Asif Mahmood
The recent defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia marks a significant shift in the regional landscape. One pressing question arising from this new reality is the future nature of relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Under the terms of the agreement, an attack on one country will be considered an attack on the other. But what does this mean in practical terms? While opinions may vary on the remarks made by Khawaja Asif, Pakistan’s defense minister, his strong stance on Afghanistan suggests deeper, underlying reasons.

If these issues remain unresolved, viewed through the prism of the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defense pact, any act of terrorism targeting Pakistan will be seen as an assault on Saudi Arabia as well. The world’s geopolitical alignments are evolving rapidly, and the future will be markedly different from the present. Although it’s difficult to predict where each actor will stand, one thing is certain: the winds of change are blowing fast. Pakistan itself is transforming—today’s Pakistan is not the Pakistan of yesterday. Currently, the prime minister and army chief are in the United States, signaling the significance of these evolving dynamics. Indian media voices concern as they watch Pakistan’s growing global respect amid India’s increasing isolation. This newfound standing is crucial not only for China but also for Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Peace is fundamental—not only for projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) but also for accessing rare minerals vital to regional development. Stability in Pakistan is simultaneously a priority for both China and the United States. The mutual defense commitment between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan adds an extra layer of security: aggression against one is aggression against the other. This means hostile activities emanating from Afghanistan against Pakistan will now be viewed as provocations against Saudi Arabia as well. It is heartening to see Iran welcoming this agreement, signaling a broader realization within the Muslim world that only through unity and cooperation can progress be achieved. Continued infighting among Muslim nations benefits no one but their adversaries.

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