Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Sign Strategic Defense Agreement Amid Regional Tensions
Overview of the Defense Agreement
On September 17, 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia formalized a defense agreement, 132 days after Operation Sindoor. This pact stipulates that an attack on one nation will be interpreted as an attack on the other. The involvement of Iran in this arrangement became evident, indicating that Islamabad is now entangled in the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. The agreement has already cost the lives of 400 Afghans, highlighting the dire consequences of this alliance. Despite the agreement, it is clear that Saudi Arabia will not directly engage in any conflict involving Pakistan; rather, it is primarily interested in leveraging Pakistan's military as a proxy force and its nuclear deterrent, while also dictating terms through substantial loans.
Pakistan's Role in the Middle East
Domestically, this agreement serves to assure a nation housing two of Islam's holiest sites—Mecca and Medina—of Pakistan's nuclear security. However, this guarantee has positioned Pakistan prominently within the Middle Eastern context. Saudi Arabia, a Sunni-majority nation, stands as a fierce rival to Iran, which is a bastion of Shia power. Italian journalist Francesca Marino reported on March 16 that Field Marshal Asim Munir informed Mohammed bin Salman that Pakistani forces are heavily engaged in Afghanistan, leaving no resources to send to Saudi Arabia. Sources suggest that MBS has become aware of Pakistan's strategic maneuvers to avoid sending military resources across the Afghan border.
Pakistan's Evasive Responses
Iran has targeted key locations in Saudi Arabia, including the Sultan Air Base and the U.S. embassy in Riyadh. On March 7, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met with Pakistan's military chief, Syed Asim Munir, in Riyadh. Subsequently, on March 12, Sharif and Munir met with bin Salman in Jeddah, where Sharif assured Riyadh of 'full solidarity and support.' The situation was critical, necessitating assurances and additional support from Saudi Arabia. Following the meeting, Pakistan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Farooq, stated that Pakistan has always maintained a principled stance in its foreign policy, pledging support whenever Saudi Arabia's sovereignty is threatened.
MBS's Frustration with Pakistan
These discussions regarding troop and weapon deployment arise amidst Iranian missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations. Riyadh expects consistency between words and actions from Munir and Sharif, but this could lead to domestic challenges for both leaders. Former Afghan ambassador to Germany, Hamad Sidiq, noted on March 15 that MBS has summoned both Sharif and Munir multiple times, urging compliance with the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA). MBS is reportedly frustrated with Pakistan's repeated non-compliance with the SMDA, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, when attacks on Iran by the U.S. and Israel have exacerbated sectarian tensions.
NATO-like Agreement Between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan
The defense agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan resembles NATO's mutual defense clause, asserting that an attack on one will be viewed as an attack on the other. While this agreement is portrayed as a culmination of the long-standing relationship between the two nations, both parties claim that discussions regarding this military pact have been ongoing for some time. They emphasize that the deal was not made with any third country in mind.