"Everyone I asked about the mutual defense pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan - signed in Riyadh in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif - gave the same response: 'A masterstroke.'
This was the reaction of elites and the general public alike, as well as diplomats in the region and experts. It is a correct and accurate reaction to the signing of this important and historic pact for several reasons. It carries significant implications for both the present and the past.
First, this is indeed a historic agreement with deep historical roots. It is a “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” aimed at “developing aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthening joint deterrence against any aggression.”
Most importantly, it states that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”
After its signing, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz posted on X (formerly Twitter): “KSA and Pakistan.. One front against any aggressor.. Always and forever.”
So why is this a ‘masterstroke’?
As mentioned, this agreement has historical depth and significance. The Saudi-Pakistani relationship is built on solid foundations and long-standing commitments between the two states - the result of investments in a historical strategic relationship recognized by any informed observer.
It is a strategic agreement between a military, economic, spiritual, and diplomatic power, which is Saudi Arabia, and a Pakistani military Islamic power that possesses nuclear capabilities and a diverse military industry, not to mention a large population base and a strategically important geographic location.
It is a 'masterstroke' because it reflects a clear understanding of how to prioritize especially considering that Pakistan is not an adventurous or expansionist state, but one that seeks development and stability. For Saudi Arabia, it represents diversification in its alliances, which is natural for a country striving for peace, stability, prosperity, and economic and social transformation.
It’s a country that promotes political solutions not just regionally, but globally.
Saudi Arabia, as we’ve been saying for years, is an open workshop for change and development. Yet it finds itself in a region veering into unpredictable directions, especially since the events of October 7, 2023, and the ensuing wars and military strikes in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, Syria, and Yemen.
Most recently, an Israeli strike targeted Hamas leaders in Doha, which represents the most dangerous shift in the known rules of engagement since the Tripartite Aggression against Egypt, and for the Gulf States, since Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait.
Saudi Arabia is a key player in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, being the initiator of the Arab Peace Initiative and the main supporter of the Palestinian cause amid ongoing dangerous regional shifts since October 7.
It is a member of the G20, a trusted international mediator in the Ukraine-Russia crisis, and a real stabilizing force supporting Syria’s recovery. It is also helping Arab governments resist the expansion of militias across the region. One only needs to consider the number of Arab, Islamic, and international leaders who have visited Saudi Arabia in the past two years.
Therefore, the pact is truly a 'masterstroke,’ the product of a steadily evolving historical context, not a hasty leap into the unknown. It represents a serious strategic step and a demonstration of genuine Saudi political know-how, from a country that continues to change and develop based on partnerships - not expansionist ambitions – aiming to broaden the scope of moderation, growth, and peace.
