ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that it is premature to talk about the inclusion of any other country in the recently signed defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, but the possibility has not been ruled out.

Asif explained that under the agreement, if either Pakistan or Saudi Arabia is attacked from any side, it would be considered an attack on both countries, and they would respond jointly.

The Defence Minister stated that the pact has enhanced Pakistan’s stature at the international level.

While stressing that adding other nations at this stage is too early, he clarified that the option remains open for the future.

Earlier, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The agreement reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to work together for peace and stability in the region and beyond.

It aims to strengthen defense cooperation and reinforce joint protection against any form of aggression.