Speculations over 'Islamic NATO' as Asim Munir visits Saudi Arabia; will Pakistan attack Iran?

Riyadh: Amid the constantly evolving situation in the Middle East, Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has met Saudi Arabia's Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman. This meeting comes amid the recent attack on Saudi Arabia's Aramco oil refinery. Furthermore, following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in a joint US-Israeli strike, Tehran has launched strong retaliatory military action across the Middle East, raising fears of a major regional war.

The Saudi Defense Minister shared a photo with Asim Munir on Twitter, announcing the meeting. He wrote, "Met with Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan's Army Chief and Chief of the Defence Forces. We discussed Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and the necessary measures to prevent them within the framework of our Joint Strategic Defense Agreement. We emphasized that such actions undermine regional security and stability and expressed hope that the Iranian side will exercise prudence and avoid any missteps."

What is the strategic importance of an 'Islamic NATO'?

This meeting is considered strategically significant. According to a Bloomberg report, a few months ago, Turkey, along with nuclear-armed Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, attempted to form a triangular 'Islamic NATO'-like defense alliance. Its aim is to reshape security dynamics in the volatile Middle East and beyond.

Has Pakistan promised support to Saudi Arabia?

Recently, following the Iranian attack on Saudi Arabia's Aramco refinery, Pakistan reacted strongly and expressed full solidarity with Riyadh and other Gulf countries. Amid Iran's continued missile and drone attacks, the question now arises whether Islamabad's response will be limited to mere verbal condemnation. This question is crucial because in September, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the '2025 Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement,' under which an attack on one country is considered an attack on both.

Is there a clause similar to NATO's Article 5?

The agreement contains a provision similar to NATO's Article 5, which states that aggression against one member will be considered an attack on all. Sources cited by Bloomberg report that negotiations to include Turkey in this defense arrangement are in the final stages. This potential expansion reflects the growing shared strategic interests of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Military Intervention or Diplomacy: What Will Pakistan Do?

Although the agreement states an attack on one is an attack on all, its main provisions focus on traditional military cooperation such as joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and drone technology; it does not include any nuclear commitments. In a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed complete solidarity but supported peace efforts rather than military deployments.

Experts believe that sending its troops could entangle Pakistan in a major regional conflict, further worsening its already crippling economy and internal security situation. Experts also believe that Islamabad will limit Saudi Arabia's support to diplomacy, logistics, and allowing the use of its airspace, rather than sending its troops.