Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has clarified that the recently signed defense agreement with Saudi Arabia is not a reaction to the attack on Qatar but the result of years of discussion and cooperation between the two nations.

Long-standing ties with Saudi Arabia

Speaking in an interview with British-American journalist Mehdi Hasan, Asif stressed that Pakistan’s defense partnership with Saudi Arabia dates back decades.

“Our defense relations with Saudi Arabia are very long spanning over five or six decades. Our forces have been deployed in Saudi Arabia before, maybe over 4,000 to 5,000 at one point, and they are still present on Saudi soil,” he noted.

Formalising defense cooperation

According to the defense minister, the latest deal is aimed at giving a formal structure to the partnership rather than creating something new.

“This agreement has only formalised the defense relations we have had for a long time. Earlier it was based on some transactions before,” Asif explained.

Nuclear policy and global peace

Turning to broader security issues, Khawaja Asif reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance on nuclear weapons.

“After Hiroshima and Nagasaki, no nuclear power is in favour of using these weapons,” he said, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to restraint in line with global norms.

Pakistan’s democratic path

The defense minister also touched upon Pakistan’s political journey, acknowledging challenges but expressing optimism.

“Our democracy is not the best, but we are on this path. I myself have been in jail for six months without any charges,” Asif remarked, stressing the importance of gradual progress.