Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign defence pact: Attack on one treated as attack on both

Pact may include use of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons if needed

Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) – Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have signed a defence agreement under which an attack on either country will be treated as an attack on the other. Local media report the pact is aimed at strengthening security and preserving global peace. Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir attended the signing with Prime Minister Sharif.

Key points

1. At talks between the two heads of state, Prince Salman and Prime Minister Sharif discussed a range of regional and international issues.

2. A senior Saudi official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the pact covers all forms of military cooperation and, if required, could include the use of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons.

Background

• Pakistan had earlier called for creation of an “Islamic NATO” — a joint military framework among Muslim-majority countries.
• On 9 September, after an Israeli strike on Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Doha, leaders of several Muslim countries met on 14 September; Pakistan used that forum to urge Muslim nations to form a NATO-like military grouping.

Editorial Perspective

Unable to wage direct war on India, Pakistan is seeking military guarantees from other Islamic countries. If Saudi Arabia is attacked, how would a cash-trapped Pakistan help ? Such pacts look like Pakistan securing consolation from afar.