Islamabad (Web Desk): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated on Friday that several countries have shown interest in pursuing strategic defence agreements with Pakistan, following its landmark defence pact with Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to journalists in London, Dar said, “It is premature to say anything definite, but after this development, other countries have expressed a desire for similar arrangements. However, such agreements follow a due process. Even with Saudi Arabia, it took several months to finalize.”
His comments came two days after Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, committing to treat any aggression against one country as aggression against both.
The pact was signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh on September 17, where he was received by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said, “This agreement, reflecting the shared commitment of both nations to enhance security and achieve peace in the region and the world, aims to develop defence cooperation and strengthen joint deterrence against aggression. It states that any aggression against either country shall be considered aggression against both.”
Experts have described the agreement as a “historic and unprecedented development,” which followed shortly after Israel’s strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar—a move that triggered condemnation from Muslim nations and global leaders.
Dar called the defence pact a historic milestone, highlighting the longstanding informal belief within Pakistan’s government and people about safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s security, especially the protection of the Haramain Sharifain, which is now formalized through this agreement.