RIYADH: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday formalised a landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, pledging to treat any aggression against one country as aggression against both.
The pact was signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh, where he was received by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace.
“Building on a partnership extending nearly eight decades, and grounded in bonds of brotherhood, Islamic solidarity and shared strategic interests, the two sides signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement,” the joint statement said.
The pact reflects a joint commitment to enhance bilateral security ties and contribute to regional and global peace, the statement said. It aims to develop defence cooperation further and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. Crucially, the agreement stipulates that any aggression against one country shall be considered aggression against both.
The agreement has been signed days after Israel launched a strike towards Qatar, targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, a move that sparked outrage among Muslim nations and world leaders alike.
Experts have described the agreement as a "historic and unprecedented development", elevating bilateral ties into a formal security commitment. They noted that while Pakistan has previously joined various defence pacts, this accord stands out for its binding clause that treats any aggression against either country as an attack on both.
The move, they argued, not only strengthens Pakistan–Saudi relations but also carries wider significance for South Asia and the Islamic world, positioning Pakistan as the most capable Muslim power to safeguard regional stability.
Analysts linked the timing of the agreement to recent regional turbulence, including Israeli strikes, the Doha summit, and heightened concerns across the Arab world about sovereignty and unilateral aggression. They said the pact underscores Saudi Arabia’s trust in Pakistan as its most reliable partner at a moment of escalating threats.
PM Shehbaz expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Saudi crown prince for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to him and his accompanying delegation.
He also conveyed his best wishes for the continued well-being of the custodian of the two holy mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and the crown prince and the he continued progress and prosperity, for the brotherly people of the Kingdom, read the statement.
The Saudi king also extended his warm wishes for the well-being of PM Shehbaz and for further progress and prosperity for the brotherly people of Pakistan.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb were among the attendees of the meeting.
The premier arrived in Riyadh on a state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the Saudi crown prince.
As the prime minister’s special aircraft entered the Saudi airspace, the F-15 jets of Royal Saudi Air Force escorted as gesture of warm welcome.
Later, as the plane landed at King Khalid Airport, Riyadh, a 21-gun salute boomed in the background to herald his arrival which followed the salute by the smartly turned-out contingents of Saudi armed forces.
The PM was warmly received by Deputy Governor of Riyadh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, while Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki, Pakistani Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq and senior diplomatic officials were also present.
The green crescent flags of Pakistan were fluttering throughout the city along the motorcade of the prime minister.
Earlier, as the Saudi jets escorted the prime minister’s plane, he spoke onboard the special flight to express gratitude to the crown prince and King Salman for the gracious aerial welcome.