Pakistan-Saudi Defence Pact

ISLAMABAD: On Sunday, former Pakistani Senator Mushahid Hussain said that a defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia was made due to the rising threat of aggression by Israel and less American security guarantees in the Middle East.

Rising concerns over “Greater Israel”:

Former Pakistani Senator Mushahid Hussain has said that the recently forged defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is a response to the growing threat of “Greater Israel” aggression and the declining trust in American security guarantees in the Middle East.

Hussain explained that this landmark agreement marks a turning point for regional security. He said this at the launch of the defence report in Islamabad. He identified the key figures behind the deal, including Syed Asim Munir and Mohammed bin Salman. According to him, the pact would act as a shield against what he called an “emerging Indo-Israeli Axis.”

Reasons for the Defence Pact:

Hussain clearly said that the reason for formulating the defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is the Israeli aggression against Qatar and the US security roles in the Middle East.

He said, “Pakistan emerged as a security alternative in the Middle East after the vacuum created by the US failure to prevent or oppose the Israeli attack on Qatar.” Hussain called it a “turning point.” He said the US had failed in its traditional role of protecting Muslim allies. He also added, “The United States could no longer be relied upon as a protector of the security of friendly Muslim countries in the region.”

He explained, Muslim countries were now exploring new partnerships. He said, “The Muslim countries in the region have now started looking at new security options. Pakistan’s long history of defence cooperation made it a feasible alternative to provide effective security for Muslim states, as and when needed.”

The other factor he talked about is Pakistan’s proven military capabilities. He said, “Pakistan has proved its muscle in the military domain when it successfully defended against Indian aggression in May, in fact, giving a bloody nose to a numerically superior and larger and stronger adversary. This was a fact that has been confirmed by none other than President Trump.”

Hussain further revealed that Israeli Harop drones had been used during that conflict, but Pakistani forces managed to shoot down more than 80 of them. This, he said, demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to both defend and launch counter-offensives when required.

A new security template:

According to Hussain, this pact is not just about short-term security, but about reshaping the strategic landscape of the Muslim world. He emphasised, “Pakistan has demonstrated the will, skill, and capability, and the political and military strength to take on and defeat India.”

He concluded that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are now working together in a proactive role, combining strengths for a stronger future. “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have established a new template for regional security, creating a natural combination of Pakistan’s military muscle and Saudi Arabia’s economic strength to provide for deterrence against any kind of aggression.”