LONDON – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that several countries have shown interest in signing defence agreements with Pakistan after the landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) with Saudi Arabia.
“It is premature to make announcements, but after this historic development, other countries have also expressed a desire for similar arrangements,” Dar told reporters in London on Friday. “Such agreements follow a proper process. Even with Saudi Arabia, it took months to finalise.”
The statement came two days after Pakistan and Saudi Arabia formally signed the SMDA, pledging that any aggression against one country would be considered an attack on both. The agreement was finalised during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh, where he was warmly received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace.
A statement from the PM’s Office said the pact reflects a joint commitment to peace, stability, and security, while strengthening defence cooperation and joint deterrence. Experts have described it as a “historic and unprecedented development” at a time when regional tensions are on the rise.
Dar called the pact a milestone, saying that Pakistan has always stood for the protection of Haramain Sharifain, but now this commitment has been formalised. He added that both Islamabad and Riyadh are fully satisfied with the agreement.
“Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan in times of crisis, including during our recent economic challenges,” Dar said, adding that the Kingdom remains one of Pakistan’s most trusted partners.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also commented on the pact, saying the door remains open for other countries to join in the future. “If either Pakistan or Saudi Arabia is attacked, it will be considered an attack on both nations, and we will respond together,” he stressed.
Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar said the agreement demonstrates the success of Pakistan’s foreign policy in recent years. “For the past one and a half years, our foreign policy has been progressing successfully, and this pact is proof of that,” he said.