Former Qatari PM Backs Saudi–Pakistan–Türkiye Defense Pact as Regional Security Order Shifts

Former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani has publicly endorsed the idea of a Saudi–Pakistan strategic defense pact, potentially joined by Türkiye and, ideally, Egypt and key Gulf states, describing it as a necessary response to shifting global power dynamics and increasingly unpredictable Western—particularly US—policies.

In a statement reflecting growing debate within the Muslim world over strategic autonomy, Hamad bin Jassim argued that such an alliance could strengthen regional security, reduce external dependence, and provide a durable framework for cooperation at a time when traditional security guarantees are being reassessed.

A Response to a Changing Strategic Environment

Hamad bin Jassim’s remarks come amid a broader realignment in global and regional geopolitics. Across the Middle East and South Asia, policymakers are increasingly questioning the reliability of external security umbrellas as Washington recalibrates its global priorities, balances commitments across Europe and the Indo-Pacific, and relies more on selective engagement rather than permanent regional presence.

Against this backdrop, a Saudi–Pakistan–Türkiye axis would bring together complementary strengths:

• Saudi Arabia as a financial, energy, and political heavyweight in the Arab and Islamic worlds
• Pakistan as a nuclear-armed state with large, combat-experienced armed forces
• Türkiye as a technologically advanced military power with growing defense exports and expeditionary experience

Collectively, these capabilities could form the nucleus of a self-sustaining regional security framework.

Not an Anti-Iran Alliance

A notable element of Hamad bin Jassim’s position is his emphasis that any such pact should not be hostile toward Iran. This reflects lessons drawn from decades of regional polarization, where zero-sum security blocs often intensified instability rather than reduced it.

By advocating a non-confrontational posture, the former Qatari premier signals that the proposed alliance should focus on deterrence, crisis management, and internal security cooperation—rather than acting as an aggressive coalition aimed at provoking regional escalation.

This approach aligns with recent diplomatic trends, including Saudi-Iran rapprochement efforts and broader Gulf attempts to de-escalate long-running rivalries.

Beyond a Military Alliance

Hamad bin Jassim stressed that the alliance must be broad-based, extending beyond military cooperation to include:

• Economic coordination and investment frameworks
• Political consultation mechanisms
• Defense industrial collaboration
• Crisis response and strategic dialogue

Such multidimensional integration would distinguish the pact from ad-hoc military coalitions and enhance its resilience against leadership changes or external pressure.

Analysts note that Türkiye’s growing defense industrial base, Pakistan’s production capacity, and Gulf financing could together create a powerful ecosystem for joint weapons development, technology transfer, and supply-chain independence.

The Importance of a Clear Charter

One of the most significant warnings in Hamad bin Jassim’s statement concerns institutional design. He argued that the alliance must be founded on a clear, well-studied charter that defines objectives, decision-making mechanisms, and respect for national sovereignty.

Without such clarity, he cautioned, the pact risks becoming symbolic rather than effective, or vulnerable to internal divisions and external manipulation.

This emphasis reflects past regional experiences, where loosely structured alliances struggled to survive political transitions or diverging threat perceptions.

Implications for the Wider Muslim World

If expanded to include Egypt and additional Gulf states, the proposed framework could represent one of the most significant security groupings in the Muslim world—linking the Middle East, South Asia, and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Such a bloc would not replace existing partnerships with Western powers but could rebalance them, giving member states greater leverage and strategic choice.

For Pakistan in particular, participation would reinforce its role as a bridge between the Middle East and South Asia, while for Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, it would strengthen collective deterrence without over-militarization.

Conclusion

Hamad bin Jassim’s endorsement of a Saudi–Pakistan–Türkiye strategic defense pact reflects a broader regional conversation about self-reliance, autonomy, and multipolar security. His emphasis on inclusivity, non-hostility toward Iran, and institutional clarity suggests an alliance aimed at stability rather than confrontation.

Whether such a pact materializes will depend on political will, threat perceptions, and the ability of prospective members to translate shared interests into a durable framework. However, the growing frequency of such proposals underscores a clear reality: regional powers are increasingly preparing for a future in which security is shaped less by external guarantees and more by collective regional capacity.