ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will jointly decide any expansion of their defence agreement. He said both sides must agree before adding new countries.
Speaking to Geo News at Parliament House, Asif said Turkiye or any other country could join the pact. He stressed that mutual consent remains essential.
His remarks followed comments by Defence Production Minister Raza Hayat Harraj. Harraj spoke to Reuters on January 15. He confirmed Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye prepared a draft defence agreement.
Harraj said the draft followed nearly a year of talks. He said the proposed deal involved three regional powers. He added that a final consensus remains necessary.
Harraj clarified that the draft is separate from the bilateral Saudi-Pakistan accord. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia announced that agreement last year. He rejected claims of a merger.
Earlier, Bloomberg reported Turkiye had advanced talks to join the SMDA. The report said the deal could shift regional power balances. It described a potential new security alignment.
Harraj denied that claim. He said the new draft stands apart from the Pakistan-Saudi SMDA. He repeated that no decision is final.
Pakistan and Turkiye maintain long-standing defence ties. Turkiye has built corvette warships for Pakistan. Ankara also upgraded Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets.
Turkiye has also supplied drone technology to Pakistan. The two countries Asif highlighted close military cooperation. He called it durable and strategic.
Asif said Muslim countries should pursue collective defence efforts. He said unity would strengthen shared security. He warned against isolated weakening of Muslim states.
The defence minister also spoke on global issues. He welcomed reported outreach from US President Donald Trump. Trump reportedly invited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for Gaza peace efforts.
Asif said Pakistan could help shape Gaza’s future roadmap. He said the world supports a two-state solution. Asif called the moment a golden opportunity.
He said Pakistan should raise a strong voice for Palestine. The minister expressed confidence in Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He said the prime minister would speak forcefully at global forums.
On Iran, Asif stressed strong bilateral relations. Khawaja Asif called Iran Pakistan’s neighbour and brother. He said Iran posed no hostile threat.
Asif said Pakistan supports Iran’s security. He added that many countries view Israel as a threat.