Pakistan and Kuwait discuss expanded defense pact, sources say

Pakistan is negotiating an expanded defense pact with Kuwait, offering defense cooperation in exchange for energy collaboration and investment, according to five sources. These early-stage talks could be complicated by heightened U.S.-Iran tensions. Kuwait's "wish list includes everything," such as thousands of Pakistani troops, fighter jets, drones, and air defense systems, a Pakistani government official stated. However, a Pakistani security official clarified, "We are not, and we cannot consider a deployment of combat troops at this stage." This potential deal follows Pakistan's mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia last year and reflects Gulf states' interest in alternative defense partners amid concerns about U.S. reliability. Pakistan views these deals as crucial for securing needed investments and energy cooperation, including a bonded fuel storage arrangement with Kuwait.