Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Sign Landmark Mutual Defence Pact Amid Rising Regional Tensions:

Riyadh, September 18, 2025 — In a significant development that marks a deepening of strategic ties between two long-time allies, Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan have signed a comprehensive mutual defence pact, formalizing decades of security cooperation and reinforcing their joint commitment to regional peace and stability. The agreement was signed in Riyadh during a high-level meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is currently on a state visit to the Kingdom. According to a joint statement released by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) and Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the pact underscores a shared resolve to deter external aggression and foster joint defense collaboration. “Any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both,” the statement emphasized, pointing to the pact’s central tenet of collective defense. Strengthening a "Historic Partnership" Officials from both sides have described the pact as a natural progression of a "historic and strategic partnership" rooted in shared values, regional interests, and decades of military cooperation. Since 1967, over 8,200 Saudi military personnel have been trained by Pakistan, and the two nations have conducted multiple joint exercises to build interoperability between their forces. “This agreement is a culmination of years of discussion. It’s not a response to any specific country or event,” a senior Saudi official told Reuters on condition of anonymity. “Rather, it’s about institutionalizing a longstanding partnership and ensuring our collective security.” When asked whether the pact includes a clause on the potential use of Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, the official responded, “This is a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means.” Regional Context: A New Security Order? The timing of the pact is notable. Just two days prior, an extraordinary joint session of the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was convened in response to Israel’s September 9 attack on Doha, which reportedly targeted members of Hamas' political leadership during a ceasefire negotiation. The move by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is likely to be viewed as a significant recalibration of regional defense dynamics amid growing instability in the Middle East. It also sends a message of unity and preparedness among Muslim-majority nations. “This pact is a strong message of solidarity at a time when the region is facing numerous threats,” a Pakistani defense analyst told local media. Balancing Ties with India Interestingly, the Saudi official clarified that Riyadh’s growing defense ties with Islamabad would not come at the expense of its strategic partnership with India, Pakistan’s traditional rival. “Our relationship with India is more robust than it has ever been. We will continue to grow that relationship while also contributing to peace in the region,” the official stated. India and Pakistan recently experienced heightened tensions following a brief border conflict in May. Despite this, both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan insist the agreement is defensive in nature and aimed at ensuring stability, not escalating conflict. A New Era of Cooperation The pact is expected to cover a broad spectrum of defense-related activities, including intelligence sharing, joint training programs, arms development, and enhanced military coordination. Analysts believe this may also pave the way for greater cooperation in cybersecurity and counterterrorism operations, key areas of concern for both nations. Prime Minister Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also discussed expanding cooperation in other sectors, including trade, energy, and infrastructure. As global attention shifts to evolving alliances in the Middle East and South Asia, the Saudi-Pakistan defense pact is likely to be seen as a cornerstone of a new regional security architecture — one that reflects the shifting geopolitical realities of 2025.

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