Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a landmark mutual defence pact, declaring that any attack on one will be treated as an attack on both.
The agreement marks a major step in a decades-long security partnership between the two nations.
A joint statement noted that the agreement reflects both nations’ shared commitment to enhancing their security and achieving peace in the region and globally. It explained that the pact aims to expand defense cooperation and reinforce joint deterrence against any form of aggression, emphasizing that an attack on either country would be regarded as an attack on both.
The deal builds on the “historic partnership” between Riyadh and Islamabad, and highlights their “shared strategic interests and close defence cooperation.”
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met in Riyadh on Wednesday to formalise the pact. They discussed strengthening their strategic partnership across multiple fields and exchanged views on regional and international developments. Efforts to achieve “security and stability” were also emphasised. Sharif is currently on a state visit to Saudi Arabia.
A senior Saudi official said the agreement “is a culmination of years of discussions.” He said it was not a response to specific countries or events, but an institutionalisation of longstanding cooperation. Describing it as a “comprehensive defensive agreement,” he added that it encompassed “all military means.” When asked if this included Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, the official declined to elaborate.
The pact comes just two days after an extraordinary joint session of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in response to Israel’s September 9 attack on Doha, the Qatari capital. The strike targeted Hamas leaders who had gathered to discuss a US-backed ceasefire proposal. Arab and Islamic nations strongly condemned the assault.
The Saudi official clarified that Riyadh’s relationship with nuclear-armed India remains strong despite the pact with Pakistan, stressing that ties with New Delhi are more robust than ever and will continue to grow as part of efforts to contribute to regional peace.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have long-standing military cooperation. Since 1967, more than 8,200 Saudi armed forces personnel have been trained by Pakistan, and the two sides have conducted multiple joint exercises.