Pakistan and Saudi Arabia sign defense pact, vow joint response to aggression
Pact builds on nearly eight decades of ties rooted in Islamic solidarity, shared strategic interests and defense collaboration
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday signed a landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in Riyadh, pledging that any attack on either nation would be considered an attack on both.
The agreement, signed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Yamama Palace, formalizes decades of close military and political cooperation between the two allies.
A statement from the prime minister’s office described the accord as a commitment “to enhance security and to achieve peace in the region and the world,” noting that it strengthens joint deterrence against external threats.
The pact builds on nearly eight decades of ties rooted in Islamic solidarity, shared strategic interests and defense collaboration. Riyadh has long been a vital source of financial support and oil for Islamabad, while Pakistani military personnel have historically trained and served alongside Saudi forces.
“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to defend one another and to uphold stability across the Muslim world,” the statement said.
During his visit, Sharif held detailed talks with the crown prince, reviewing bilateral ties and discussing regional and global developments. He expressed gratitude for what he called the “warm welcome and generous hospitality” extended to his delegation, and conveyed best wishes for the health of King Salman and the prosperity of the Saudi people.
The crown prince, in turn, offered assurances of continued support and goodwill toward Pakistan.
Earlier, Sharif was escorted by Saudi Air Force jets upon entering the kingdom’s airspace—a gesture described by Pakistani state media as a sign of “brotherly respect.” Upon landing, he was received by Riyadh’s deputy governor Muhammad bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz and later honored with a guard of ceremony.
Broader implications
The Pakistani delegation included Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and other senior officials.
According to the Foreign Office, discussions also covered economic cooperation, investment, and regional security, with both sides seeking to expand collaboration in trade and development.
The deal comes at a time when Pakistan continues to navigate economic headwinds and shifting alliances in the Gulf region. For Saudi Arabia, the agreement underscores its push to reinforce regional partnerships amid ongoing security challenges in the Middle East.
By elevating their security commitments to a treaty level, Islamabad and Riyadh have signaled not only the durability of their alliance but also their readiness to deter potential threats collectively—a development likely to draw close attention in the region and beyond.
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