Saudi Arabia’s Armed Forces Chief General Fayyadh Bin Hameed Al Rowaili visited Pakistan on November 24, 2025, meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad to convey Riyadh’s desire to heighten the defence partnership. Discussions with top military officials in Rawalpindi emphasised strategic ties, joint training and counterterrorism efforts, reaffirming commitments under recent agreements.
This elevation of the Saudi Pakistan defence partnership bolsters regional security frameworks in South Asia, where shared threats like extremism demand coordinated responses. It supports economic stability through strengthened bilateral channels, contributing to broader subcontinental peace amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Saudi Military Chief Pakistan Visit Unfolds
General Fayyadh Bin Hameed Al Rowaili arrived in Pakistan for a series of high-level engagements. His schedule included key interactions with civilian and military leadership.
The visit began with a formal welcome at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. Upon arrival, General Al Rowaili laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada. A contingent of the Pakistan Army presented a Guard of Honour. He then met Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. The two leaders addressed matters of mutual interest. Their focus centred on defence collaboration and security measures.
The Inter-Services Public Relations noted the longstanding military ties between the two nations. Both sides stressed the need for enhanced cooperation in counterterrorism. This forms a core pillar of their relationship.
General Al Rowaili appreciated Pakistan’s support across various domains. He committed to advancing these bonds further. The meeting highlighted practical steps for ongoing exchanges. Later, General Al Rowaili called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza. This took place at the Joint Staff Headquarters. Discussions covered the global and regional security landscape.
The dignitaries explored ways to deepen armed forces engagements. They reaffirmed pledges to fortify defence and security links. General Mirza reiterated Pakistan’s dedication to Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity. This includes protection of the Haramain al-Sharifain.
The visit’s centrepiece was the meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. General Al Rowaili extended greetings from Saudi leadership to the prime minister and Pakistan’s people. He expressed Riyadh’s intent to raise the current defence and strategic partnership. This aims to reach new levels of cooperation.
Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement Pakistan Saudi Reaffirmed
Prime Minister Sharif welcomed the Saudi general warmly. He praised Saudi Arabia’s consistent support for Pakistan. Their relations rest on shared faith, values and trust.
Sharif referenced his recent trips to Riyadh over the past two months. These visits proved highly productive. During one, the two sides inked the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement Pakistan Saudi pact.
Signed in September 2025, the agreement treats any aggression against one nation as an attack on both. This pact underpins their mutual security commitments. In the Islamabad meeting, Sharif renewed Pakistan’s resolve to expand defence ties. Areas include joint training programmes and military exercises. Exchange of expertise also features prominently.
The prime minister underscored the fraternal bonds between the countries. These span economic, defence and security spheres. He vowed to build on these foundations.
The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement Pakistan Saudi serves as a milestone. It signals deeper integration in defence matters. Both leaders view it as a framework for future collaborations.
Earlier this month, Lieutenant General Aamer Raza, Pakistan’s Chief of General Staff, met General Al Rowaili in Riyadh. That encounter advanced strategic links. It built momentum for the current visit. These interactions demonstrate a pattern of regular dialogue. They ensure alignment on defence priorities.
Pakistan Saudi Counterterrorism Cooperation Intensifies
Terrorism and extremism emerged as focal points across the meetings. Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the joint stance against these threats. Both nations aim to foster regional peace and stability.
The discussions with Field Marshal Munir delved into counterterrorism specifics. Leaders emphasised bolstering security cooperation. This includes shared intelligence and operational support. The Inter-Services Public Relations described these efforts as essential. They remain central to the bilateral dynamic. Enhanced measures promise greater effectiveness against cross-border risks.
In talks with General Mirza, the evolving security environment took precedence. Concrete actions were proposed to counter extremism. This aligns with broader regional goals.
Pakistan Saudi counterterrorism cooperation extends beyond rhetoric. It involves practical initiatives like training exchanges. These build capacity on both sides.
The prime minister noted the shared resolve to eradicate all terrorism forms. This commitment drives policy alignment. It contributes to a stable South Asian neighbourhood. Such cooperation addresses immediate challenges. It also lays groundwork for long-term resilience.
Broader Implications for Bilateral Ties
The Saudi military chief Pakistan visit underscores enduring partnerships. Economic dimensions complement defence aspects. Saudi Arabia provides key financial and energy aid to Pakistan.
These elements weave a multifaceted relationship. Rooted in Islamic heritage, they foster mutual growth. Defence enhancements now amplify this structure.
Joint exercises and expertise sharing will test the new elevations. They offer platforms for interoperability. Security gains benefit the wider region.
Regional stability hinges on such alliances. South Asia stands to gain from reduced tensions. Coordinated responses to threats enhance collective defence. The visit’s outcomes set a positive trajectory. They reflect proactive diplomacy in action.
In conclusion, the Saudi Pakistan defence partnership stands poised for expansion, promising sustained collaboration in defence and beyond.
Background
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain deep-rooted ties based on strategic military cooperation, economic interests and shared Islamic heritage. In September 2025, they formalised the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, which deems an attack on one as aggression against both. Recent high-level visits, including Prime Minister Sharif’s trips to Riyadh, have accelerated these developments. Earlier this month, Pakistani and Saudi military officials met in Riyadh to broaden strategic engagements.
What’s Next
Upcoming joint training and exercises will operationalise the elevated commitments. Further exchanges of expertise in defence and counterterrorism are anticipated. These steps aim to implement the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement fully, with potential for additional security protocols.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, November 25th, 2025
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