Pakistan Asserts Nuclear Capabilities Remain Solely for Its Defense, Denies Saudi Deal Involving Nukes

Amidst discussions about a defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has directly addressed concerns, asserting that the deal does not include any provision for Saudi Arabia to possess nuclear weapons. Asif stated during a press conference that Pakistan’s nuclear program is specifically designed to protect itself and deter potential adversaries, and therefore the nation would not share its nuclear technology with any other country. The defense agreement, finalized during a visit by Pakistani leaders to Riyadh, has sparked rumors of Pakistan providing nuclear protection to Saudi Arabia. The agreement highlights a collective defense stance, declaring an attack on either nation as an attack on both. Only Israel currently possesses nuclear weapons in the Middle East.