A day after Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed gratitude for the “heart-warming welcome” he received in Riyadh and shared that his talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman focused on regional challenges and boosting bilateral cooperation.
During his day-long visit, PM Shehbaz and the Saudi crown prince signed the pact at Al-Yamamah Palace. In a post on X, the premier praised the unprecedented reception, from Royal Saudi Air Force escorts to a ceremonial guard of honour, calling it a symbol of “abiding love and mutual respect” between the two nations.
He described his discussions with Prince Mohammed as “most cordial,” covering security issues, regional stability, and expanding Saudi investments, trade, and business ties. Praising the crown prince’s leadership, he voiced hope that Pakistan–Saudi relations would “continue to flourish and reach new heights.”
The Defence Pact:
The new agreement, considered the most significant upgrade in decades, commits both nations to enhanced defence cooperation and joint deterrence. Notably, it declares that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”
Analysts view the accord as a de facto joint defensive umbrella, especially against regional instability, including threats from Iran, Houthi militias, and escalating tensions following Israel’s recent attack on Qatar.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s defence ties date back to the 1960s and were formalised through the 1982 Bilateral Security Cooperation Agreement, which enabled Pakistani troop deployments and training missions in the kingdom. The latest pact strengthens this legacy, aligning Pakistan more closely with the Gulf’s evolving security framework while offering Islamabad both strategic leverage and much-needed economic support.
