regional defence integration.
“The defence of Saudi Arabia has always been important for Pakistan. At the same time, we are ready to work with other Arab nations if they consider joining this framework. Regional security cannot be achieved in isolation,” the minister noted.
As the Middle East continues to grapple with multiple flashpoints, Pakistan’s renewed emphasis on defence diplomacy could position it as a bridge between South Asia and the Arab world. Whether the pact evolves into a broader regional alliance remains to be seen, but the government’s message is clear: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are laying the groundwork for an open-ended, expandable security partnership.
