By , Dr Muhammad fazal ur Rehman.
There is global consensus that the recent defense and strategic pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is not merely a bilateral cooperation agreement but marks the beginning of a new chapter in the regional balance of power. A review of international reports and media coverage makes it clear that the agreement has triggered unease in New Delhi, raised questions in Tel Aviv and Western think tanks, while Tehran’s media has framed it as a counterweight to Israel’s regional influence.
Key provisions of the pact include:
Enhanced defense cooperation, joint military exercises, and exchange of officers.
A formal mechanism for counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing.
Collaboration in defense industries, particularly in drones and advanced technologies.
Training of Saudi officers at Pakistan’s military academies.
A joint defense strategy in case of external aggression or threats.
These provisions indicate that the pact is not symbolic but a practical framework for future military integration.
The agreement has also brought into focus the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose foresight and partnership are being widely discussed. Yet, it is equally acknowledged that Pakistan’s Field Marshal and Army Chief, General Asim Munir, played a pivotal role. Through multiple direct meetings with the Saudi leadership, he negotiated the military clauses, elevating the pact from simple defense cooperation to a strategic alliance effectively positioning Pakistan as a “regional guarantor.”
India and Israel’s unease over this agreement is striking. New Delhi was the first to issue an official expression of concern. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said it hoped Saudi Arabia would remain mindful of “regional sensitivities” a statement reflecting fears of Pakistan gaining fresh backing in the Gulf. In Israel, both the media and analysts termed the pact a “disturbing signal.” The Times of Israel highlighted Defense Minister Khawaja Asif’s statement that Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities could be made available to Saudi Arabia, raising questions about the lack of response from the International Atomic Energy Agency.
In The Jerusalem Post, Yoel Guzansky, head of the Gulf Program at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies, argued that Saudi Arabia has sent a message to the region that it is “not alone.” He urged that the agreement should be seen in the broader context of Iran, the United States, and shifting regional realities. Guzansky also noted that the pact could yield economic and social benefits for Pakistan, while recommending that Israel pursue quiet backchannel dialogue with Saudi Arabia—a line of reasoning that indirectly reflects Israeli anxiety.
The United States and Europe refrained from issuing official condemnations, yet Western think tanks voiced concerns. The Financial Times and the Washington Institute warned that the pact could heighten fears of nuclear proliferation while also signaling that Gulf allies are increasingly reducing their reliance on Washington.
Meanwhile, Iranian media outlets, including Tasnim and PressTV, hailed the agreement as a welcome step and a balancing force against Israel. They framed the pact as strengthening the “axis of resistance” and diminishing American influence in the region, with Pakistan’s nuclear capability portrayed as a potential “shield” for Saudi security.
While it is too early to predict the final trajectory of this alliance, one reality is undeniable: the pact has redrawn the strategic chessboard of the region. India and Israel are visibly unsettled, the West is cautious, and Iran sees it as an opportunity. For Pakistan, the deal represents not only a military but also a diplomatic breakthrough, with General Asim Munir’s role central to its success.
The new Saudi,Pakistani closeness has undoubtedly brought regional politics to a new turning point.
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