‘Attack on One, Attack on Both’: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Cement Historic Defence Pact

In a landmark move reshaping regional security dynamics, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement,” pledging mutual defense in case of aggression against either nation. The historic pact, signed on Wednesday during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Riyadh, marks a formal transformation of decades-long military cooperation into a binding security alliance.

A New Era of Strategic Alliance

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, flanked by senior military officials, signed the agreement in Riyadh, reaffirming their nations’ deep-rooted ties and shared commitment to regional peace and stability. The agreement was hailed as “historic and strategic” by Sharif’s office, reinforcing the significance of the visit.

The official joint statement read: “Any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.” This bold declaration now places the Pakistan-Saudi relationship in the same league as other high-level global defense alliances.

Why This Pact Matters

This defense pact emerges at a critical moment. The Middle East is grappling with ongoing tensions, while South Asia remains volatile, especially with the complex and often confrontational relationship between Pakistan and India.

Observers see this move as more than symbolic. It positions Saudi Arabia as a steadfast ally of Pakistan at a time when regional power balances are shifting. It also reinforces the geostrategic alignment between the two nations, potentially affecting how regional players like Iran, and global superpowers like the US, China, and Russia, engage with both countries going forward.

Dr. Jamal Al Harbi, media attaché at the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad, noted that this pact could serve as a strategic deterrent. He wrote in Arab News that it might “heighten India’s caution” in its dealings with Pakistan and influence Gulf dynamics by altering Iran’s calculus.

A Future Built on Unity and Strength

While the implementation specifics remain under wraps, the intent is clear: both nations are ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder against any threat, solidifying a partnership that has long been rooted in shared values, religious bonds, and strategic interests.