Khawaja Asif on Pakistan’s Geopolitical Strategy and the Significance of the Saudi Arabia–Pakistan Defense Pact

A recent podcast caught people’s eyes when the External Affairs Minister of Pakistan attended a Podcast by Mehdi Hassan. Moreover, several things were discussed during the Podcast. However, we will be talking mainly about the recent defense deal between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. 

We will learn more about what was said by Khawaja Asif on Pakistan’s Geopolitical Strategy at Mehedi Hassan’s show. 

We will discuss recent developments between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, including the deals signed between the two nations.  

In the end, we shall share the Big Jar’s take on the entire issue between Saudi Arabia and   

What Is The Defense Pact Between Pakistan And Saudi Arabia? 

Pakistan signed a strategic defense pact with Saudi Arabia on 17th September 2025. Moreover, according to this defense pact, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, any external threat to one country shall be treated as a threat to both nations. 

The Pact also tries to promote other things like joint military training, intelligence sharing, and several other things altogether. 

Thus, the pact acts as one of the most relevant agreements between the two nations, as Pakistan is the only Islamic nuclear nation. Moreover, the experts state that the timing of the pact also remains crucial.  

The Israeli airstrikes on Qatar have forced the other Middle Eastern powers to ensure proper security in the long run. 

On the other hand, Pakistan has also been struggling to deal with Afghanistan and India on both ends of its border. Thus, this deal can play a crucial role in the future. 

However, several political scientists and vigilant world citizens often raise questions about the relevance of the pact.  

While Pakistan maintains good relations with the United States of America, it is highly unlikely for the United States to allow Pakistan to do anything against Israel. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia maintains good relations with India; thus, it is unlikely to help Pakistan directly during a military scuffle with India.  

Let’s understand what Khwaja Asif has to say about their relationship with Saudi Arabia. 

What Did Mehdi Hassan Ask About The Agreement Between Saudi Arabia And Pakistan? 

Mehdi Hassan discussed several things with Khawaja Asif. This included several questions about Pakistan’s internal politics. The podcast also touched upon the imprisonment of Imran Khan and what it actually means for Pakistan’s Democracy. 

However, the discussion then surrounded the defense pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. 

Mehdi first discussed how the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relationship has been.  

He stated that Saudi Arabia was one of the first nations to recognize Pakistan after it separated from India. 

Thus, while referring to the deep ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, he asked Asif about the relevance of this historic agreement, since the landmark deal states that any form of aggression or attack on one nation shall be an attack on both. 

1. Was Qatar Bombing The Reason Behind The Agreement Between Pakistan And Saudi Arabia?    

Mehdi Hassan asked Asif if the attack on Qatar by the Israeli Defense Force was the main reason behind this pact? 

 Khawaja Asif on Pakistan’s Geopolitical Strategy states that the Pact was not a direct response to the Israeli Attack on Pakistan. Moreover, Khawaja Assif stated that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were long into talks to ensure that the deal comes into being.  

Thus, the defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia was not really in response to the Israel attacks on Qatar. 

Khawaja Asif on Pakistan’s Geopolitical Strategy states that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan has been almost stable for six decades. 

Furthermore, he stated that Pakistan has approximately 4000-5000 troops stationed in Saudi Arabia alone. Thus, Khawaja Asif made it clear that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan has been strong for a very long time. 

However, the agreement provides a much stronger base for future ties, as the relationship between the two nations was more transactional in the past. 

2. Will The Nuclear Umbrella Of Pakistan protect Saudi Arabia? 

Mehdi Hassan highlighted the fact that Pakistan was the only Muslim majority nation with nuclear weapons. Moreover, he also expressed that Saudi Arabia had expressed interest in developing nuclear technology. 

Medi Hassan also referred to the previous statements of Khawaja Asif that he gave to Reuters, where Asif may have implied that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons would actually protect Saudi Arabia. 

Khawaja Asif on Pakistan’s Geopolitical Strategy states that nuclear weapons and other factors related to nuclear deterrence were not really on the agenda of the pact. 

What Is The Bigjar’s Take On Khwaja Asif’s Statements On Pakistan’s Defense Pact With Saudi Arabia?    

 Khawaja Asif also stated that the relationship between India and Saudi Arabia was independent of the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Thus, this creates massive doubts related to the defense pact. 

Moreover, Pakistan faces the biggest challenge in the Kashmir region as it claims Kashmir to be Pakistani territory. 

However, Saudi Arabia is unlikely to militarily get involved in any conflict between India and Pakistan. However, Saudi Arabia can help Pakistan with diplomatic support in future conflicts between India and Pakistan. 

Moreover, Pakistan also maintains a very flirtatious relationship with the USA. Thus, the fear of US sanctions and other consequences should prevent Pakistan from engaging. 

But the two nations can always support each other diplomatically, on a smaller scale of military assistance. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Saudi Arabia-Pakistan military pact.