Pakistan offers nuclear capabilities to Saudi Arabia under defense pact.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif has confirmed that the nation’s nuclear capabilities could be made available to Saudi Arabia under a recently signed defense pact, which asserts that an attack on one nation would be considered an aggression against both. This Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement is perceived as an effort to bolster security in the region amid rising threats, particularly from Israel, as Gulf nations express heightened concerns following recent conflicts involving Israeli actions. While the nature of the agreement remains ambiguous, with officials stating that nuclear weapons were not explicitly included, analysts suggest that it could effectively provide Riyadh with a form of nuclear deterrence amid fears over Iran’s potential nuclear ambitions. The deal underscores a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of West Asia, reflecting diminishing confidence in U.S. security guarantees and highlighting Pakistan’s emerging role as a strategic ally for Gulf nations seeking enhanced military capabilities. The agreement is likely to raise alarms in India, which maintains vigilance over developments that could shift the regional balance of power, particularly given its historical adversarial relationship with Pakistan. This pact not only marks a critical juncture for Pakistan’s defense posture but also signals a deeper military collaboration in a volatile region.