Highlights
- Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a mutual defense agreement.
- The pact strengthens decades of security partnership between the two countries.
- Any attack on one country will be considered an attack on the other.
- Both leaders discussed expanding cooperation in defense, security, and regional stability.
- The agreement comes shortly after Arab and Islamic states condemned an Israeli attack in Doha.
The Signing of the Defence Pact
On Wednesday, 17 September 2025, Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan signed a mutual defence agreement, marking a significant step in their decades-long security relationship.
According to state media from both countries, the agreement aims to enhance cooperation and ensure peace and security in the region.
A joint statement declared:
“The goal of this agreement is to ensure security and peace and to further improve defence cooperation. It will establish joint deterrence between both countries. An attack on one country will be considered an attack on the other.”
Leaders’ Meeting in Riyadh
The signing took place during a meeting in Riyadh between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia.
During the talks, the two leaders discussed how to strengthen their brotherly partnership in various areas, including defence, security, and regional stability.
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The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that they also exchanged views on regional and international issues, mutual interests, and efforts to establish peace and stability.
Statement from a Senior Saudi Official
A senior Saudi official, speaking about the agreement, clarified its purpose:
“This agreement is the result of many years of discussions. It is not a reaction to any specific country or incident. Rather, it gives an institutional form to the long-lasting and deep cooperation between our two countries.”
When asked whether the deal includes Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, the official, who preferred not to be named, responded:
“This is a defence agreement that includes all types of military capabilities.”
Timing of the Agreement
The agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan comes just two days after the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held an emergency meeting in Doha, Qatar, to respond to an Israeli attack.
On 9 September, Hamas political leaders were holding talks in Doha about a possible U.S.-mediated ceasefire when the attack occurred. The incident drew strong condemnation from Arab and Islamic nations.
Source: TBS
