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By Ahsan Ansari
On September 17, 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a historic defense agreement in Riyadh. In the presence of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this pact marked the beginning of a new era in bilateral relations. The core clause of the agreement states that any attack on one country will be considered an attack on the other, and both nations will jointly respond to it. This accord, named the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, institutionalizes and formalizes the longstanding defense cooperation between the two allies.
The relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has always been characterized by closeness and trust. For decades, Pakistani military officers and experts have contributed to the training and advisory roles of Saudi armed forces. Historically, Pakistan has prioritized Saudi security, especially in relation to the protection of the holy sites. Under the new agreement, Pakistan has now become an official partner in the protection of the Haramain Sharifain, adding a deeper spiritual dimension to bilateral ties.
The background of this pact lies in the growing uncertainty across the Middle East and South Asia. Recent Israeli strikes in the Gulf region, Iran’s advancing nuclear program, conflicts in Yemen and Syria, and shifting power balances in the region have compelled both Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to strengthen their defense ties. Traditionally, Saudi Arabia viewed the United States as its primary security guarantor. However, changing global politics have pushed Riyadh to seek alternative arrangements and regional alliances. In this context, Pakistan became a natural choice due to its nuclear capability, military expertise, and regional influence.
According to the provisions of the agreement, both countries are committed to deploying all possible defense resources. This means not only conventional military cooperation but also intelligence sharing, joint exercises, and potentially extending to a nuclear deterrence umbrella. The most critical point is that both nations will defend each other—if one is attacked, the other will consider it a responsibility to retaliate. While the treaty does not explicitly mention nuclear weapons, international media and analysts suggest that an element of “nuclear deterrence” is tacitly embedded in the agreement. This subtle aspect is what gives the pact significant weight at the global level.
The agreement has sparked new debates in the region. India promptly reacted by stating that it would carefully evaluate the implications of this development. For Iran and Israel, the agreement is troubling as it directly affects their strategic interests. The United States and Western countries are also cautious, interpreting it as a sign of Saudi Arabia’s growing strategic autonomy. The accord conveys the impression that Gulf states are no longer solely dependent on Western powers for security but are also seeking guarantees within the region.
For Pakistan, this is a major diplomatic and defense achievement, though not without challenges. Should Saudi Arabia face an attack, Pakistan would bear the responsibility of deploying its military forces. This could have deep repercussions on Pakistan’s economy, military capacity, and domestic politics. Already engaged in counterterrorism campaigns and managing tensions on its eastern border, Pakistan’s assumption of added responsibility in the Gulf would be a serious test. However, in return, Islamabad is likely to gain substantial benefits in the form of Saudi investment, energy cooperation, and diplomatic support.
For Saudi Arabia, the agreement carries immense importance as well. In the past, during crises, Riyadh turned to the U.S. or Western allies. Now, however, it is making a nuclear-armed country its defense guarantor. This not only strengthens its own position but also sends a strong message to other regional players that Saudi Arabia is exploring new avenues for ensuring its security. At the same time, the Saudi leadership will need to balance its ties with countries like India to ensure that the pact does not negatively affect trade or diplomatic relations.
Many experts are likening this agreement to NATO’s Article Five, which declares that an attack on one member is an attack on all. For Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, this treaty is based on the same principle. However, practical implementation will require further measures. Joint military exercises, integration of command-and-control systems, and development of defense infrastructure will be necessary to ensure swift and effective responses in line with the spirit of the agreement.
The Strategic Defense Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is a landmark geopolitical development. It has brought the two nations closer and shifted the regional balance of power. The accord sends a strong message to adversaries that any aggression will now be met with a collective response. Most importantly, Pakistan is now an official partner in the protection of the Haramain Sharifain, and both countries stand as guarantors of each other’s defense. Yet, its true success will depend on how effectively both nations fulfill its practical requirements and adapt their strategies to the region’s ever-changing landscape.
(The writer can be reached at Email. aahsan210@gmail.com)
