The signing of a new security and defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in 2025 was simultaneously promoted as a major military collaboration at the regional level. This agreement, which ostensibly promoted the fight against irresponsible armed groups and the exchange of defense technology, was in reality an attempt to fill the gap of distrust between the two former allies. Time has proven that such paper agreements are very weak against the complex geopolitical realities of the region and cannot serve as a true defensive shield during a crisis.
The challenge of this agreement was Pakistan’s stance in the recent conflict between Iran and the United States. When Saudi Arabia’s territory and several installations were targeted during regional conflicts, Saudi Arabia hoped that the Pakistani military regime would stand by them as per the signed agreement. However, due to considerations, a conservative policy toward Iran, and the sensitivities of neighboring relations, Pakistan refrained from taking practical action and limited itself to diplomatic statements. This neutrality sent a message to Saudi officials that Pakistan’s military support is only in ceremonial maneuvers and nothing more!
On the other hand, signs have emerged in Saudi Arabia’s political circles indicating that the country feels regret over this agreement. Saudi Arabia has provided unprecedented financial assistance to Pakistan’s economy and military for decades, but now the question has arisen for Saudi Arabia: what practical security benefit has it gained in return for these billions of dollars in loans and aid? In this “cost-benefit” equation, it seems that Pakistan has always been the beneficiary of concessions, but when the time of challenge came, it somehow evaded fulfilling its commitments.
Another reason for the failure of the 2025 security agreement is the change in Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy. This country is now trying to secure its security thru its own production and diverse international alliances instead of relying on Pakistan. When Saudi Arabia sees that Pakistan is even struggling to control its border areas, it seems difficult to trust such an ally to ensure Saudi security. This situation has sparked a new wave of distrust between the two countries that cannot be concealed by religious and emotional slogans as before.
The security agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia has turned from a strategic necessity into a one-sided deal. As long as Pakistan does not take the reins of its foreign policy out of military control and does not make a clear choice between balance and genuine partnership, such agreements will only be part of the archives. Saudi Arabia now understands that in the new world order, only those agreements are valuable that ensure the safeguarding of mutual interests and comprehensive security on the ground, rather than just controlling Pakistan’s economic crisis.