ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday clarified that the security pact signed with Saudi Arabia is strictly defensive in nature and not aimed against any third country. At the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) would play a vital role in ensuring peace, security, and regional stability.

‘Attack on one will be considered attack on both’
The landmark pact, signed on Wednesday, stipulates that any aggression against either country would be deemed aggression against both. Khan said the agreement strengthens decades-long defence ties, formalising the resolve of both leaderships to elevate bilateral relations to new heights.

Shehbaz’s visit to Saudi Arabia
The FO spokesperson said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Kingdom on September 17 at the invitation of the Saudi King, where he was accorded a historic and warm welcome. During the visit, the prime minister held detailed discussions with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, culminating in the signing of the agreement.

Read More: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Sign Historic Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement

Defence cooperation since 1960s
Khan noted that defence cooperation has been the cornerstone of Pakistan-Saudi ties since the 1960s, with the new agreement adding a fresh chapter of collective security.

Regional developments
Commenting on the Middle East, the FO spokesperson said an emergency Islamic summit in Doha unanimously condemned Israeli aggression as “illegal and unprovoked.” He added that Pakistan’s foreign minister strongly denounced the attacks, supported Qatar’s mediation, and also raised the matter at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for what he termed a “historic and heartfelt welcome.”