Zahid Mahmood
ON THE RECORD · 5 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“There are, of course, risks, particularly given the kind of conflict in the region, which becomes extremely dangerous if fought along sectarian lines. But they are far outweighed by the advantages Pakistan is gaining, and will continue to gain, from this strategic approach going forward,”
Zahid Mahmood · said 2026-08-28 · reported 2026-08-28
Mahmood said risks from regional conflict are far outweighed by the advantages Pakistan gains from its strategic approach.
“What we can say is that Kuwait appears to be moving from basic defence cooperation towards a more structured security partnership. It doesn’t mean there’s an Article 5-style collective-defence commitment in place. But it is considerably more institutionalised and structured than before,”
Zahid Mahmood · said 2026-08-28 · reported 2026-08-28
Mahmood said the new Kuwait deal is more institutionalised than previous cooperation but does not include an Article 5-style collective-defence commitment.
“Any strategic cooperation of this kind makes you far more relevant, and that relevance now extends well beyond the region,”
Zahid Mahmood · said 2026-08-28 · reported 2026-08-28
Mahmood said strategic cooperation of this kind makes Pakistan more relevant well beyond the region.
“Pakistan-Kuwait defence collaboration is not new,”
Zahid Mahmood · said 2026-08-28 · reported 2026-08-28
Mahmood said the history of Pakistan-Kuwait defence cooperation, dating to the late 1960s, is the backdrop to the Thursday signing of a new defence agreement.
“strengthen our economic relationships”
Zahid Mahmood · said 2026-08-28 · reported 2026-08-28
Mahmood said the Kuwait agreement could potentially strengthen Pakistan's economic relationships and help address economic challenges.