Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Sign Historic Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, pledging to strengthen military cooperation and affirming that any act of aggression against one country will be treated as an attack on both.
The landmark accord was concluded during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh, where he was received with full honors by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace. The agreement, described as “historic and unprecedented,” elevates the two nations’ partnership into a formal security commitment.
“Building on a partnership extending nearly eight decades, and grounded in bonds of brotherhood, Islamic solidarity, and shared strategic interests, the two sides signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement,” a joint statement declared. The pact aims to deepen bilateral defence cooperation, enhance joint deterrence, and contribute to regional and global peace.
Analysts noted that unlike Pakistan’s previous defence alignments, this pact is unique for its binding clause: any aggression against one state will be regarded as aggression against both. Experts said the move underscores Saudi Arabia’s trust in Pakistan as its most capable and reliable partner at a time of rising regional tensions.
The signing comes days after Israel launched a strike toward Qatar, targeting Hamas leaders in Doha — an action that provoked outrage across the Muslim world. Observers linked the timing of the agreement to escalating instability, recent summits in the Arab world, and shared concerns about sovereignty and unilateral aggression.
During his visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the warm reception and generous hospitality, extending best wishes to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and the Saudi leadership. King Salman, in turn, conveyed his goodwill for the people of Pakistan.
Shehbaz was accompanied by senior officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
The visit was marked by high ceremonial honors. As the prime minister’s aircraft entered Saudi airspace, Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 jets escorted the plane. Upon landing at King Khalid Airport in Riyadh, Shehbaz received a 21-gun salute and a guard of honor from Saudi armed forces. The capital was adorned with Pakistani flags along his motorcade route.
Officials and analysts alike described the pact as a major milestone that not only cements Pakistan–Saudi defence relations but also strengthens collective security in South Asia and the Islamic world.
