AFP, Riyadh

Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella will cover Saudi Arabia, a source close to the kingdom’s government told AFP on Sunday, days after the two allies signed a surprise mutual defence treaty.

The source told AFP that the deal had been in the works for years and that Saudi Arabia expected Pakistan’s arch-rival India to understand the kingdom’s security needs.

When asked if the deal meant Pakistan’s nuclear weapons could be used to defend Saudi Arabia, Ali Shihabi, an analyst close to the royal court, told AFP: “Yes, it does”.

“Nuclear is integral to this deal and Pakistan remembers that the kingdom effectively financed their nuclear programme and supported them when they were sanctioned,” he added.

“India will understand the security needs of Saudi Arabia. Saudi maintains excellent ties with India.”

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reportedly also told a local broadcaster that the country’s nuclear programme would be made available to Saudi Arabia if needed, following the signing of the agreement.

The mutual defence agreement was signed in Riyadh just days after an Israeli strike targeted Hamas leaders in neighbouring Qatar that sent shock waves through the Gulf states.

The new pact also comes mere months after Pakistan and India engaged in an intense four-day conflict in May that killed more than 70 people on both sides.