United as One in the Guardianship of the Haram

By Dr. Muhammad Tayyab Khan Singhanvi, Ph.D.

The strategic mutual defense pact concluded between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is not merely a military or diplomatic development; it is a historic milestone whose effects will echo across decades, reshaping both regional and global politics. Its uniqueness in 2025 lies in the fact that it emerged at a time when the Middle East has become the epicenter of fierce geopolitical rivalries, energy crises, regional disputes, and the contest of global powers. Within such a fraught environment, the decision of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to stand together in safeguarding their security and the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques is nothing short of monumental.

Though Pakistani commandos have in the past stood as an iron wall in the defense of the Haram, this pact has now institutionalized that commitment in the form of a structured and comprehensive framework, heralding a major shift in the balance of global politics. It embodies the very spirit of the Qur’anic command:

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.”

(Āl ʿImrān: 103)

At its core, this agreement rests on the principle that an attack on one will be considered an attack on both. Its practical meaning is that the adversaries of either Pakistan or Saudi Arabia must now understand that any aggression will invite a joint response. This provision is not merely a deterrent to hostile regional forces but also a clear and unequivocal message to global powers that the two leading nations of the Muslim world will brook no compromise in their security.

When the world’s only Muslim nuclear power, Pakistan, joins hands with Saudi Arabia, the spiritual and economic nucleus of the Islamic world, their partnership naturally transforms the strategic landscape of the region. It is the very essence of brotherhood described in the Qur’an:

“Indeed, the believers are but brothers. So make peace between your brothers.”

(al-Ḥujurāt: 10)

The history of Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations spans nearly eight decades. Since Pakistan’s inception, Saudi Arabia has stood by its side at every critical juncture, whether in diplomacy, energy, or times of economic strain. In return, Pakistan has always regarded Saudi Arabia’s security as synonymous with its own. Pakistani forces have served on Saudi soil, offering training and participating in joint exercises. This pact ushers that long-standing fraternity into a new era. It recalls the timeless counsel of the Prophet ﷺ:

“The believer to another believer is like a building whose parts strengthen one another.”

(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

At the center of this diplomatic achievement stands Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Army Chief. Through close consultations and trust-building with the Saudi leadership, he crafted a framework that wove together Pakistan’s military expertise with Saudi Arabia’s economic and diplomatic influence. His success marks a proud moment for both the military and political leadership of Pakistan.

The regional reverberations of this agreement are immense. Iran, long locked in rivalry with Saudi Arabia, will perceive it as a formidable challenge. Yet, after the thaw in Saudi–Iran relations brokered by China, Tehran is unlikely to oppose it openly, though it may express diplomatic reservations. For Israel, however, the pact is deeply unsettling: Saudi Arabia’s military posture is fortified, while Pakistan’s participation adds a new layer of strength, one that could seriously constrain Israeli ambitions in the region. And for India, this development is nothing less than a strategic nightmare; in effect, it shatters its long-standing designs against Pakistan, laying bare the futility of its hostile agenda.

The United States and the broader Western world will view this pact as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it reassures them that a robust defense framework now underpins regional peace. On the other hand, it threatens to erode their traditional dominance. The recent volatility in U.S.–Saudirelations underscores Riyadh’s new trajectory of diversified partnerships. The pact with Pakistan is but a continuation of this multi-vector policy. Meanwhile, China will welcome it as a constructive step toward diluting American influence and consolidating Asian solidarity.

Economically, the pact holds equally profound implications for Pakistan. Beyond the unparalleled honor of being entrusted with the defense of the Two Holy Mosques, it opens avenues for vast Saudi investment and financial cooperation. Alongside defense, new opportunities will arise in trade and industry. For an economy long plagued by crises, Pakistan now stands poised for renewed stability through Saudi capital and joint ventures.

Equally significant is the moral and symbolic elevation of Pakistan’s stature within the Islamic world. No longer merely a nuclear state, it is now entrusted with the guardianship of Islam’s holiest sanctuaries. This responsibility amplifies its diplomatic, religious, and moral standing. Across the Muslim world, the pact will be greeted as a welcome assurance that the Haramain are protected by the shield of a resolute Muslim military force. It is the very solidarity envisioned by the Prophet ﷺ:

“The example of the believers in their mutual love, compassion, and mercy is that of a single body: when one limb suffers, the whole body responds with wakefulness and fever.”

(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

Yet, with this glory come formidable challenges. Pakistan must first strengthen its internal stability, for the defense of the Haramain is an immense responsibility. Political turmoil, economic fragility, and internal discord could undermine this sacred duty. Pakistan’s leadership must recognize that its role has transcended national boundaries; it now carries the mantle of a broader Islamic responsibility. Similarly, Saudi Arabia must ensure that alongside Pakistan, other Muslim nations are also engaged so that this pact is not perceived as a narrow bloc but rather as the foundation of a wider Islamic unity. The Qur’an warns:

“And do not dispute, lest you lose courage and your strength depart.” (al-Anfāl: 46)

In the larger canvas of global politics, the true consequences of this pact will unfold in the years to come. The balance of power will shift, new diplomatic alignments will emerge, and novel military coalitions will take shape. If guided wisely, the Pakistan–Saudi partnership can evolve into a pillar of stability and security not only for the region but for the entire Muslim world.

Ultimately, this pact breathes life into the vision articulated by Allama Iqbal a century ago: “Unite as one in the guardianship of the Haram.” Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have together taken a decisive step toward realizing that dream. It is more than a defense agreement; it is a civilizational, spiritual, and historical covenant, a beacon of hope for the Islamic world in the times to come.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Defense Pact (SMDA)