Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark defense cooperation agreement, a move that is being seen as one of the most significant geopolitical developments in recent years. The pact covers areas such as military training, intelligence sharing, and broader strategic coordination, highlighting the depth of ties between the two countries. For decades, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained close political, economic, and defense relations. However, this agreement goes further, creating new opportunities for cooperation while also raising questions about the future of regional alliances.
According to Al-Jazeera, South Asia expert Muhammad Faisal described the agreement as a model for the region, adding that the United Arab Emirates and Qatar may also pursue bilateral defense cooperation with Pakistan. In Washington, concerns are rising. U.S.-based security analyst Sahar Khan told Al-Jazeera that many policymakers are likely to raise eyebrows, noting that Pakistan has long faced skepticism over its missile capabilities and global image, and this pact will not ease those concerns.
Al-Jazeera also reported the views of Dr. Asfandyar Mir from the Stimson Center, who described the deal as a test of balance for both Islamabad and Riyadh. He argued that Pakistan risks becoming further entangled in Saudi Arabia’s rivalries, particularly with Iran, while Saudi Arabia now shares responsibility for Pakistan’s disputes, especially with India and the Taliban-led Afghanistan.
According to the BBC, Velina Tchakarova, Director of the Austrian Institute for Europe and Security Policy, called the pact an unexpected and shocking geopolitical development. She noted that Saudi Arabia may no longer feel secure under U.S. nuclear protection, and that both the Middle East and South Asia are entering a new geopolitical reality. The BBC also highlighted the view of Saudi researcher Mubarak Al-Ati, who linked the agreement to rising Israeli actions in the region and Qatar’s sense of betrayal by the United States.
Bloomberg reported that the Saudi Fund for Development plans to invest billions of dollars in Pakistan’s mineral and petroleum sectors, while Saudi Arabia is also considering raising its deposits in Pakistan’s central bank to USD 2 billion. The BBC confirmed that economic cooperation is an important dimension of this pact.
The Pakistan–Saudi Arabia defense pact represents more than just a military agreement. It signals a strategic shift with political, economic, and regional consequences. While some see it as a chance to strengthen cooperation and attract investment, others warn that it could drag both countries into complex rivalries. What remains clear is that this deal has reshaped the geopolitical conversation in South Asia and the Middle East, setting the stage for new alliances, economic opportunities, and potentially, new challenges.