Defense, security cooperation with Saudi Arabia decades-old: Chishti

ISLAMABAD: Air Commodore (R) Khalid Chishti said that defense and security cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is not a new concept but a continuation of a strong relationship spanning decades.

Speaking on ABN News’ program “Sawal se Aagay”, he said that he himself has provided high-level training in Saudi Arabia and there is deep coordination and mutual understanding in the defense sector between the two countries.

He said that the changing situation in the Middle East in recent days has made this cooperation even more important.

According to Air Commodore (R) Khalid Chishti, the recent foreign policy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has indirectly made Pakistan “relevant” in the region once again.

He said that even during the tenure of former US President Donald Trump, a clear message was sent that the US can no longer give old security guarantees to the Gulf countries in exchange for oil.

He said that America’s priorities are now more inclined towards Israel, which has created a sense of insecurity in the Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia. According to him, “If it is not called betrayal, then at least trust has been shaken.”

Khalid Chishti said that Pakistan’s military capabilities are very effective despite limited resources, and Saudi Arabia also has a very strong defensive position.

However, the advantage that Pakistan has is not only military capabilities but also determination, courage and a glorious history of military successes.

Referring to the past Arab-Israeli wars (1967 and 1973), he said that Pakistani pilots and air defense controllers voluntarily served on behalf of Arab countries and achieved significant successes.

Khalid Chishti, citing a historic statement by former Israeli Air Force chief and later president Ezar Weizman, said that he had described Air Marshal Noor Khan as a “very outstanding figure” and that he was happy that Noor Khan was not his enemy.

He said that this historical deterrence of Pakistan still exists today and is purely for defensive purposes, not for aggression against any country.

He expressed hope that the joint defense readiness of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will remain only as a deterrent and that no practical war will occur.

During the program, when asked whether Pakistan could be dragged into a Middle East conflict (for example, the Israel-Iran or Israel-Saudi Arabia conflict) in the future, Khalid Chishti said that there is no such possibility at present because Pakistan is not taking anyone’s place but is only trying to get its security importance recognized.

He said that the policies of the US and Israel have created a vacuum in the region which will naturally be filled by some power. “This vacuum was not created by Pakistan but circumstances have made us relevant.”

According to him, Arab countries were somewhat insecure despite their resources and are now increasing their defense capabilities, as India has done by placing 120 new orders for Rafale aircraft.

He further said that if, God forbid, Israel takes any aggressive steps against Saudi Arabia in the future, Pakistan will not immediately enter the fray, but for this, Pakistan will have to strengthen its defense capabilities in peacetime.

Finally, he said that the more Pakistan increases its defense capabilities, the more countries like Israel will be wary of Pakistan’s influence.

At the end of the program, Air Commodore (R) Khalid Chishti said that defense cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is of great importance for peace and stability in the region and its aim is not to take aggressive actions against any country but to maintain mutual security and balance.