Riyadh, In a landmark moment for regional diplomacy, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA), pledging that any act of aggression against one nation will be considered an attack on both2.

The agreement was formalized during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to the Kingdom, where he was received with full royal honors by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi landmarks were illuminated with both nations’ flags to mark the occasion.

Officials from both sides hailed the pact as a milestone in bilateral relations, deepening a partnership rooted in Islamic solidarity, mutual trust, and nearly eight decades of cooperation. The deal includes enhanced defense coordination, joint deterrence strategies, and Pakistan’s expanded role in safeguarding the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah.

Defense analysts described the agreement as a strategic shift, especially amid rising tensions in the Middle East and South Asia. “This elevates Pakistan’s role from a regional player to a formal security partner in the Gulf,” said Dr. Hussain Shaheed Soharwardi, a former professor of international relations.

The pact also comes in the wake of recent Israeli strikes in Doha and broader instability across the region. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace, security, and shared prosperity, with discussions also touching on the Palestinian issue, economic cooperation, and regional development goals.

As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the Pakistan Saudi alliance now stands as a powerful symbol of unity and strategic depth in the Islamic world.