Saudi Analyst: Pakistan’s Nuclear Umbrella Extends to Saudi Arabia
Ali Al-Shihabi, a Saudi analyst with close ties to the royal court, stated on Sunday that after signing a defense pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s nuclear shield now covers Riyadh.
He added that this defense agreement had been in development over recent years and emphasized that India, Pakistan’s rival, must acknowledge Saudi Arabia’s security needs.
Al-Shihabi also said the signed agreement means Riyadh gains access to use pakistan’s nuclear weapons if necessary.
Shafqat Ali Khan,spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry,recently stressed that this defense deal would not be used against any other country.
He further explained: “The agreement was signed to enhance peace and security regionally and globally. Defense cooperation between our two countries has continued as the 1960s,and this pact solidifies those ties.”
Recently, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s Defense Minister, declared that under this defense pact with Riyadh, Pakistan’s nuclear program could be made available to Saudi Arabia if needed.