By ABDULLAH 
In a landmark development, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a formal mutual defence pact, deepening their decades long military and strategic ties. The agreement, inked on September 17, 2025, in Riyadh, pledges that any attack on either country will be treated as an act of aggression against both nations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) signed the deal at Yamama Palace, accompanied by senior officials, including Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. The ceremony highlighted the importance of the long-standing partnership between Islamabad and Riyadh, built on shared security, economic, and cultural interests.
According to the joint statement, the pact aims to:
- Enhance defence cooperation across land, air, and naval forces.
- Strengthen joint deterrence against external aggression.
- Institutionalize long-standing security ties rather than reacting to recent regional events.
A senior Saudi official clarified that the pact is not a response to specific incidents, such as Israel’s recent attack on Qatar, but rather the culmination of years of discussions. The agreement is being described as comprehensive, covering all military means without directly mentioning nuclear cooperation.
The pact comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East. Israel’s strike on Doha earlier this month, which targeted Hamas leaders during ceasefire talks, sent shockwaves across the region. Qatar has already faced attacks twice in a year, once from Iran and once from Israel, making Gulf states increasingly anxious about their security.
At the same time, many Arab states have grown wary of the United States’ reliability as a security guarantor. The Saudi-Pakistan pact appears to be part of a broader effort by Gulf monarchies to secure additional partnerships and diversify their defence strategies.
For Pakistan, the agreement boosts its role in regional geopolitics, especially after its brief military conflict with India earlier this year. New Delhi has taken note of the development, with its Ministry of External Affairs stating that it will “study its implications for India’s security and regional stability.”
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share a relationship spanning nearly eight decades. Beyond religious and cultural connections, Riyadh has been a steady source of economic assistance and oil supplies for Islamabad. On the defence side:
- Since 1967, over 8,200 Saudi soldiers have been trained in Pakistan.
- Both nations have participated in numerous joint military exercises.
- Pakistan has long provided security advisors and military expertise to the Kingdom.
The new pact formalizes this cooperation, signaling a stronger military alliance at a time when the Muslim world faces multiple security challenges.
While Pakistan celebrated the pact as a diplomatic success, Saudi Arabia emphasized that its relations with India remain “more robust than ever.” This balancing act reflects Riyadh’s strategy of keeping ties open with both nuclear-armed South Asian rivals.
For Pakistan, the agreement provides not only strategic reassurance but also international recognition of its defence capabilities. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the pact a “reflection of shared commitment to peace and security in the region and the world.”
Among Pakistanis, the agreement has been received with optimism. Many view it as a sign of strengthened Islamic solidarity and a recognition of Pakistan’s role as a key player in the Muslim world. On social media, hashtags like #SaudiPakistanDefensePact and #PakSaudiBrotherhood trended shortly after the signing.
Ordinary citizens, however, also wonder what the pact means in practical terms. Some ask whether Pakistan would extend a “nuclear umbrella” to Saudi Arabia if required, while others focus on whether the deal will bring tangible economic benefits for struggling Pakistani households.
1. What is the relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s military?
Pakistan has historically trained Saudi soldiers, provided military advisors, and participated in joint exercises. The defence pact now takes this cooperation to a new level.
2. What is a mutual defence pact?
It’s an agreement between two or more countries that an attack on one will be considered an attack on all. This means Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will defend each other if either is attacked.
3. Was Pakistan ever banned in Saudi Arabia?
No. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained strong ties, though at times there have been diplomatic strains, particularly over regional conflicts.
4. Does Saudi Arabia have a defence system?
Yes. Saudi Arabia has one of the most advanced defence systems in the Middle East, including U.S.-made Patriot missile systems. With this pact, it also gains additional military support from Pakistan.
The Saudi-Pakistan mutual defence pact is more than just a military agreement—it symbolizes trust, brotherhood, and strategic partnership at a time of global uncertainty. For Pakistan, it reinforces its position as a vital regional power. For Saudi Arabia, it offers stronger defence cooperation with a nuclear-armed ally.
As the region continues to face conflicts and shifting alliances, this pact could become a cornerstone of security and stability in the Muslim world.