Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” stating that any aggression against either country will be considered aggression against both, a move framed by both governments as strengthening joint deterrence and broadening cooperation as regional tensions flare following the Sept. 9 strike in Doha.

What the Agreement Says

In a joint statement, the two sides said the pact “aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression,” adding that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.” The accord was signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit at the invitation of the crown prince, and both governments underscored commitments to national security and “peace in the region and the world.”

Why Now: Regional Shock After Doha

The signing follows the Sept. 9 attack in Qatar’s capital targeting Hamas figures during ceasefire discussions, which killed at least six people and drew sharp regional and international reaction. Officials in the Gulf warned of escalation risks, while Qatari leaders said the strike undermined hostage diplomacy. These developments set a tense backdrop for Riyadh and Islamabad’s decision to codify collective defense.

Longstanding Security Ties, Newly Codified

Saudi–Pakistani security coordination spans decades, including recurring “Al-Samsam” joint drills and periods of troop deployments and training exchanges. Officials cast the new pact as an institutionalization of years of talks rather than a one-off reaction, even as Gulf capitals diversify security partnerships. Both sides also signal they will maintain parallel ties across the region.

Capabilities and Defense Outlays

Saudi Arabia remains among the world’s top defense spenders, with 2024 outlays estimated above $80 billion, while Pakistan fields a large standing force with significant combat experience. Comparative open-source assessments highlight airpower, air-defense, and armored strength on the Saudi side and manpower, missile, and land-warfare depth on the Pakistani side—complementarities that joint planning can leverage.