The strategic clarity of the Pakistan-Saudi embrace

The last week has resulted in particularly important and intense interactions for trusted allies Pakistan and Saudi Arabia at a significant geostrategic moment for the Middle East and South Asia.   

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been close military and political allies, bound by history, faith and shared regional interests. However, the last two months— particularly after the signing of the Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) in September— have pushed this partnership into a far more accelerated and structured phase. What was once a “deep bond” is now being actively translated into enhanced military cooperation, sustained diplomatic engagement, and a clear upsurge in economic and investment collaboration. This is no ordinary period in bilateral ties; it represents intensified cooperation triggered by both countries’ reassessment of their security needs.

The geopolitical moment driving this shift is extraordinary. The Gaza genocide and Israel’s relentless assault on Palestinian civilians has reshaped the political calculus of many regional actors. This was followed by Israeli strikes on Iran and later Qatar. These developments have intersected with South Asia’s own volatility, especially May’s India-Pakistan war.

This heightened Pakistan-Saudi coordination has played out across almost every major Muslim and Arab platform where the Palestinian question, the Trump plan, ceasefire, end to Israeli occupation and massive reconstruction and rehabilitation have been discussed and advocated. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have worked together in OIC summits, Arab–Islamic ministerial conferences, and broader multilateral consultations. Both remained engaged with the Trump plan but continue to emphasize that any political framework must prioritize justice, accountability, and a credible path to Palestinian self-determination. Their coordinated efforts contributed, though only partially, influencing Security Council Resolution 2803, which incorporates mechanisms for UN oversight over a proposed international stabilization force. Crucially, this force is expected to include contributions from Muslim countries such as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, but not without clarifying its non-combative mandate in Gaza.

Pakistan’s investor-friendly eco-system which is still a work-in-progress, is a critical enabler for Pakistan’s private sector scaled-up presence in Saudi Arabia’s expanding economy. 

-Nasim Zehra

 

A particularly significant political development also unfolded in Washington this month. As widely quoted in Saudi media, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman emphasized that normalization of ties with Israel would not proceed until a credible roadmap toward a two-state solution for Palestinian statehood was agreed. This position is closely aligned with the popular sentiment across the Muslim world and resonates strongly with Pakistan’s consistent stance on justice for Palestinians.

While diplomatic alignment has deepened, it is in the military domain that the impact of the September agreement is most visible. The SMDA has marked the launch of an implementation phase that has moved with exceptional speed. In just the last week, Pakistan–Saudi military engagement has intensified sharply. Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan army chief and now also Chief of Defense Forces, visited Saudi Arabia for detailed discussions on operationalizing the treaty and finalizing an action-oriented roadmap. At the same time, Pakistan’s recently retired Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Shamshad Sahir, was also in Riyadh for follow-up engagements, underscoring both continuity and momentum.

In a simultaneous move Saudi Chief of General Staff, General Fayyadh bin Hameed Al-Rowaili, arrived in Pakistan. In his meeting with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and top military command, he shared Riyadh’s plan to significantly elevate defense ties through systematic operational cooperation. Specific operational linkages, beyond the existing, covering joint training schedules, counter-terror protocols, enhanced intelligence coordination, and forward planning for potential region-wide contingencies, were planned between the two top military commands.

Matching these talks were practical steps. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia concluded Al-Battar II, a significant counter-terrorism exercise conducted over four days. It covered urban warfare, counter-IED tactics, and integrated operational drills.

Even as the military and diplomatic tracks advance, the economic dimension of the relationship has undergone its own revitalization. Major G2G initiatives— such as cooperation in the Reko Diq mining project, discussions on a refinery, and expanded energy-sector collaboration— highlight serious effort by both governments to anchor economic ties in long-term strategic projects. But perhaps the most interesting shift is emerging in B2B engagement. At the major investment conference held in Riyadh recently, Pakistan’s leadership was prominently present, reflecting Islamabad’s push to link its economic revival plans with Saudi Vision 2030.

The conference produced a breakthrough: a major agreement between the Saudi Ministry of Investment and Pakistan’s internationally recognized Forward Sports, along with seven other leading Pakistani companies. These firms— known globally for producing footballs and sports gear for brands like Adidas and Nike— agreed to collaborate on establishing a Sports City in Riyadh. This deal marks a rare, high-value success for Pakistan’s private sector in a competitive international market and signals the arrival of a new, confident B2B phase in Pakistan–Saudi economic relations.

The expectation in Islamabad and Riyadh, as before is of more deals through investment facilitation to encourage joint ventures in manufacturing, mining, technology, agriculture, logistics, and large-scale services. Pakistan’s investor-friendly eco-system which is still a work-in-progress, is a critical enabler for Pakistan’s private sector scaled-up presence in Saudi Arabia’s expanding economy.

Taken together, these developments show a partnership entering a phase of strategic maturity and institutional depth. A binding defense treaty is being operationalized. Diplomatic coordination is deeper than at any time in recent decades. Economic ties and private-sector collaborations are expanding. Investment flows are rising. And both countries are positioning themselves as central actors in regional stabilization debates.

In a Middle East torn by conflict, a South Asia where stability remains fragile, and a global environment fractured by polarization, the Pakistan–Saudi relationship stands out for its growing convergence and strategic clarity. It is shaped by shared interests, evolving security needs, and an aligned vision for peace and stability— one that both nations appear determined to consolidate in the months ahead.

- Nasim Zehra is an author, analyst and national security expert. 

Twitter: @NasimZehra