Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Reaffirm Commitment to Deepening Defence Partnership
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to expanding its defence and security cooperation with Saudi Arabia, stressing enhanced joint training, military exercises and expertise-sharing as key pillars of future engagement.
The assurance came during a meeting with Saudi Chief of General Staff (CGS) General Fayyadh Bin Hameed Al Rowaili at the PM House in Islamabad. Welcoming the visiting delegation, the prime minister underscored Pakistan’s determination to elevate its long-standing partnership with Riyadh, which he described as anchored in mutual trust and shared regional objectives.
PM Praises Strategic Defence Pact with Riyadh
Shehbaz Sharif hailed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) — signed in September — as a historic achievement in bilateral ties, saying it reflects the two nations’ united stance against terrorism and extremism. The agreement stipulates that an attack on either country would be treated as aggression against both.
General Al Rowaili conveyed warm greetings from the Saudi leadership and reaffirmed Riyadh’s intention to intensify defence and strategic collaboration with Islamabad.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and senior officials from both governments attended the meeting.
Saudi CGS, COAS Munir Discuss Strategic Military Cooperation
Earlier in the day, the Saudi CGS held discussions with Field Marshal Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), both commanders focused on expanding strategic military cooperation, strengthening defence ties and bolstering counterterrorism coordination.
General Al Rowaili praised Pakistan’s support to the Saudi Armed Forces across various domains and expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to grow.
Before the meeting, the visiting Saudi general laid a wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada and received a guard of honour upon arrival at GHQ.
Defence Pact Seen as Catalyst for Broader Muslim-World Alliance
The September signing of the SMDA — witnessed by Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh — has been described by Islamabad as a turning point. Speaking in the National Assembly on October 3, Ishaq Dar said the pact had generated interest among several Arab and Muslim nations and could potentially evolve into an “Eastern NATO” if more states join.
Dar added that Pakistan’s leadership role among the 57 Muslim-majority nations would strengthen as defence cooperation continues to expand.
