Pakistan Minister On Whether Saudi Arabia Will Get Involved If There Is War With India

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared that Saudi Arabia would defend Pakistan if India initiates war against its neighbor, speaking to Geo TV reporters in Islamabad on Friday. He emphasized the 'strategic mutual assistance' component in the agreement recently signed between the two nations.

"Yes, absolutely. There is no doubt about it..." Mr Asif told Geo TV, a Pakistani news channel, drawing comparisons to NATO's Article 5 on 'collective defence', which essentially means an attack on one member constitutes an attack on all.

The Pakistani minister stressed that the arrangement with Saudi Arabia is primarily 'defensive' rather than 'offensive', again referencing similarities with NATO. "If there is aggression, whether against Saudi Arabia or Pakistan, we will jointly defend against it," he explained to Geo TV.

"We have no intention of using this pact for any aggression," Mr Asif separately informed Reuters. "But if the parties are threatened, then obviously this arrangement will become operative."

He confirmed that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal would be available for Saudi Arabia's use, despite Pakistan's stated doctrine indicating these weapons are intended solely for use against India.

Pakistan is estimated to possess approximately 100-120 nuclear weapons.

"Our capabilities will absolutely be available under this pact," he stated, adding that Pakistan has consistently allowed inspections of its nuclear facilities without violations.

When asked if the agreement means Pakistan is now obligated to provide a nuclear shield, a senior Saudi official told Reuters, "This is a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means."

The 'mutual defence' agreement was signed during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Riyadh this week. As previously reported by NDTV, a key clause in this pact states that "any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both".

In response, the Indian government stated that the Pakistan-Saudi pact "formalises a long-standing arrangement between the two countries" and that they are considering the implications.

Military and political analysts informed Reuters that the agreement effectively combines Riyadh's financial resources with Islamabad's nuclear capabilities, representing a significant advantage for both parties.

For Pakistan, the benefit is substantial financial backing and the prospect of an 'Arab nations alliance'. For Saudi Arabia, it means acquiring a 'nuclear shield'. This development will likely be closely monitored by Israel, currently the only West Asian nation with nuclear weapons access, as well as by Iran.

Regarding the possibility of a broader 'Arab alliance', the Pakistani Defence Minister would only say "the doors are not closed". "I cannot prematurely answer this... but I think it is a fundamental right of the countries and people here, particularly the Muslim population, to defend their region together."

With input from agencies

NDTV is now available on WhatsApp channels. Click on the link to get all the latest updates from NDTV on your chat.