Pakistan And Saudi Arabia Sign Defence Pact Pledging Joint Response To Aggression

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday signed a “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” in Riyadh, pledging that any attack on either nation would be considered an act of aggression against both.

The two countries share a longstanding relationship rooted in military cooperation, economic partnership, and Islamic solidarity. Over the decades, Saudi Arabia has been a key source of financial assistance and energy supplies for Pakistan.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the agreement was signed during a meeting at Riyadh’s Yamama Palace. It noted that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an act of aggression against both.”

The statement added: “This agreement reflects the shared commitment of both nations to strengthen their security, promote peace in the region and beyond, expand defence cooperation, and build joint deterrence against any aggression.”

It further highlighted that the pact was based on a “historic partnership spanning nearly eight decades, grounded in brotherhood, Islamic solidarity, strategic interests, and close defence cooperation.”

During the meeting, both sides reviewed bilateral ties and discussed issues of mutual interest. Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their hospitality and conveyed best wishes for the health of King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the prosperity of the Saudi people.

The crown prince, in turn, extended warm wishes to the Pakistani premier and his delegation, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s goodwill toward Pakistan.

Earlier, Shehbaz was welcomed at the Yamama Palace with a guard of honour. His arrival in Riyadh was marked by a special gesture, as Saudi Air Force jets escorted his plane upon entering Saudi airspace — described by state media as a symbol of brotherly ties and respect.

The Prime Minister’s Office said the visit was made at the invitation of the crown prince and aimed to review the full spectrum of Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations. Both leaders were also expected to exchange views on regional and global developments.

The Foreign Office added that the trip would help formalize new areas of cooperation, reflecting the “shared commitment to further strengthen and deepen longstanding fraternal ties.”

Shehbaz was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Environment Minister Musadik Malik, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.

The agreement follows a series of high-level engagements between Islamabad and Riyadh. In July, President Asif Zardari met Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki to discuss boosting trade, economic, and cultural cooperation. In June, Shehbaz also met the crown prince during an official visit, where he thanked him for mediating to ease tensions between Pakistan and India in May.