Pakistan’s involvement in high-stakes negotiations between American envoys and Iranian diplomats in April this year took a new turn when Saudi Arabia publicly announced the arrival of Pakistani military forces and aircraft at King Abdulaziz Air Base. This disclosure raised concerns about Pakistan’s proclaimed neutrality as it highlighted a secret military obligation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
A report by Maldivian media outlet Etruth MV, based on an investigation by Drop Site News, unveiled the details of a classified defence agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. This agreement, known as the 2025 Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA), revealed that any aggression against one country would be considered an aggression against both.
The leaked documents indicated an asymmetrical nature of the pact, where Pakistan was bound to defend Saudi Arabia, but the reverse commitment was not explicitly stated. This revelation added a new dimension to the US-Iran ceasefire talks hosted by Pakistan, as it showcased the depth of Pakistan’s military ties with Saudi Arabia and raised questions about its neutrality and strategic vulnerabilities.
The US-Iran talks in Islamabad brought to light the complexities of Pakistan’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, showing that Pakistan’s obligations under the SMDA could potentially clash with its diplomatic efforts and regional security interests. The revelation of this covert military pact has reshaped the understanding of Pakistan’s role in the West Asian conflict.
