Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif disclosed on Wednesday that approximately 1,600 Pakistani soldiers are currently stationed in Saudi Arabia under a long-term defense agreement.

In a recent interview, Asif revealed that while thousands of Pakistani military personnel have historically been present in the Kingdom, this is the first time the two nations have formalized their defense partnership with a concrete pact. He indicated that this bilateral military alliance will be further reinforced, and Pakistan’s troop presence in Saudi Arabia is expected to expand.

Addressing the Gaza humanitarian crisis, Asif described the situation as dire. He emphasized that if US President Donald Trump presents a formal proposal concerning Gaza, Muslim nations will convene to determine whether to deploy a peacekeeping contingent or collectively manage the situation.

Shifting focus to Afghanistan, the Defense Minister expressed grave apprehensions regarding cross-border terrorism. He stated that Pakistani citizens and military personnel are being killed in assaults originating from Afghanistan. ‘If Afghanistan is used as a base against us, how can it be considered an ally?’ he asked.

Asif shared that during his Kabul trip, Afghan officials requested financial aid for refugee repatriation. ‘We consented to cover the expenses but sought assurances that the returning individuals would not return to Pakistan,’ he explained.

He censured the Afghan administration for its inability to address Pakistan’s security issues. He observed that Afghan citizens residing in Pakistan decline to salute the national flag or recite patriotic slogans. ‘If attacks are launched from your territory against mine, how can there be camaraderie? To call it camaraderie would be disingenuous,’ he commented, adding that Afghan refugees have presented numerous difficulties for Pakistan.