Pakistan, Saudi Arabia formalise military cooperation in landmark pact

Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan signed a formal mutual defence agreement on September 17, marking a significant step in a decades-long security partnership amid growing regional uncertainties.

The pact strengthens defence ties as Gulf Arab states increasingly question the reliability of the United States as their longstanding security guarantor, a concern intensified by Israel’s recent airstrikes on Qatar.

A senior Saudi official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, described the agreement as “the culmination of years of discussions” and emphasised that it is “not a response to specific countries or specific events but an institutionalisation of longstanding and deep cooperation between our two countries.”

The deal comes in the wake of Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas political leaders in Doha, where they were reportedly discussing a ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar. The attacks sparked anger across Arab nations.

Analysts say the pact could alter the strategic balance in a complex region where Gulf monarchies, traditionally U.S. allies, have sought to stabilise relations with both Iran and Israel. Recent developments, including the Gaza war, have disrupted regional stability, with Qatar experiencing direct strikes twice in the past year—once by Iran and once by Israel.

The agreement follows Pakistan’s brief military conflict with rival India in May. India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesman, Randhir Jaiswal, said in a post on X on September 18 that New Delhi is aware of the pact and will study its implications for India’s security and regional stability.

The Saudi official stressed that Riyadh also seeks to maintain balanced relations with India, noting, “Our relationship with India is more robust than it has ever been. We will continue to grow this relationship and seek to contribute to regional peace in whichever way we can.”

Asked whether the pact obliges Pakistan to provide a nuclear umbrella to Saudi Arabia, the official said: “This is a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means.”

State television in Pakistan showed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler, embracing after signing the agreement. Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, widely regarded as the country’s most powerful figure, was also present.

In a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the agreement was described as reflecting “the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieve security and peace in the region and the world.” The pact aims to deepen defence cooperation and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression, declaring that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”

By Tamilla Hasanova