Riyadh/Islamabad, September 18, 2025: In a landmark development, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Thursday signed a historic Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, marking the deepest level of security partnership in the history of their bilateral relations.
The pact was formally signed by the heads of both brotherly nations, underscoring its revolutionary significance in strengthening defense ties. According to official statements, the agreement elevates Pakistan as a partner in the defense of the Two Holy Mosques, with Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, credited for playing a key role in finalizing the deal.
Under the provisions of the agreement, any external armed attack on one country will be considered an attack on both, thereby establishing a joint defense framework. The pact aims to enhance defense preparedness, integrate military capabilities, and address current and future security threats to ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both states.
For decades, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained close defense cooperation through joint military training, multilateral exercises, and defense-industrial collaboration. This agreement formalizes and deepens that partnership, extending it to comprehensive joint defense.
A senior Saudi official, speaking to a British news agency, clarified that the pact was not a reaction to any specific incident but rather a reflection of long-term cooperation. He described it as a comprehensive defense agreement that encompasses all military resources of both nations and reflects their enduring strategic partnership.
The signing of the agreement also serves broader goals of promoting peace and contributing to regional and global security, while offering mutual benefits in security, diplomacy, and economic stability.
On the sidelines of the agreement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace. Upon arrival, the Pakistani premier was accorded royal protocol, welcomed by a cavalry parade, and presented with a guard of honor by the Saudi armed forces.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Climate Change Minister Dr. Musadik Malik, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi.
Both leaders reviewed bilateral ties and discussed key regional and international matters of mutual concern, reaffirming their commitment to closer cooperation in all fields.
