ISLAMABAD:President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday conveyed warm congratulations to the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of their National Day, lauding the time tested friendship and close bonds between the two nations.
President Zardari underscored the spiritual link between Pakistan and the Kingdom, rooted in the presence of Islam’s two holiest sites. He noted that the deepening cooperation in defence and security reflects a shared commitment to regional peace.
Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed that the ties of mutual trust, brotherhood, and partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would remain unshakable.
This resolve was institutionalised through the signing of a landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) on September 17, 2025, at Al Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.
The pact establishes that “any attack on one will be considered an attack on both,” formalising a NATO-style framework of collective security. It represents the culmination of decades-long collaboration that began with the 1951 Treaty of Friendship.
Since the 1970s, Pakistani troops have been stationed in Saudi Arabia to safeguard the Holy Sites, while cooperation has expanded to joint military exercises, training of Saudi personnel in Pakistan, and support during critical moments, such as the Al-Wadiah conflict in 1969.
Analysts view the agreement as a strategic response to shifting regional dynamics, particularly rising instability and perceived threats from Israel. The pact merges Pakistan’s military strength with Saudi Arabia’s financial and diplomatic clout, creating a significant stabilising factor in the region.
Though operational details remain classified, the agreement is expected to enhance collaboration in defence production, training, and strategic planning. Officials describe the framework as purely defensive, safeguarding the national interests of both countries while ushering in a new era of collective security and deeper bilateral relations.
