Implications of Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Strategic Defence Pact

Divided Opinions in Pakistan

The recently concluded strategic defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, signed against the backdrop of Israel’s expansionist aggression in the Middle East (ME), has been welcomed with enthusiasm in both countries.

Yet, opinions within Pakistan remain divided.

Supporters view it as a positive breakthrough that not only strengthens bilateral ties, but also serves the broader interests of the Muslim Ummah.

Critics, however, dismiss it as symbolic, doubting its utility in resolving the Palestinian issue or reducing American dominance over Arab States.

They argue that Washington will continue to dominate the ME for the foreseeable future.

Political opponents of the present government, in particular, were quick to criticise the agreement even before the ink on the document had dried.

The Doomsayers

This faction thrives on pessimism, projecting gloom and doom at every turn.

They consider their constant critique as profound wisdom, branding others as naïve in geopolitics, geostrategy, and geoeconomics.

Their narrative portrays the pact as a strategic misstep, destined to fail at inception.

However, such views ignore the long history of Pakistan–Saudi cooperation and the realities of the current security environment.

Historical Cooperation

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have always stood by each other in times of crisis.

Today, with both nations facing heightened security threats, their cooperation has taken a multidimensional and potent shape through this pact.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Pakistan, though politically and economically fragile, is militarily resilient, possessing the willpower and experience to defend itself.

Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, enjoys immense financial resources and access to modern weaponry, but lacks combat experience and indigenous resilience, being dependent on Western protection.

Together, Pakistan’s military strength and Saudi Arabia’s economic muscle can evolve into a formidable partnership, enhancing both countries’ strategic weight.

A Defensive, Not Offensive, Pact

This agreement was not a hasty decision but the outcome of over a year of deliberations.

Israel’s brazen air strike in Doha acted as the trigger.

Importantly, the pact is defensive in nature. It is not directed against any specific country, but is designed to safeguard sovereignty and security whenever either partner faces aggression.

Towards an Islamic NATO?

The pact may serve as a foundation for wider regional defence collaboration.

Other GCC states are likely to join, and eventually a collective Muslim defence structure—akin to an “Islamic NATO”—could materialise.

The idea had earlier gained traction during the so-called War on Terror, when non-Muslim powers devastated seven Muslim States.

Confronting the Collaborative Axis

The Indo–US–Israel nexus has emerged as a Muslim-specific strategic alignment.

The United States seeks to preserve its global hegemony, Israel aspires for “Greater Israel,” and India dreams of “Akhand Bharat.”

The Greater Israel Project

The vision of Greater Israel extends from the River Nile in Egypt to the River Euphrates in Iraq, encompassing multiple Arab States—including the holy city of Madina.

Tel Aviv has openly circulated maps indicating its intent.

A Changing World Order

The US-designed world order, tilted to protect the Global North, is being challenged.

China and Russia, strategic partners, are actively working to correct or replace it, liberating the Global South from G7 dominance.

The global economic pivot has already shifted from West to East.

American unipolarity has given way to multipolarity, with the US in relative decline and China ascending.

Israel’s reckless behaviour in the ME has accelerated Washington’s loss of credibility.

Pakistan’s decisive victory in the four-day war with India has further boosted its stature as South Asia’s net security stabiliser, admired internationally.

Its ironclad partnership with China has deepened through CPEC’s vigorous Phase-2 rollout.

Saudi Calculations

Riyadh’s decision to formalise strategic defence ties with Pakistan stems from two realisations:

The US, despite rhetoric, will always side with Israel during crises.

The Gulf States can no longer rely exclusively on the American security umbrella.

After Israel’s air strikes in Doha, Saudi Arabia felt increasingly vulnerable and turned to Pakistan—a trusted partner with proven resilience.

Towards an Alternative Security Umbrella

Pakistan, backed by China, offers the Gulf States a credible, indigenous security umbrella that reduces their dependence on the West.

This does not imply an end to American military bases or economic relations, but it does end the era of total dependency.

Reactions

The United States, bound by geoeconomic compulsions, cannot afford to alienate the oil-rich Arab world.

Washington also seeks to maintain strategic ties with Pakistan, although President Trump has yet to comment on the pact.

Israel and India, however, are visibly uneasy. Tel Aviv continues its aggression in Gaza and remains adamant about occupation, while Washington maintains its excessive pro-Israel stance, even vetoing the 6th UNSC resolution demanding a ceasefire.

A Strategic Opportunity for Pakistan

This pact offers Pakistan a historic opportunity. Its military credibility, coupled with Saudi financial power and China’s partnership through CPEC, creates the perfect environment for Pakistan to overcome its socioeconomic deficiencies, boost exports, and achieve economic self-reliance.

The writer is a retired Brig Gen, war veteran, defence and security analyst, columnist, author of five books, ex-chairman TFP Patron-in-chief CDS Think Tank, takes part in TV talk shows.

*The views and opinions expressed herein, and any references, are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of the Centre for Development and Stability (CDS).