Pakistan signals expansion of Saudi defense pact

A defense agreement signed last year between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia could be expanded to include Turkiye and Qatar, Pakistan’s defense minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, said.

1news.media reports, citing Pakistani media, that Asif said Turkiye and Qatar are “likely candidates” for future inclusion in, or parallel arrangements with, the existing Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement framework, which treats any aggression against one signatory as an attack on both.

He added that the initiative aims to build a broader platform of cooperation among “like-minded” states to strengthen regional stability and collective security.

Asif noted that discussions involving Turkiye were reported to be at an advanced stage earlier in 2026, although no formal multilateral agreement has been concluded yet.

He further emphasized that the proposal seeks to reduce external dependence in economic and defense matters within the region, while strengthening cooperation between partner states.

The defense minister also stressed that the initiative is not directed against any country, describing it instead as an effort to preserve peace and stability amid evolving regional dynamics.