Dubai: Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Mohammad Asif, has stated that the nation’s nuclear capabilities “will be made available” to Saudi Arabia if needed, as part of a new mutual defense pact. The comments, made in a late-night interview with Geo TV, are the first specific acknowledgment that Islamabad is prepared to extend its nuclear “umbrella” to Riyadh.
The statement follows the signing of a “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which declares that any aggression against one nation would be considered an attack on both. While the pact’s official text does not mention nuclear weapons, Asif’s remarks provide a clear signal, particularly in the context of rising tensions in the Middle East following recent Israeli military actions. The pact is widely seen by analysts as a deterrent against Israel, which is believed to be the only nuclear-armed state in the region.
International Reactions.
Israel: Israel has not officially commented on the Saudi-Pakistan defense pact or the Pakistani minister’s statements.
India: India’s government has reacted cautiously, stating that it is “studying the implications of this development” for its national security. The Indian National Congress party has criticized the pact as a “matter of grave concern” for India.
United States: The U.S. has not issued an official comment on the specific statement by the Pakistani defense minister. However, both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are key allies of the U.S. in their respective regions.
Analysts and Experts: The move has prompted discussions among international security experts about a potential shift in the regional power balance. Some analysts suggest the pact signals a waning confidence in the U.S. as the primary security guarantor for Gulf nations. There are also concerns about the possibility of an “Islamic NATO” and the broader implications for nuclear non-proliferation. The long-standing financial ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan’s nuclear program have also been highlighted.
