A Bold Statement in the National Assembly 🏛️
What is the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement? 📜
On September 17, 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement.” The defence pact ensures that any attack on one nation will be considered an attack on the other. Beyond collective defence, the agreement is designed to safeguard peace, security, and stability in the wider region. For Islamabad and Riyadh, this marks the first clear step toward establishing a formal military alliance.
Possibility of More Islamic Nations Joining 🌐
Deputy PM Dar revealed that several Arab and Muslim countries have already expressed interest in joining this defence pact. If these countries move forward, the agreement could quickly evolve into a multi-nation alliance — one with the potential to rival Western blocs. “By God’s will, Pakistan will lead 57 Islamic nations in the future,” Dar confidently declared.
India-Pakistan Angle and the Defence Pact Significance 🇵🇰🇮🇳
Recalling India’s military aggression against Pakistan earlier this year, Ishaq Dar stressed that under this defence pact, such strikes would have been treated as direct attacks on Saudi Arabia as well. This, he argued, underscores the significance of the agreement as a deterrent against regional threats. By ensuring collective security, the defence pact could serve as a powerful shield not only for Pakistan and Saudi Arabia but also for other Muslim nations that may join in the near future.
Trump’s 20-Point Gaza Peace Plan — “Not Ours” ❌
During the same session, Dar also addressed the Gaza issue. He rejected the 20-point Gaza peace plan announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, clarifying that it was not the draft prepared by Muslim countries, including Pakistan. “The 20-point plan made public by President Trump is truly not ours and changes have been made to our draft,” Dar emphasized.
Trump’s plan includes a ceasefire, a prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel, phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas disarmament, and a transitional government under international oversight. However, Pakistan has firmly distanced itself from this plan, insisting it does not reflect its original suggestions.
Opposition Criticism and Palestinian Solidarity ✊
PTI leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser criticized the government for endorsing Trump’s Gaza peace plan without parliamentary debate. He argued that any plan excluding the voices of Palestinians would be unacceptable. Qaiser accused Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of conceding to international conditions prematurely, saying: “Our prime minister had accepted all conditions even before Trump’s points came out.” He demanded that PM Shehbaz apologize to the nation for “injustice to the Palestinians.”
Could Pakistan Lead a New Bloc of Islamic Nations? 🌍
The debate has sparked speculation about whether Pakistan could emerge as the leader of a powerful military and political bloc of Muslim nations. If the pact evolves into an “Eastern NATO,” Pakistan’s role in global affairs could shift dramatically, giving it a leadership position in shaping the collective security of the Islamic world.Read more.
Final Thoughts — A Turning Point in Regional Security 🔍
Pakistan’s defence pact with Saudi Arabia is more than just a bilateral agreement — it is a strategic shift that could redefine the region’s security framework. With more countries showing interest in joining, this alliance could soon rival established defence blocs like NATO. For Pakistan, the opportunity to lead a coalition of 57 Islamic nations is both a challenge and a historic responsibility. The world will be watching closely to see whether this pact becomes a cornerstone of a new Eastern defence alliance.
