The strategic defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia comes just days after an Israeli strike targeted Hamas leaders in neighbouring Qatari capital Doha.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday signed a new mutual defence agreement, with the two sides declaring that any attack on either nation will be treated as “an act of aggression against both.”ย The agreement was signed in Riyadh by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who is currently on a state visit to Saudi Arabia.
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The agreement between the two nations comes two days after an extraordinary joint session between the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was called, in the wake of Israel’s attack on the Qatari capital Doha on September 9.
‘Attack on one, aggression against both’: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in statement
“This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieving security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression,” a joint statement published on Wednesday said, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
“The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both,” it added.
Pakistan faces a threat from Israel
Pakistan faces the threat of attack not only from India but also from Israel. Invoking the spirit of Islamic brotherhood, Pakistan has entered into this agreement with Saudi Arabia, hoping to provide assistance in defending Pakistan in the event of an attack. According to a Geo News report, the aim is to advance defense cooperation and strengthen joint resistance against any aggression. Most importantly, the agreement clearly states that an attack on one country will be considered an attack on both countries.”
After the failure of Chinese and Turkish weapons in Operation Sindoor, Pakistan is now working to strengthen its ties with Gulf countries, hoping that these countries can help avert its destruction in the next attack. In the changed strategic circumstances, Pakistan now perceives Israel as its second biggest threat, besides India.ย
During this deal with Saudi Arabia, Shahbaz Sharif accompanied him with a full entourage, including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Ataullah Tarrad, Environment Minister Musaddiq Malik, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
This is Prime Minister Sharif’s third visit to the Gulf region in a week. He previously visited Qatar twice, where he expressed solidarity with Doha following Israel’s attack on the Hamas leadership and discussed the issueโattended the emergency meeting of Arab-Islamic countries.
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