Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Ties Amid Rising Tensions in West Asia
Pakistan's Defence Chief Visits Saudi Arabia
In light of increasing tensions in West Asia, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Defence Forces of Pakistan, made a trip to Saudi Arabia. During his visit, he met with Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman to discuss the current security landscape. Since the onset of the conflict involving Iran, leaders from both Islamabad and Riyadh have maintained communication. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reached out to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has engaged in multiple discussions with Saudi officials. Dar also communicated with the Iranian foreign minister, urging restraint and discouraging any attacks on Saudi Arabia. Notably, a defence agreement was established last year between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, stipulating that an attack on one would be regarded as an attack on both.
Focus on Regional Security
Asim Munir Meets Saudi's Defence Minister
In a statement shared on social media, Prince Khalid bin Salman emphasized that their discussions centered on strategies to mitigate attacks that threaten regional security and stability. He expressed hope that Iran would act with wisdom and avoid miscalculations. The talks included the Iranian assaults on Saudi territory, framed within the context of their mutual defence agreement, aiming to halt these aggressions.
Defence Pact Under Scrutiny Amidst Crisis
Pak-Saudi Defence Pact in Focus Amid West Asia Crisis
Amidst the ongoing crisis, questions have arisen regarding whether Pakistan would support Saudi Arabia in the event of a formal conflict with Iran, and conversely, if Saudi Arabia would assist Pakistan in its ongoing challenges with the Taliban in Afghanistan. The mutual defence pact signed last year obligates both nations to defend each other against third-party attacks.
Current Military Engagements
Pakistan Faces Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia Repels Iranian Drones
This meeting occurs as Saudi Arabia faces drone and missile attacks from Iran, which escalated following coordinated strikes by the US and Israel. The Saudi Ministry of Defence reported that four drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Empty Quarter desert area as they approached the Shaybah Field. Additionally, a ballistic missile targeting the Prince Sultan Air Base was also intercepted and neutralized. Meanwhile, Pakistan is engaged in what Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described as an 'open war' with Afghanistan.