Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Renew Defence:
Urdu voice
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Renew Defence Cooperation: A Historic Shift in Regional Geopolitics
Introduction
The signing of a landmark defence cooperation agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has revived one of the most strategically important partnerships in the Muslim world. After several years of strained ties, both nations have chosen to return to their traditional alliance, signaling not only a diplomatic reset but also a new phase in regional security, defence, and economic cooperation.
This renewed relationship comes at a time of shifting power balances in the Middle East, South Asia, and the global order. For decades, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have shared cultural, religious, and strategic bonds, but political misalignments, economic challenges, and evolving alliances tested the resilience of their partnership.
Now, with the new defence pact, the two countries are set to deepen military collaboration, joint defence production, and regional security coordination, while also addressing broader economic and geopolitical challenges.
The Past Strains in Pakistan–Saudi Relations
The deterioration of ties between the two countries did not happen overnight. It stemmed from a series of political, military, and economic disagreements:
- Yemen Conflict: Saudi Arabia requested Pakistan’s military involvement in the Yemen war. Despite warm ties with King Salman, Pakistan’s parliament voted against sending troops, a decision that created resentment in Riyadh.
- Imran Khan and the New Bloc: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan sought closer cooperation with Iran, Turkiye, and Malaysia, an alignment that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) interpreted as a challenge to Saudi leadership in the Muslim world.
- Islamic NATO Concept: The idea of forming an “Islamic NATO” under Saudi leadership failed to materialize, largely because Pakistan and other partners were unwilling to commit troops or resources.
- Saudi-India Rapprochement: While relations with Pakistan were under stress, Saudi Arabia invested heavily in ties with India, focusing on trade, defence, and energy. This move deepened Pakistan’s insecurity, especially as India became an important partner in Riyadh’s Vision 2030 agenda.
Strategic Recalibration on Both Sides
During the years of strain, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan recalibrated their foreign policies:
- Saudi Arabia strengthened ties with India, the US, Russia, Turkiye, and even Iran. The 2023 announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), seen as a counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, excluded Pakistan altogether.
- Pakistan, isolated from Riyadh, sought alternative partners, deepening its reliance on China through CPEC, boosting relations with Turkiye and Azerbaijan, and reaching out to Central Asia for economic and defence cooperation.
This period showed that both nations could survive without each other—but neither could replace the strategic depth their partnership historically provided.
The New Defence Agreement
The recently signed Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Defence Cooperation Pact marks a historic reset. The most striking clause states:
“Any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”
This commitment echoes Article 5 of NATO and demonstrates a new level of seriousness in bilateral ties.
Key Features of the Agreement:
- Mutual Defence Clause: A pledge to defend each other against external aggression.
- Joint Training and Exercises: Expansion of military training programs and joint exercises to enhance combat readiness.
- Defence Production: Plans for joint manufacturing of military equipment, including drones, small arms, and technology-sharing.
- Counterterrorism Cooperation: Enhanced intelligence sharing and coordinated strategies against extremist threats.
- Strategic Communication: A structured mechanism for regular dialogue between military leadership.
Regional Implications of the Pact
1. For South Asia
The defence agreement holds strong implications for India-Pakistan relations. Many Pakistani analysts interpret the pact as a deterrent against Indian aggression. However, given Riyadh’s strong economic partnership with New Delhi, Saudi Arabia is unlikely to take sides in case of conflict. Instead, it may act as a mediator, as it did during the 2020 border crisis.
2. For the Middle East
Saudi Arabia faces threats from multiple directions — Yemen’s Houthi rebels, instability in the Gulf, and potential escalation with Israel. The pact with Pakistan provides Riyadh with a reliable security partner possessing a battle-hardened military and nuclear capabilities.
3. For Iran
In the past, the “Iran factor” created friction between Islamabad and Riyadh. But today, with Saudi-Iran ties normalized, the risk of confrontation is reduced. Pakistan now has greater flexibility to maintain balanced relations with both.
4. For the US and China
- The US sees Pakistan-Saudi cooperation through the lens of its regional alliances and counterterrorism goals.
- China welcomes the pact, as it strengthens Pakistan (a key BRI partner) and aligns with Beijing’s interest in stable Middle Eastern energy flows.
Economic Dimensions of the Relationship
While the defence pact dominates headlines, economic ties remain central to the partnership.
- Saudi Investments in Pakistan: Under Vision 2030, Riyadh plans large-scale investments in Pakistan’s energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors. Projects in Gwadar and special economic zones under CPEC are on the table.
- Pakistan’s Reliance on Saudi Oil: Pakistan continues to rely heavily on Saudi Arabia for energy imports. Riyadh’s deferred oil payments have often acted as a lifeline for Pakistan’s struggling economy.
- Remittances: Millions of Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia send home billions in remittances annually, making the Kingdom a vital economic partner.
For Pakistan, stabilizing ties with Riyadh is not just about defence—it is about ensuring financial survival and economic recovery.
Why the “Islamic Bloc” Remains a Myth
The renewed defence cooperation has sparked speculation about the revival of an “Islamic NATO” or pan-Islamic bloc. However, such ideas remain unrealistic for several reasons:
- Gulf monarchies prioritize national interests over ideological alliances.
- Muslim-majority countries like Iran, Turkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia often compete for leadership of the Ummah rather than cooperate.
- Past attempts at Islamic unity have failed due to political rivalries, sectarian divides, and lack of trust.
Thus, while rhetoric about Islamic solidarity may resurface, the real alliance is bilateral, rooted in defence, security, and economic needs.
Lessons for Pakistan
The renewed partnership offers hope, but it also provides hard lessons for Pakistan’s leadership:
- Economic Fragility is a Weakness
Time and again, Islamabad has relied on Riyadh for bailouts. Long-term friendship cannot be built on financial dependence alone. - Balance in Foreign Policy is Essential
Pakistan must balance its ties between Saudi Arabia, Iran, China, and the US, avoiding overdependence on any single ally. - Domestic Cohesion Matters
Without internal political stability and economic reforms, even the strongest alliances cannot protect Pakistan from crises.
The Road Ahead
The Pakistan–Saudi defence pact represents more than a diplomatic reset; it is a strategic declaration that the two nations are ready to face common threats together.
Looking forward, the partnership will likely expand in three key areas:
- Defence and Security: Joint military production, advanced training, and strategic intelligence cooperation.
- Economic Cooperation: Saudi investments in Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure sectors, with Riyadh playing a role in stabilizing Pakistan’s economy.
- Regional Stability: Coordinated policies on Middle Eastern crises, counterterrorism, and balancing ties with major powers.
Conclusion
The renewed Pakistan–Saudi Arabia defence cooperation agreement marks the beginning of a new era. While both nations tested alternative alliances in recent years, they have ultimately returned to their historic partnership, realizing that their futures are intertwined.
For Pakistan, this is both an opportunity and a responsibility. If the country can strengthen its economy, stabilize its politics, and diversify its partnerships, the defence pact with Saudi Arabia will not just be a short-term strategic arrangement, but a long-lasting pillar of regional security and economic growth.
