By ABDULLAH 
In a groundbreaking development for regional security, Pakistan has officially confirmed that its nuclear program could be made available to Saudi Arabia under the recently signed Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement. This marks the first time Islamabad has publicly acknowledged the possibility of extending its nuclear umbrella to Riyadh, significantly reshaping the Middle East’s security landscape.
The announcement came from Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who stated that Islamabad’s nuclear capabilities would be offered to Saudi Arabia “if needed.” His remarks highlight the depth of the new security pact, signed on September 17 between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. Pakistan’s powerful Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, was also present at the signing ceremony, underscoring the military’s central role in the deal.
The pact is designed around a simple but powerful principle: “An attack on one country will be treated as an attack on both.” This clause not only strengthens bilateral security but also introduces Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence into the Gulf equation.
For decades, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have shared close military, economic, and religious ties. Pakistani troops have been stationed in the Kingdom since the 1960s, and Islamabad has trained thousands of Saudi officers. But this agreement goes further, institutionalizing their partnership at a time when regional tensions are at their peak.
The timing of this pact is critical. Just days before its signing, Israel launched unprecedented strikes on Qatar, targeting Hamas political leaders during ceasefire talks. Gulf states, already doubtful about Washington’s reliability as a security guarantor, have been forced to look for alternative partners.
For Riyadh, Pakistan presents the perfect match: the only nuclear-armed Muslim nation, with a battle-tested army of over 600,000 soldiers. Analysts describe the pact as “marrying Riyadh’s money with Pakistan’s military muscle,” giving Saudi Arabia both conventional and nuclear reassurance.
While Pakistan insists the pact is defensive and “not aimed at any specific country,” Saudi officials have hinted that the agreement provides them with a de facto nuclear shield. This comes at a time when Iran is advancing its nuclear program and Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, though it has never confirmed it.
According to international analysts, the agreement sends a strong message: Riyadh now has access, at least in principle, to Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent. This could alter the strategic balance in the Middle East, particularly in the wake of Israel’s actions in Gaza and Qatar.
India, Pakistan’s longtime rival, has already reacted cautiously. New Delhi’s Ministry of External Affairs said it would “study the implications” of the deal for regional and global stability. With both Pakistan and India being nuclear powers, the inclusion of Saudi Arabia into Pakistan’s security umbrella is bound to raise concerns across South Asia.
Iran, another major player in the region, is also expected to view the pact with suspicion, especially given its own tensions with Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Washington and Tel Aviv have yet to issue detailed responses, though analysts predict unease in both capitals.
Beyond security, the pact is also a diplomatic victory for Pakistan. Riyadh has long been a crucial economic partner, providing loans, oil, and financial aid during Pakistan’s economic crises. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used his visit to thank Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his interest in expanding Saudi investments and trade in Pakistan.
For Pakistan, this pact could translate into more than just military backing it could bring fresh economic lifelines at a time when Islamabad is struggling with debt and inflation.
Some observers believe the agreement could pave the way for a broader Muslim defense coalition, similar to NATO. The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, launched in 2015 under the leadership of former Pakistani Army Chief Raheel Sharif, could be repurposed into a stronger, collective defense body for the Muslim world.
If expanded to include countries like Iran, it could send a unified message against external threats and reshape the region’s defense architecture.
The Pakistan–Saudi Arabia defence pact is more than just an agreement. It represents a shift in global security, a new chapter in Muslim world unity, and a significant geopolitical victory for Islamabad. By formally extending its nuclear deterrence to Riyadh, Pakistan has placed itself at the center of Middle Eastern security and cemented its role as a key player in the Muslim world’s defense future.
For the average Pakistani, this pact is seen as a moment of pride—proof that Pakistan’s military strength and nuclear program are not just tools of deterrence against India, but assets valued by one of the world’s most powerful Muslim nations.