Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Sign Historic Mutual Defence Agreement
Riyadh/Islamabad – Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have taken a major step forward in their longstanding partnership with the signing of a landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, hailed as the most significant upgrade in bilateral defence ties in decades.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who signed the pact during his day-long visit to Riyadh, expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and highlighted the strength of Pakistan-Saudi relations.
PM Shehbaz Praises Saudi Welcome
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), PM Shehbaz said he was “deeply touched” by the welcome, which included an escort from the Royal Saudi Air Force and a ceremonial guard of honour.
“This reception speaks volumes about the abiding love and mutual respect between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,” he wrote.
He added that his “most cordial talks” with the Crown Prince covered regional challenges, bilateral cooperation, trade, and investment opportunities. PM Shehbaz praised Prince Mohammed’s “vision and leadership for the Muslim world” and expressed hope that ties between the two nations would “continue to flourish and attain new heights.”
Defence Pact Highlights
According to a joint statement, the new agreement is designed to:
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Enhance defence cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
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Strengthen joint deterrence against aggression.
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Reinforce shared efforts to achieve security and peace in the region and beyond.
Importantly, the pact specifies that any aggression against either country will be considered an aggression against both.
Historical Background
Pakistan-Saudi defence ties date back to the 1960s and were institutionalised with a Bilateral Security Cooperation Agreement in 1982. Over the years, Pakistan has provided training, advisory support, and troop deployments in the Kingdom, while Saudi Arabia has been a key source of financial aid and energy supplies for Islamabad.
At times, as many as 20,000 Pakistani troops were stationed in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom has also been a significant purchaser of Pakistani-made arms.
Strategic Significance
The new pact comes at a critical moment of regional instability, particularly after Israel’s recent escalation in Gaza and its attack on Qatar. For:
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Pakistan, the deal secures vital Saudi investment and economic support while reinforcing its standing as a regional security provider.
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Saudi Arabia, the agreement strengthens its defensive posture against threats from Iran, Houthi militias, and broader regional turbulence.
Analysts believe the agreement effectively creates a joint defensive umbrella, formalising commitments that had long existed in practice, although finer details have not been made public.
Looking Ahead
As Pakistan’s older alliances under SEATO and CENTO have faded, this agreement stands out as Islamabad’s most consequential formal defence commitment in decades. It positions Pakistan as a central player in the evolving strategic security architecture of the Gulf region.
