No Nuclear Umbrella for Riyadh: Pakistan’s Defense Minister Clarifies Saudi Deal

Addressing concerns about the recent defense pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has explicitly denied that the agreement includes provisions for Saudi Arabia to gain access to Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal. Asif, while speaking with reporters, underscored that Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities are solely for its own defense needs. He affirmed that Pakistan would not share its nuclear technology with any other nation. The clarification comes after a defense deal was signed in Riyadh between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia which has been interpreted by some as an arrangement involving nuclear weapons. The agreement, signed by Pakistani and Saudi leaders, establishes that an attack on one country would be considered an attack on both, thereby fueling discussions about a potential nuclear dimension to the alliance.