REPORTS SURFACE THAT QATAR MAY SIGN DEFENSE DEAL WITH PAKISTAN, BUT NO OFFICIAL PACT CONFIRMED
Islamabad / Doha — There are ongoing reports that Qatar may be moving towards a defense agreement with Pakistan following Pakistan’s recent mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia. However, as of now, none of the two governments has officially confirmed the signing of such an agreement.
What’s Known So Far
- In early September 2025, Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, conducted high-level meetings in Doha with Qatari counterparts including Deputy Prime Minister & Defence Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jassim Mohammad Ahmed Al-Mannal, within the framework of the Higher Military Cooperation Committee (HMCC).
- During these talks, both sides reaffirmed shared interests in regional security, peace, and potential for deeper cooperation in defence and security domains.
- Simultaneously, Pakistan has publicly stated that its recently signed “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” with Saudi Arabia could be extended to include other friendly nations. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has hinted that similar defense-pacts might be explored.
What’s Not Confirmed
- No treaty text, memorandum or official announcement has been published by either Pakistan or Qatar confirming a finalized defense pact between them.
- No date, terms, or scope have been released. It’s not clear whether “defense deal” would mirror the Saudi-Pakistan agreement (which treats an attack on one as attack on both), or whether it would be a more limited cooperation.
Implications If It Happens
- Would deepen Pakistan-Qatar strategic ties significantly, especially in Gulf security configurations.
- May shift regional perceptions of deterrence, particularly following the Saudi-Pakistan pact.
- Could provoke reactions from regional powers concerned about balance, alliances, and the role of nuclear deterrence.
Conclusion
At this time, the story remains speculative. Qatar and Pakistan are already in talking stages and expanding cooperation, but no confirmed defense agreement exists. Journalists and readers should await official confirmation before treating this as established news.
