“Islamic NATO” project begins to take clearer shape Türkiye and Qatar invited to emerging defense bloc

As part of ongoing efforts to establish an “Islamic NATO,” Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has indicated that Türkiye and Qatar could potentially join Islamabad’s mutual defence agreement with Riyadh, signalling a possible expansion of the emerging security framework among key Muslim states.

The defence chief stated that negotiations on the agreement are nearing completion and may eventually expand to include these countries, Caliber.Az reports, citing Pakistani outlet Money Control.

Last year, Pakistan signed a “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” with Saudi Arabia, stipulating that any aggression against one party would be considered an attack on both states.

“If Qatar and Turkey also join this existing agreement, it will be a welcome development,” Asif said, reaffirming Pakistan’s longstanding ambition to build a military alliance among Muslim nations.

He added that the initiative is aimed at creating a broader platform for cooperation among like-minded states to strengthen regional stability and collective security.

His remarks on expanding the defence pact point to the emergence of an “Islamic NATO” — a concept increasingly discussed amid the ongoing global and regional security crisis.

The agreement seeks to deepen military cooperation, arms deals, joint exercises, and potentially mutual defence commitments. Pakistan is aiming to play a key role in shaping such a bloc, particularly after positioning itself as a mediator in the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.

The defence minister emphasised that the proposed agreement is not directed against any specific country, but is intended to enhance regional stability and reduce external dependence.

“Dependence will remain in the world; there is a community, an international community in which all countries are linked economically and otherwise, but for peace in one's own region, I think this pact is not against anyone, but it is very important to protect peace within our region,” he added.