In a landmark move, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan solidified their longstanding alliance by signing a comprehensive mutual defence agreement on September 17, 2025, in Riyadh. The pact, inked by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, underscores a deepening of military and strategic cooperation between the two nations. The agreement, which includes provisions for mutual defence against aggression, comes at a critical juncture as regional tensions escalate following Israel’s recent airstrikes on Qatar. The strikes, aimed at Hamas leaders during ceasefire negotiations, have heightened concerns among Gulf states about the reliability of the United States as a security partner. Pakistan, the only nuclear-armed Muslim-majority nation, has historically maintained that its nuclear arsenal is a deterrent against India. The Saudi official emphasized that the agreement is not a reaction to specific events but rather an institutionalization of decades-long collaboration. The pact also highlights the economic interdependence between the two countries, with Saudi Arabia providing Pakistan with a $3 billion loan to bolster its foreign reserves. The agreement’s implications for regional stability, particularly in light of Pakistan’s ongoing tensions with India, remain a focal point of analysis. Both nations have fought three wars since their independence in 1947, and their nuclear capabilities have since shaped a precarious balance of power. The Saudi official acknowledged the need to balance relations with both Pakistan and India, emphasizing the kingdom’s commitment to fostering regional peace.