Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s signing of a strategic mutual defense agreement has great symbolic value for both countries, and perhaps for other Gulf countries to consider entering into similar pacts with Pakistan. Optics are powerful.

Saudi Arabia always had an implied guarantee from Pakistan. The question is why the kingdom needed this to be made public. Is it to show deterrence against Israel’s unhinged aggression in the region? Or, to seek active support against other threats to the kingdom from Iran and its allies?

The statement says that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both. Does this imply that any attack by India on Pakistan will be considered an attack on Saudi Arabia? Would Israel perceive Pakistan as a direct threat?

Well, the fine print is not in the public domain. Most analysts and officials commenting on it know little or no details. Nonetheless, the pact is welcomed by the government and opposition alike. PTI is supporting it, and public sentiment is always in support of Saudi Arabia.

Logically, Saudi Arabia has financial resources, while Pakistan is strong militarily. The former needs defence support, while the latter is always in search of........

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