Introduction

Pakistan is reportedly in early-stage negotiations with Kuwait for an expanded defence pact, in exchange for energy cooperation, according to reports citing unnamed officials. The potential agreement would mark a deepening of military ties between the two countries, with Kuwait seeking a show of force comparable to Pakistan's arrangement with Saudi Arabia.

The talks come against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, particularly between the United States and Iran, which could complicate the negotiations, as reported by Dawn and the Jerusalem Post.

Coverage Comparison

Both Dawn and the Jerusalem Post carried reports on the negotiations, with details attributed to unnamed Pakistani and Middle Eastern sources. The reports indicate that Kuwait has had a more limited defence deal with Pakistan for training and joint exercises since 2023, and is now seeking a broader arrangement.

According to a Pakistani government official quoted in the reports, Kuwait's wish list includes "thousands of troops, fighter jets, an air defence system, and other military assets" — a level of commitment similar to Pakistan's pact with Saudi Arabia, which was forged over decades of close alliance.

However, a Pakistani security official with knowledge of the talks was quoted as saying: "We are not and cannot consider a deployment of combat troops at this stage." A Middle Eastern source confirmed that Kuwait has been in conversations with Pakistan, including on defence procurement, but said it was "not clear this will amount to a defence pact per se."

The reports note that Pakistan's agreement with Saudi Arabia was the result of a longstanding relationship, raising questions about whether Islamabad would extend similar commitments to Kuwait.

Key Claims

  • Expanded defence pact negotiations: Pakistan has been negotiating an expanded defence pact with Kuwait in exchange for energy cooperation, according to Reuters, as cited by Dawn and the Jerusalem Post. The talks are at an early stage and could be affected by heightened US-Iran tensions.
  • Kuwait's defence needs: Kuwait, which already has a limited defence deal with Pakistan for training and joint exercises, is seeking a "show of force" similar to Pakistan's pact with Saudi Arabia. This includes a request for fighter jets, air defence systems, and other military support, as detailed by a Pakistani official.
  • Pakistan's position: A Pakistani security official stated that while Kuwait's wish list is extensive, Pakistan cannot consider deploying combat troops at this stage. A Middle Eastern source noted that Kuwait has been in talks with Pakistan, including on defence procurement, but it was not clear if a formal defence pact would result.
  • Energy cooperation: The possible deal with Kuwait would involve energy cooperation, as Pakistan's energy ministry seeks to boost its oil and fuel reserves, according to reports.
  • Broader context: The reports also noted Pakistan's recent endorsement of Saudi Arabia's air strikes in Iraq, with Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi saying that the kingdom has the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to all defence commitments with Gulf partners and insisted these do not undermine its role as a mediator in the Iran-US conflict.

Key Claims

  • Pakistan is negotiating an expanded defence pact with Kuwait, potentially including troop deployments, fighter jets, and air defence systems, as reported by Dawn and the Jerusalem Post.
  • The talks are at an early stage and could be complicated by heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, according to the reports.
  • Kuwait's existing defence arrangement with Pakistan, focused on training and joint exercises, dates to 2023.
  • A Pakistani security official was quoted as saying: "Kuwait's wish list includes everything. But let me be clear about one thing: We are not and we cannot consider a deployment of combat troops at this stage."
  • A Middle Eastern source confirmed that Kuwait has been in conversations with Pakistan, including about defence procurement, but said it was "not clear this will amount to a defence pact per se."
  • Pakistan has also endorsed Saudi Arabia's recent air strikes in Iraq, with Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stating that Saudi Arabia has the right to self-defence under the UN Charter.
  • Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to honour defence commitments with Gulf partners, while insisting these arrangements do not undermine its role as a mediator in the Iran-US conflict.
  • Additionally, Pakistan will host India at a summit next year, according to the Foreign Office.

Key Claims

  • Pakistan is negotiating an expanded defence pact with Kuwait, involving energy cooperation and investment.
  • The talks are at an early stage and could be complicated by US-Iran tensions.
  • Kuwait is seeking a show of force similar to Pakistan's agreement with Saudi Arabia, including troops, fighter jets, drones, and air defence systems.
  • Pakistan's agreement with Saudi Arabia was the result of a decades-old alliance.
  • Pakistan maintains a large military and produces its own fighter jets (as reported by Jerusalem Post).