RIYADH/ISLAMABAD, (HAN) – In a groundbreaking move that could reshape regional security dynamics, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a historic defense pact establishing a collective security arrangement.
Under the terms of the agreement, both countries pledged that any attack on one would be regarded as an attack on both, a principle reminiscent of NATO’s Article 5 mutual defense clause. Officials from both sides hailed the pact as a milestone in strengthening the strategic ties between the Kingdom and the South Asian nuclear power.
One of the most notable provisions of the pact grants Pakistan the authority to station nuclear warheads within Saudi territory. The measure is aimed at bolstering Riyadh’s deterrence capabilities against potential threats from regional adversaries, particularly in the wake of rising tensions in the Middle East.
Military analysts say the pact not only cements Pakistan’s role as a key security guarantor for Saudi Arabia but also signals a shift in the balance of power in the Gulf region. “This is a clear message to rivals that Riyadh is no longer standing alone,” said one regional security expert. “By invoking NATO-style defense principles, the two nations are elevating their cooperation to an unprecedented level.”
The agreement also includes provisions for joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and enhanced coordination on counterterrorism operations. Both governments emphasized that the alliance is defensive in nature and designed to ensure the stability and security of the broader Muslim world.
While officials in Riyadh and Islamabad have not disclosed the full details of the nuclear deployment arrangements, sources indicate that discussions are already underway on the logistical and command structures that will govern the use of such weapons.
The move has drawn international attention, with some Western capitals expressing concerns about the implications of nuclear deployment in the Gulf. However, leaders from both nations have reassured allies that the pact is in line with international law and is strictly aimed at safeguarding their sovereignty.
This agreement comes at a time of growing regional uncertainty, with ongoing conflicts and shifting alliances across the Middle East and South Asia. For both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, the pact represents not just a military alliance, but a declaration of strategic unity in the face of shared challenges.
