Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi Arabia took a significant leap forward this week as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed a landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) with the Kingdom, a move both governments insist is designed to bolster regional stability rather than threaten any third country. The deal, formalized during Sharif’s recent visit to Riyadh at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, signals a deepening of decades-old military cooperation between the two nations—a partnership that, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, dates back to the 1960s.
Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, addressing journalists in Islamabad on September 19, described the agreement as “defensive in nature and not directed against any third country.” He emphasized, “The defence pact formalizes decades-old and robust defence partnership. It is defensive in nature and not directed against any third country.” The pact stipulates that an attack on either Pakistan or Saudi Arabia will be treated as an attack on both, a clause that underscores the seriousness of the commitment while aiming to deter external aggression. Khan further elaborated, “It will contribute to regional peace, security, and stability. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy a long and distinguished history of brotherhood and cooperation.”
Pakistan’s leadership, according to Khan, sees the relationship with Saudi Arabia as unique and multifaceted—one that lives in the hearts of the people. “The people of Pakistan have special sentiments for Saudi Arabia, the land of Mecca and Madinah, and they hold the Royal family in high esteem for being the custodian of the holy sites,” he added. The agreement, in his words, reflects a “shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and secure peace in the region and the world.”
Yet, the announcement of the SMDA comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, particularly with neighboring India. Khan used the media briefing to address what he called “nuclear misinformation” being spread by New Delhi. He accused Indian leaders of exaggerating the nuclear threat posed by Pakistan, stating, “It is clear, responsible, and has nothing to do with any other country.” He dismissed recent remarks by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding Operation Sindoor, suggesting that Indian leaders “would be well advised to acknowledge the losses incurred by their armed forces.” Khan continued, “The Indian narrative of an alleged nuclear threat by Pakistan is misleading.”
In a pointed reminder of past military confrontations, Khan reiterated, “Downing Indian jets by Pakistan is an undisputed fact,” and accused India of orchestrating state-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan. He stressed that Pakistan remains committed to peace and stability in South Asia, but called for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute as a prerequisite for lasting peace. “Pakistan, as a responsible country, remains committed to peace, regional stability, and a meaningful dialogue for the resolution of all outstanding issues, including the dispute of Jammu and Kashmir,” Khan said, echoing Pakistan’s longstanding position.
Religious diplomacy also featured prominently in Khan’s remarks. He criticized the Indian government for hindering Sikh pilgrims from visiting Pakistan, while highlighting that Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib remains fully functional and ready to receive devotees. “Pakistan is proud to host Sikh pilgrims from India and across the world under the 1974 protocol,” he said, adding, “There is no embargo from Pakistan’s side to host Sikhs from anywhere.” Khan described Pakistan as a “proud custodian of many religious sites of the Sikh faith,” welcoming thousands of pilgrims annually. He reaffirmed, “As always, we are ready to welcome the pilgrims from the Indian side.”
Pakistan’s diplomacy has not been limited to its immediate neighborhood. The Foreign Office spokesperson outlined a flurry of international engagements in recent days. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended an emergency Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Doha, accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff, while Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar participated in the OIC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. At the summit, Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s “unwavering support for Palestine and strongly condemned Israeli aggression, including what Khan termed the ‘violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.’” Pakistan also joined calls to protect humanitarian aid flotillas, urging all parties to refrain from attacking missions in international waters.
On the diplomatic front, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has been in contact with several key global players: the German Foreign Minister called on September 16, Egypt’s Foreign Minister spoke to him a day earlier, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reached out on September 13. Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari’s ongoing state visit to China, with stops in Shanghai and Chengdu, is seen as a sign of Pakistan’s intent to further deepen strategic ties with Beijing.
Afghanistan remains a critical concern for Islamabad, especially regarding security along the shared border. Khan clarified that Prime Minister Sharif’s call for good-neighbourly relations with Afghanistan had been conveyed through diplomatic channels. He downplayed reports surrounding Special Representative Sadiq Khan’s recent visit to Kabul, labeling it “routine.” Addressing the persistent threat of cross-border militancy, Khan stated, “We want TTP sanctuaries to be eliminated,” and confirmed that Pakistan has communicated to Kabul the need to prevent Afghan soil from being used against Pakistan. On the issue of the U.S. military presence at Bagram Airbase, Khan was careful to avoid comment, saying, “This is between the Afghan government and the U.S. government. Pakistan does not interfere.”
Tensions in the broader region have also been on Islamabad’s radar, particularly following the recent Iran-Israel flare-up. The Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan’s consistent position, stressing a commitment to regional peace and opposition to destabilizing actions. “Pakistan remains committed to regional peace and opposes destabilising actions,” Khan said, reflecting Islamabad’s cautious approach to regional conflicts.
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to address the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, with the Foreign Office signaling that his speech will focus on Pakistan’s stances on Palestine, Kashmir, and regional peace. “The statement issued by the two countries is self-explanatory, and I have also provided the broader context. Any misplaced attribution or speculation of hypothetical scenarios is unwarranted,” Khan said, seeking to dispel speculation about the intent behind the new defence pact.
In a somber moment, Khan also expressed Pakistan’s condolences over the passing of Prof. Abdul Ghani Bhat, former Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, noting, “We pay tribute to his lifelong commitment to the Kashmir Cause. We convey our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.”
As Pakistan navigates a complex web of regional rivalries and alliances, its leaders appear determined to project an image of responsibility and restraint—while quietly reinforcing their own security architecture. Whether this new era of defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia will truly enhance regional stability or simply reshape old rivalries remains to be seen, but for now, Islamabad is keen to present itself as both a steadfast ally and a champion of dialogue and peace.