Pakistan says nuclear arsenal ‘available’ to Saudi Arabia under defence pact

Saudi Arabia has long been linked to Pakistan’s nuclear programme. Picture: Alamy/PA

A Pakistani minister has said his nation’s nuclear programme “will be made available” to Saudi Arabia if needed under the countries’ new defence pact.

Defence minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif’s comments were the first specific acknowledgment that Pakistan is placing Saudi Arabia under the umbrella of its nuclear arms.