Staff Reporter
PESHAWAR:The recently signed strategic mutual defence agreement (SMDA) between Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has been widely praised by the defense, political and diplomatic experts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who have termed it a historic milestone in bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries.
Analysts see the agreement as a crucial step in deepening defence cooperation between Islamabad and Riyadh amid shifting regional dynamics and evolving security situation in the Middle East.Former ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, Manzoorul Haq, told APP on Thursday that the agreement, signed by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammad Bin Salman, strongly reflected a shared commitment to collective security and regional peace.He emphasized that the clause stating any aggression against one country shall be considered aggression against both marks a significant shift in strategic thinking and defence approach.“Pakistan and KSA are close friends and this relationship is based on mutual trust and respect,” he said, adding the Pakistani nation and Govt feel proud of the close relationship with people and the Govt of Saudi Arabia and hailed the SMDA agreement in all respects.Ambassador Manzoor termed the agreement a major breakthrough, saying that it strongly reflected a new security mindset in the Arab world, especially after Israel’s recent illegal strikes in Arab countries especially against Doha Qatar.Referring to the Israeli attacks on Qatar and the subsequent Doha Emergency Arab Countries Summit, he said Arab nations are now increasingly focused on strengthening mutual defense capabilities, and that Pakistan’s importance has enhanced significantly after its superiority in war fighting abilities shown by PAF and our armed forces against India.“If Qatar can be targeted, other nations in the region are equally vulnerable,” Manzoorul Haq reiterated. “In this context, Saudi Arabia turned to its most sincere and timed tested ally Pakistan.”He stressed that while Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long enjoyed close bilateral relations and military ties, this landmark agreement formalizes their relationship at an unprecedented level.
