Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Sign Landmark Mutual Defence Pact: A New Era of Strategic Alliance
Riyadh/Islamabad – September 17, 2025:
In a historic development, Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan have signed a mutual defence agreement, pledging that any attack on one country will be considered an attack on both. The landmark pact reflects decades of close military ties and signals a deeper strategic alignment between the two brotherly nations.
Strengthening a Longstanding Partnership
The agreement was finalized during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Riyadh, where he was warmly received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding regional peace and enhancing defence cooperation.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the pact aims to boost joint deterrence, expand military collaboration, and institutionalize bilateral security arrangements. The statement emphasized that the pact was rooted in “historic partnership, shared strategic interests, and long-standing defence cooperation.”
What the Pact Means for Regional Security
A senior Saudi official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the deal is a comprehensive defensive arrangement covering all military branches. While refusing to disclose operational details, the official hinted that the agreement includes “all available means of defence,” underscoring its wide-ranging nature.
The official clarified that this pact is not directed against any specific country but rather serves as a long-term framework for security and stability. He also stressed that Riyadh’s growing relations with India remain unaffected, describing them as “stronger than ever.”
Timing Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
The defence pact was signed just days after the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened an emergency session in response to Israel’s strike on Doha on September 9. The attack, which targeted members of Hamas leadership, drew widespread condemnation from Arab and Islamic nations.
In this context, the Pakistan-Saudi pact is being seen by analysts as a message of solidarity and collective strength within the Muslim world, highlighting the need for stronger security alliances.
Decades of Military Cooperation
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have enjoyed deep-rooted military ties for more than five decades. Since 1967, Pakistan has trained over 8,200 Saudi officers, while the two nations have held numerous joint military drills.
The latest agreement takes that cooperation to a new level, providing a formal security guarantee between Islamabad and Riyadh. Analysts believe the move could reshape the balance of power in the region, particularly as both nations face complex geopolitical challenges.
A Historic Step Forward
For Pakistan, the pact not only strengthens its security umbrella but also reinforces its strategic importance in the Muslim world. For Saudi Arabia, the deal enhances deterrence while ensuring stronger backing from a nuclear-armed ally.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the agreement as a “defining moment” in Pakistan-Saudi relations, while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called it a “new chapter of unity, security, and cooperation.”