Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan are deepening their long-standing security ties in the wake of Israel’s strike on Qatar
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on Wednesday signed a landmark Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, reinforcing their long-standing military and security ties.
The pact, inked during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh, declares that an attack on either nation will be treated as an attack on both. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Sharif embraced after the signing ceremony.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the accord is designed to expand defense cooperation and strengthen joint deterrence against external threats.
The development comes amid rising regional tensions following Israel’s strike on Qatar and questions among Gulf states over Washington’s reliability as a security guarantor.
The deal also follows a deadly four-day conflict between Pakistan and India in May, which left at least 70 people dead. Riyadh was reportedly active in mediating de-escalation between the nuclear-armed rivals.
Saudi Arabia remains India’s third-largest oil supplier, while Pakistan maintains strong economic and social ties with the kingdom, with an estimated 2.5 million of its citizens living and working there.
Analysts say the agreement could reshape South Asia and Middle East security dynamics, reflecting Riyadh’s growing push for regional defense partnerships.
