Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Relations: From Religious Brotherhood to Strategic Partnership 

Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations have evolved from a faith-based “brotherhood” into a pragmatic strategic partnership driven by security, economic, and geopolitical interests. Historically rooted in religious affinity, labor ties, and military cooperation, the relationship faced a rupture after Pakistan refused to join the Saudi-led Yemen war in 2015, prompting Riyadh to deepen ties with India and scale back support.

Since 2023, however, both states have pursued a major rapprochement, culminating in the 2025 Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement—effectively a NATO-like pact—and a shift from aid to large-scale Saudi investments aligned with Vision 2030, including stakes in Reko Diq, a Gwadar refinery, and development loans. For Saudi Arabia, the partnership strengthens security diversification beyond the U.S., supports economic transformation, and aligns with China-linked opportunities; for Pakistan, it provides crucial financial relief, boosts regional standing, and enhances deterrence against India.

This renewed alignment carries significant implications for Gulf security, India’s strategic calculus, and the broader multipolar order, marking a shift from emotional rhetoric to interest-driven cooperation.

Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Relations: From Religious Brotherhood to Strategic Partnership 

For decades, the relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has been described as a “brotherhood” bound by religious affinity. The recent landmark defense pact and multi-billion dollar economic agreements, however, signal a dramatic transformation—from emotional bonds to a calculated strategic partnership that is reshaping regional geopolitics. 

The Historical Foundations: More Than Religious Affinity 

The Pakistan-Saudi relationship has traditionally been characterized as one rooted in religious solidarity and cultural affinity. Since Pakistan’s creation in 1947, the two nations have maintained strong ties, with Saudi Arabia hosting over 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates who serve as the largest source of remittances for Pakistan’s economy . Beyond these people-to-people connections, however, lies a deeper strategic partnership that has evolved over decades. 

The military dimension of this relationship dates back to the 1960s when Pakistan’s military helped establish the Royal Saudi Air Force and trained the Kingdom’s fighter pilots . This cooperation turned operational during the 1969 Al-Wadiah conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, when Pakistani combat pilots supported the Kingdom by flying fighter jets . The relationship deepened significantly in the 1980s, when the two nations signed a bilateral security cooperation agreement that resulted in nearly 15,000 Pakistani troops being stationed in the Kingdom throughout the decade . 

On the economic front, Saudi Arabia has historically served as Pakistan’s economic benefactor, providing extensive aid in infrastructure, energy, and agriculture sectors. During Pakistan’s periods of international isolation, such as after its 1998 nuclear tests when the United States imposed sanctions, Saudi Arabia supplied crude oil to offset the impact . This pattern of assistance continued during natural disasters, with the Kingdom contributing substantial humanitarian aid following the 2005 Balochistan earthquake and the devastating floods in 2010 and 2011 . 

The Yemen Crisis: A Strategic Rupture 

The year 2015 marked a significant turning point in Pakistan-Saudi relations, exposing the limitations of their much-touted “brotherly” ties. When Saudi Arabia began bombing Houthi positions in Yemen, it naturally turned to Islamabad for military support, expecting the longstanding partnership to translate into immediate cooperation. However, in a move that stunned Riyadh, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif refused to participate in the campaign, citing fears of domestic Sunni-Shia tensions and possible Iranian retaliation . 

This decision triggered a visible cooling in bilateral relations. Riyadh’s displeasure manifested through a gradual withdrawal of economic engagements with Pakistan . Additionally, between 2015 and 2020, Saudi Arabia deported over 300,000 Pakistanis for various violations including visa overstays and criminal activities . While not explicitly framed as retaliation, these developments nevertheless contributed to tensions between the two countries. 

The rupture period also saw Saudi Arabia strategically decoupling its relations with India and Pakistan, a significant shift from its earlier approach. The Kingdom deepened its engagement with India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi building on his predecessor’s efforts to expand ties . This growing proximity alarmed Pakistan, particularly as Saudi Arabia appeared indifferent to India’s actions in Kashmir—a core issue for Islamabad. Despite Pakistan’s repeated calls for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to convene a session on Kashmir, Riyadh blocked these efforts, reportedly in retaliation for Pakistan’s refusal to support its Yemen campaign . 

The Great Rapprochement: Defense and Economic Integration 

The period from 2023 to 2025 has witnessed a remarkable revitalization of Pakistan-Saudi relations, characterized by two groundbreaking developments: a landmark defense pact and the creation of a comprehensive economic framework. 

The Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement 

Signed on September 17, 2025, the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) represents arguably the most significant institutionalization of security cooperation between the two nations . The pact contains a crucial clause stating that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both,” effectively binding the two countries in a NATO-like arrangement . 

The timing of the agreement is particularly revealing—it was signed just a week after Israel launched missile strikes on Doha on September 9, 2025, and the United States declined to penalize Israel despite issuing statements of condemnation . This context suggests the pact serves as a hedging strategy that allows Riyadh to secure additional strategic cover beyond its traditional American security umbrella . 

The defense cooperation has rapidly translated into operational integration, with the two countries conducting a week-long joint military exercise dubbed Al Battar-II in the Saudi city of Tabuk from November 18-26, 2025 . The exercises focused on enhancing joint proficiency in counterterrorism operations, with particular emphasis on urban combat and countering improvised explosive devices . 

Economic Cooperation Framework 

Parallel to the defense pact, the two nations have established an Economic Cooperation Framework to strengthen trade and investment relations . This framework focuses on priority sectors including energy, industry, mining, information technology, tourism, and agriculture . 

This economic partnership represents a significant shift in Saudi Arabia’s approach—from an aid-based model to an investment-based strategy aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 . Notable investments include: 

• A $10 billion investment to build Pakistan’s largest oil refinery in Gwadar, executed by Aramco  

• Acquisition of a 15% stake valued at $540 million in Pakistan’s Reko Diq mine, one of the world’s largest copper and gold reserves  

• A $2 billion loan extended in July 2023 to stabilize Pakistan’s economy  

• The Saudi Fund for Development pledging $150 million to support minerals development in Balochistan 

Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has increased by 80 percent, rising from $3 billion in 2019 to $5.4 billion in 2024, reflecting the impact of multiple memorandums of understanding signed over the past decade . 

The New Strategic Calculus: Why Now? 

The dramatic revitalization of Pakistan-Saudi relations stems from a convergence of strategic interests for both nations in a rapidly changing global and regional landscape. 

Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Recalibration 

For Riyadh, the partnership with Pakistan represents a multi-layered strategy. First, it aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification, with Pakistan’s natural resources and rare-earth minerals offering potential support for the Kingdom’s diversification ambitions . As the Kingdom advances towards its Vision 2030 goals, it has shifted from an aid-based to an investment-based approach in its relations with Pakistan, aiming for higher returns . 

Second, Saudi Arabia is adapting to the shift from a unipolar to multipolar world order . The Kingdom has learned to de-link its relations with India and Pakistan, pursuing independent relations with each country for different benefits . This pragmatic approach recognizes India as a regional power and economic opportunity while maintaining strategic ties with Pakistan. 

Third, from a defense perspective, recent regional events—particularly Israel’s attack on Qatar without significant repercussions—disrupted a decades-long understanding in the Middle East that Gulf Cooperation Council nations would be protected by the United States in times of attack . This propelled Riyadh to cooperate more closely with Islamabad to diversify its security partnerships . 

Finally, Saudi Arabia acknowledges China’s expanding role as a global power, particularly after Beijing brokered a deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023 . Saudi efforts to gain a foothold in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor by investing in Gwadar Port would bring mutual economic benefits while strengthening Riyadh’s ties with Beijing . 

Pakistan’s Strategic Imperatives 

For Pakistan, the strengthened partnership with Saudi Arabia addresses several critical needs. First, it provides a much-needed economic lifeline at a time when the country faces severe financial challenges . The investments and loans from Saudi Arabia help stabilize Pakistan’s fragile economy and reinforce regional stability. 

Second, the alliance enhances Pakistan’s regional standing and strategic autonomy . Pakistani officials have framed the nation as a “resilient fortress of the Muslim world,” with the defense pact elevating Pakistan’s role in the Arab world and reinforcing its global standing as a middle power and reliable security provider . 

Third, the partnership provides Pakistan with enhanced deterrence against India . The alliance puts New Delhi in a difficult position as Islamabad has effectively become the security guarantor of one of India’s key energy suppliers . Saudi Arabia is India’s third-largest source of crude oil, and together with Iraq and the UAE accounts for 60% of its imports . 

Regional Implications: Balancing Acts and New Alignments 

The revitalized Pakistan-Saudi partnership has significant implications for regional dynamics and balance of power. 

India’s Strategic Dilemma 

The Saudi-Pakistan defense pact presents India with a complex strategic challenge. On one hand, Saudi Arabia has become one of India’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at about $45 billion—approximately nine times greater than Saudi-Pakistan trade as of 2024 . The Kingdom has also maintained a more neutral stance on political issues such as Kashmir since 2019, refusing to condemn India’s revocation of Article 370 despite Pakistani pressure . 

However, the defense agreement introduces a new variable into India’s strategic calculus. As one analysis notes, “The alliance puts New Delhi in a difficult position as Islamabad has now effectively become the security guarantor of one of India’s key energy suppliers” . India’s response has been measured, with New Delhi stating it will continue monitoring developments while remaining committed to protecting national interests . 

Changing Gulf Security Architecture 

The Saudi-Pakistan pact reflects a broader transformation in the Gulf security architecture. The agreement naturally intersects with the Gulf Cooperation Council framework, and given Pakistan’s strong defense relations with all GCC members, the bilateral pact could gradually evolve into a broader regional security framework . 

This development challenges traditional American hegemony in West Asia . The pact reflects Saudi Arabia’s strategic hedging against perceived American unreliability, particularly following instances where Washington’s commitment to Gulf security appeared uncertain, such as when the U.S. response to the Israeli strike on Qatar was limited to passive condemnation . 

Iran and Regional Balance 

While not explicitly directed at Iran, the strengthened Pakistan-Saudi partnership inevitably affects the regional balance of power. Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic pivot is visible in its efforts to reform its image to that of a stable actor and moderator of conflict, worthy of both investment and allyship . The pact with Pakistan theoretically solidifies relations with a bordering state to Iran while ensuring the military support of the only nuclear-armed Muslim state, potentially allowing Riyadh to exert some influence in future cooperation between Pakistan and Iran . 

Future Trajectory: Sustainable Partnership or Temporary Alignment? 

The future sustainability of the Pakistan-Saudi partnership will depend on several factors. First, the economic dimension will be crucial—the partnership must deliver tangible economic benefits to both nations beyond symbolic political victories. For Saudi Arabia, investments in Pakistan must yield returns and contribute to Vision 2030 objectives. For Pakistan, the relationship must provide sustained economic stability beyond immediate bailouts. 

Second, both nations must navigate their relationships with other major powers. Saudi Arabia must balance its deepening ties with Pakistan against its growing economic relationship with India. Similarly, Pakistan must manage its partnership with Saudi Arabia alongside its “all-weather friendship” with China, ensuring these relationships remain complementary rather than contradictory. 

Third, the operational implementation of the defense pact will be critical. While the agreement creates a formal structure for cooperation, its practical effectiveness will depend on establishing joint command structures, standardizing procedures, and developing interoperability between the two militaries. 

The Pakistan-Saudi relationship has transitioned from a brotherhood based on religious affinity to a strategic partnership based on calculated interests. This transformation reflects the broader shift in the international system from unipolarity to multipolarity, with middle powers like Pakistan and regional powers like Saudi Arabia forging new alignments to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. 

While the emotional language of Islamic solidarity continues to provide a veneer of cultural kinship, the foundation of the relationship has fundamentally shifted to hard-nosed strategic calculation. The sustainability of this partnership will depend not on shared religious identity, but on its ability to deliver concrete security and economic benefits to both nations in a rapidly evolving regional order. 

The recalibration of Pakistan-Saudi relations represents a microcosm of broader global trends—the erosion of traditional alliances, the emergence of flexible partnerships, and the continuous negotiation of power in an increasingly multipolar world. As both nations navigate this new landscape, their partnership will face tests not of brotherhood, but of strategic utility and mutual interest.