Pakistan’s Asim Munir Unveils Ambitious Defense Doctrine for Muslim Nations

Islamabad: In an era of heightened geopolitical instability, several Islamic countries are reportedly seeking protection under Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella. At least eight Muslim nations are in discussions with Islamabad for defense partnerships, according to security sources.

Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir has reportedly crafted a new defense doctrine aimed at enhancing the strategic and military reach of Muslim nations. Under this doctrine, Pakistan positions itself as a proactive protector of the Islamic world, offering advanced weapons deals and potentially even nuclear security assurances. Indian defense sources have described this approach as a “new principle of defense diplomacy,” with Pakistan emerging as a trusted military supplier and strategic partner for allied countries.

Strategic Partnerships in the Middle East
Following a strategic agreement with Saudi Arabia, General Munir is said to have accelerated efforts to expand Pakistan’s defense outreach across the region, altering the balance of power in the Middle East. According to top intelligence sources cited by CNN-News18, Pakistan’s strategy goes beyond conventional arms sales. Its nuclear capability positions it as the only nuclear-armed Islamic state, a status that Islamabad leverages to assure countries facing higher security risks than Israel.

Saudi Arabia reportedly relied on advanced intelligence assessments indicating growing instability in Yemen, Israel-Palestine, and parts of North and East Africa, including Libya, Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland. Rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE also factored into the decision to formalize a strategic military partnership with Pakistan. Turkey is reportedly considering joining this Saudi-Pakistan defense framework, alongside other Muslim nations like Bangladesh, in order to secure strategic assurances under Pakistan’s nuclear “umbrella.”

Muslim Nations’ ‘NATO’ Ambitions
Top security assessments suggest that countries such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Libya, Sudan, Jordan, and Egypt are exploring the purchase of Pakistani weapons. In the current financial year 2025-26, Pakistan is reported to have secured roughly $8 billion in defense export orders, aiming to increase this figure to $20 billion over the next three to five years.

Key defense deals reportedly include:

• Saudi Arabia: JF-17 fighter jets deal worth $3.7 billion
• Azerbaijan: 40 JF-17 fighter jets worth $4.6 billion
• Libya: Weapons deals via UAE banking channels valued at $1.25–1.4 billion
• Sudan: Weapons agreement worth $1.1 billion
• Bangladesh: Potential $1 billion defense deal

While Pakistan has not formally transferred nuclear weapons, sources indicate that countries most threatened by regional instability are being offered strategic assurances under Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella, signaling Islamabad’s intent to emerge as a central military and strategic hub for the Muslim world.