Munir Army Sidelines PM Shehbaz? | Image:Republic
The escalating conflict involving Iran has entered its second week, and Pakistan’s attitude has come under scrutiny. Saudi Arabia has officially announced that it will support them in countering Iranian threats under the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement. This is a formal agreement in which it is promised that any attack against either country will be considered an attack on both.
These incidents have once again sparked debate on Pakistan’s foreign policies, as the country’s military leadership is closely tied to Saudi Arabia under defense pacts, while the civilian government is at the same time showing sympathy towards Iran. In such a situation, Pakistan will have to support the Saudi-America-Israel axis in the Iran war.
Saudi Defense Minister met Pakistani Army Chief
Saudi Arabia’s defense minister has confirmed a meeting with Pakistan’s military leadership, including Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, to discuss the ongoing crisis. In a post on
He further said that Iranian actions threaten the stability of the region. “We stressed that such actions undermine the security and stability of the region and expressed hope that the Iranian side will act wisely and avoid miscalculations,” he said.
‘Pakistan is with the people of Iran in their grief’: Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif
Despite deepening defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s PM had earlier declared full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries after Iran retaliated against several countries including Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan and Oman. After the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli attacks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly showed solidarity with Iran.
In a post on
He also criticized the violation of international rules. “Pakistan also expresses concern over violations of the international rule of law. It is a long-standing tradition that heads of state or government should not be targeted,” he said.
Additionally, Sharif is reported to have also spoken to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over phone and stressed that Pakistan supports Saudi Arabia and its regional partners, which he described as an “important moment” for the region.
Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement
The timing of the meetings in Riyadh was an important strategic reminder from the Saudi side to Islamabad of the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement. The agreement, formally named the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, was first signed in Riyadh in September 2025. It promises joint defense in case any country is attacked and is being projected as a way to strengthen the decades-old security ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday during the state visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Riyadh on the invitation of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
According to a joint statement issued after the visit, “Carrying forward the historic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan spanning almost eight decades, and based on the ties of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, as well as shared strategic interests and close defense cooperation between the two countries, HRH the Crown Prince and the Pakistani Prime Minister signed a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement.”
The joint statement further said, “This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both countries to enhance their security and achieve security and peace in the region and the world, is aimed at developing aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthening joint deterrence against any attack. The agreement states that any attack against either country will be considered an attack against both.”
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