Pakistan Stands Firm on Defense Pact with Saudi Arabia Amid Regional Tensions

Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to standing by Saudi Arabia in a defense pact, despite regional tensions fueled by the US-Iran war. The agreement, signed in September 2025, establishes a collective security framework that considers aggression against either country as an attack on both.

Pakistani military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry emphasized Islamabad's dedication to its relationship with Saudi Arabia, which he described as 'special' and bound by shared interests in defense and economy.

The defense pact was put to the test this week after attacks on Saudi oil facilities were attributed to Iran-backed militias from Yemen and Iraq. Chaudhry confirmed that Pakistan would honor its agreement but declined to provide details on how it would be operationalized, citing national security.

In a separate matter, Chaudhry rejected speculation about strained relations between Pakistan and the UAE, pointing out that Islamabad had repaid $3.5 billion in debt to Abu Dhabi in April.