Islamabad:(Click Pakistan WebDesk)- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced on January 19, 2026, that any expansion of the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defence agreement will be decided jointly by Islamabad and Riyadh. He said that other countries, including Turkiye, could join the pact if both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agree.
Draft Defence Agreement
Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Harraj confirmed that Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye have prepared a draft defence agreement after nearly a year of talks. The draft is separate from the bilateral Pakistan-Saudi accord and requires final consensus among the three countries.
Strategic Importance
Bloomberg reported that Ankara is at an advanced stage of discussions to join the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA). The potential deal could create a new security alignment in the Middle East, shifting regional power balances. Pakistan and Turkiye share decades-long defence ties, including warship construction, F-16 upgrades, and drone technology support.
Collective Security Call
Asif urged Muslim nations to work toward a broader collective defence framework to prevent systematic weakening of countries.
Gaza Peace Initiative
The defence minister described US President Donald Trump’s invitation to PM Shehbaz Sharif to join Gaza peace efforts as a positive opportunity. He emphasized Pakistan’s role in advocating a two-state solution for Palestine.
Iran and Regional Relations
Asif called Iran a friendly neighbour, stressing that Pakistan supports its security. He also noted Israel is widely seen as a regional threat.
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