Saudi Arabia to invest in Pakistan, says Asif

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said Saudi Arabia will invest in Pakistan's defence and commercial sectors, marking a new phase in bilateral cooperation.

In an interview with Express News in New York, Asif said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia's decades-long partnership has now been formalised and expanded to include defence and commercial investments. He added that if other countries show interest, both nations may consider including them in future agreements.

Highlighting Pakistan's regional and global ties, Asif noted that relations with China remain strong and stable, while ties with the United States have witnessed ups and downs. He said Pakistan fought America's wars against the Soviet Union and terrorism, which were "never our wars," and continues to pay the price in the form of terrorism. Despite Pakistan's sacrifices, he added, Washington did not respond in line with expectations.

The minister also confirmed that Afghanistan has rejected a US request to hand over the Bagram airbase, effectively closing that chapter.

Expressing his views on Palestine, Asif said he has a deep emotional connection with the cause. "I cannot do much against the atrocities, but I will continue to raise my voice," he added.