Chief of Defence Staff and Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, met with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud in Saudi Arabia on Saturday to discuss the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and recent Iranian attacks on the Kingdom.

 

After the meeting, the Saudi minister posted on X: “We discussed Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and the measures needed to halt them … We stressed that such actions undermine regional security and stability and expressed hope that the Iranian side will exercise wisdom and avoid miscalculation.”

 

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share a multifaceted relationship rooted in strategic military cooperation, economic interests, and Islamic heritage. Riyadh has historically provided financial assistance and oil supplies to Pakistan, strengthening bilateral ties.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently credited Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts with helping prevent heavier Iranian strikes on Saudi Arabia. He said the attacks were aimed at United States military bases and allied facilities in the Gulf.

 

In a related development, Pakistan requested Saudi Arabia to provide an alternative oil supply route through Yanbu. The move comes after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, to maintain the country’s fuel supply chain.

 

The meeting follows the “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” signed in Riyadh in September last year between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Under the pact, any attack on either country is considered an act of aggression against both.