Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Sign Defense Agreement Amid Regional Tensions

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia finalized a defense agreement with Pakistan, a long-standing ally. This development appears to be a response to the recent Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas leadership in Qatar.

The agreement was signed during the visit of Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, and was facilitated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In a joint statement from the foreign ministries of both countries, it was emphasized that the agreement aims to enhance defense cooperation and strengthen deterrence against potential attacks.

While the joint statement expressed a commitment to mutual defense, it didn’t explicitly detail the terms of the agreement. The discussion surrounding the Israeli airstrikes was a focal point at an emergency summit of the Arab Federation and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation held in Doha. Both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan attended the summit, where they condemned the Israeli actions; however, Saudi Arabia’s response was notably more cautious. The language used in the summit’s joint communiqué called for strong opposition to Israel’s actions but stopped short of articulating any specific retaliatory measures.

After the summit, Shehbaz Sharif asserted Pakistan’s steadfast support for Qatar, condemning Israel’s actions in the region. The event, covered by broad media, noted various potential actions that were discussed, such as limiting airspace to Israeli flights, yet there was a lack of consensus on significant measures to take, despite talk of unity.

The joint agreement also aligns with the Gulf Cooperation Council’s vague resolution to bolster joint defense mechanisms within the region. Saudi Arabia’s defense pact with Pakistan could potentially offer a new framework for collaborative defense efforts, especially considering Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities.

A senior Saudi official hinted that nuclear considerations were part of the discussions. The commitment from both nations includes the assertion that an attack on one would be viewed as an attack on both. This agreement marks a notable evolution in their long-standing defense partnership, which spans nearly eighty years. It’s worth mentioning that Pakistan has not established a similar treaty with any other country to date.

While Pakistan previously had a mutual defense treaty with the U.S. during the Cold War, it discontinued that arrangement in the 1970s. Though relations exist with China, no formal mutual defense agreement has been established. Experts suggest this new agreement could lead Pakistan to pursue similar defense partnerships with other Middle Eastern countries.

However, analysts caution that this pact might complicate Pakistan’s already strained relations with Washington, particularly given past sanctions imposed by the Biden administration. The evolving dynamics around Pakistan’s nuclear program could also create friction in regional relations. Should Pakistan extend its nuclear deterrent further, it could disrupt the existing balance of power.

On another note, Saudi Arabia’s warming ties with India over the last decade may face challenges due to its newly declared commitment to support Pakistan militarily. There are concerns that increased Saudi support could embolden Pakistan, potentially destabilizing an already volatile region. The interplay of mutual defense commitments could create a situation where attempts to unify may, paradoxically, lead to greater instability.