Saira Imran Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said many countries want to sign defense agreements with Pakistan after its recent security pact with Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan Proves Its Defense Strength
Speaking to the media outside the Pakistan High Commission in London, Dar said Pakistan has already shown the world its strength in defense. “Pakistan has proven itself on the battlefield. Now, it is time to rise as an economic power,” he remarked.
According to him, the defense partnership with Saudi Arabia reflects a win-win situation. Both countries will gain strategic benefits, and no nation has raised objections. Instead, several others have approached Pakistan to establish similar partnerships.
Read Also: Kashmir OIC Meeting Highlights Human Rights Concerns
Saudi-Pakistan Pact and Its Importance
On September 17, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a historic defense agreement in Riyadh. Under the pact, any aggression against one country will be considered an attack against both.
This agreement has been seen as a major step in strengthening regional security. Experts believe it could reshape Pakistan’s role in the Middle East and beyond. The cooperation ensures mutual defense, trust, and long-term strategic ties between Islamabad and Riyadh.
More Countries Show Interest
Dar revealed that other nations are now showing a willingness to explore similar defense cooperation with Pakistan. While he did not name specific countries, he stressed that the Saudi agreement has opened new doors for regional and global defense partnerships.
This development highlights Pakistan’s growing importance as a regional player in security and diplomacy. The country is being recognized not only for its military capability but also for its efforts to expand international cooperation.
Read Also: Shehbaz Sharif Trump Meeting: Key Talks at White House
Iran Suggests Inclusion in the Pact
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has suggested that Tehran should also be included in the Saudi-Pakistan defense agreement. This proposal, if considered, could potentially expand the pact into a wider regional security framework.
However, analysts believe that such an inclusion would require careful diplomatic negotiations, given the complex relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Economic Growth is the Next Target
Dar stressed that while Pakistan has established its defense credibility, the country must now focus on becoming an economic power. He highlighted the importance of stability and international partnerships in achieving this goal.
“Defense gives us security, but economic strength will define our future,” Dar said, urging overseas Pakistanis to play their part in supporting the country’s economy.
No Involvement in PTI Founder’s Cases
During the media interaction, Dar also responded to a question about the legal cases against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. He clarified that the government has no role in those cases. “The legal matters of the PTI founder are independent. We have nothing to do with them,” he stated firmly.
A Shift in Pakistan’s Global Standing
The Saudi defense pact marks a turning point in Pakistan’s foreign policy. For decades, Pakistan has played a vital role in security cooperation with Gulf states, but this agreement represents a stronger, more formalized commitment.
Diplomatic observers suggest that Pakistan’s defense ties could soon extend beyond the Middle East, as countries in other regions express interest. This aligns with Dar’s statement that “many other countries want to sign defense agreements with Pakistan.”
Final Thoughts on Pakistan Defense Agreements
Pakistan’s recent defense agreements with Saudi Arabia has not only strengthened bilateral ties but also increased global interest in building military partnerships with Islamabad. As Ishaq Dar emphasized, Pakistan now has an opportunity to balance its defense strength with economic growth.
The coming months will reveal how Pakistan manages these new opportunities, navigates regional complexities, and establishes itself as both a defense ally and an emerging economic power on the global stage.
