Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Saudi Arabia will firmly stand alongside Pakistan in the event of any future aggression from India, underscoring the significance of the recently signed Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. Speaking to reporters in London, the minister noted that the pact covers all essential security requirements and reflects a new phase of deepening bilateral cooperation. “If India launches another attack, Saudi Arabia will be with Pakistan,” he remarked, stressing that the accord symbolizes trust and shared strategic interests between the two nations. Asif highlighted that the agreement would also reduce Riyadh’s reliance on Western countries for its defence needs, creating space for greater collaboration with Pakistan. Signed on September 18 by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the agreement establishes that any aggression against one country would be deemed aggression against both, thus strengthening deterrence in the region.
The Defence Minister further emphasized that the new partnership extends beyond defence and deterrence, as it also opens avenues for broader cooperation across multiple sectors. He noted that Pakistan is prepared to serve Saudi strategic and security interests in exchange for enhanced economic support, including potential opportunities for increased Pakistani labour migration to the Kingdom. Asif pointed out that this arrangement could prove mutually beneficial, bolstering Pakistan’s economy while addressing Saudi Arabia’s workforce requirements. He also suggested that other Muslim nations should consider joining this framework, envisioning the creation of a NATO-like coalition in the Muslim world to collectively address emerging challenges and safeguard shared interests. The minister underlined that the Pakistan-Saudi agreement represents more than a bilateral pact—it carries symbolic value for the wider Muslim community by encouraging unity, cooperation, and resilience against external threats, while promoting peace and stability across South Asia and the Middle East.
Khawaja Asif: Saudi Arabia Will Stand by Pakistan Against Indian Aggression Defence Minister Highlights Strategic Pact, Calls for NATO-Like Muslim Alliance
