Pakistan-Saudi Pact Sparks Speculation Of ‘Muslim NATO’ As Defense Minister Opens Doors To Others

International News:  Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have entered into a new mutual defense agreement. The deal states that any aggression against one will be considered aggression against both nations. This agreement has been compared to NATO, a military alliance in the West. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif announced the pact and explained that its scope could expand further. The signing has raised questions across the region about its long-term impact. Both nations emphasized unity against external threats. The development is seen as a milestone for Pakistan’s security strategy.

NATO Model As Inspiration

The idea behind this pact reflects the Western NATO structure. NATO was formed after World War II to protect Western allies from the Soviet Union. It now includes 30 countries, with its headquarters in Brussels. Pakistan’s move shows an attempt to create a similar system among Muslim countries. Analysts believe this is an effort to give collective security a new face. The symbolism is powerful, especially in the Gulf. Critics, however, argue that such comparisons may be premature.

Defense Minister Opens Doors

In an interview with Geo News, Khawaja Asif hinted that other Arab countries could join. He said the doors were not closed for further expansion. This means Gulf nations like UAE, Bahrain, or even Egypt could be part of it. Such an arrangement could reshape security in the Middle East. Asif also underlined that Pakistan needs strong allies due to insecurity in the region. His remarks are being closely watched internationally. The possibility of a larger bloc cannot be ignored.

Insecurity Drives The Plan

The Defense Minister recalled the history of instability in the Middle East. He said Muslim countries had long demanded a NATO-like setup for security. Pakistan feels vulnerable amid regional tensions. Terrorism, border disputes, and economic weakness add to its insecurity. For Saudi Arabia, threats from Yemen and Iran play a role. Both countries want stronger guarantees for their survival. The pact signals a shift in strategy. It underlines how deeply insecurity is shaping foreign policy today.

Fears In Washington Rise

Reports suggest that the United States is worried about this agreement. A senior Saudi official hinted that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal could play a part in the pact. Former US diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad warned that this comes at a dangerous time. He pointed out that Pakistan already has missiles capable of hitting Israel and even developing systems to reach America. These remarks have created unease in Washington. The US fears the pact may disrupt its influence in the Gulf.

Parallel Deals Possible Too

Khawaja Asif also said Pakistan is not limited to only this agreement. The pact does not block Pakistan from signing similar treaties with other nations. This opens the possibility of a wider security network. Observers believe this could lead to a defense umbrella for multiple Muslim states. If realized, it may shift the balance of power in the Middle East. However, experts warn that managing such an alliance will be complex. It may also trigger rivalries with non-Muslim powers.

Future Still Uncertain Ahead

Despite the buzz, many questions remain unanswered. Will Arab countries agree to join under Pakistan’s leadership? Will Saudi Arabia allow its defense policy to be tied so closely to Pakistan’s? Will the US or other powers intervene to block it? For now, the pact sends a loud signal of unity. But building a Muslim NATO will require more than just one agreement. Its future depends on trust, resources, and political will. The world will watch closely in the coming months.