Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to arrive in Saudi Arabia for a two-day visit at a time when tensions in the Gulf region are intensifying. The timing of the trip is significant, as it occurs "against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Gulf," according to a statement from Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The visit is also expected to address evolving economic and strategic interests in the face of regional instability.
He will meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is one of the kingdom's top decision-makers. Their discussions are expected to focus on strengthening the longstanding and deepening partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Third High-Level Visit of the Year
This is the third visit by Sharif to Saudi Arabia within the year, highlighting the importance of maintaining and expanding this key diplomatic relationship. The visit comes just a week after Pakistan joined a new Saudi-led Red Sea naval coalition. Announced on July 30, this initiative is aimed at safeguarding shipping routes from attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has emerged as a major force in regional maritime security, and this coalition reinforces its leadership in the area.
According to Umer Karim, an associate fellow at the King Faisal Centre for Research and Islamic Studies, the visit has two main objectives. First, Pakistan is likely to seek increased financial assistance from Saudi Arabia, which has historically been a major source of support for the country. Second, it aims to secure approval for a deferred oil facility, which would allow Pakistan to manage its energy needs more effectively. In return, Pakistan is expected to reaffirm its strategic commitments to Saudi Arabia.
This mutual commitment was solidified in September 2025 when the two nations signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA). The SMDA is a key element in their evolving security partnership, particularly given the broader geopolitical context that includes tensions involving Saudi Arabia and Iran. This agreement marks a significant step in aligning the defense interests of both countries.
Regional Security and Maritime Cooperation
Strategic Defence Partnership Established
The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, signed in Riyadh, includes a key provision where each country agrees to treat an attack on the other as an attack on itself. This underscores a level of coordination and solidarity between the two nations. In practice, Pakistan has already taken action under this agreement. For instance, in April, Pakistani jets were deployed to a Saudi airbase, coinciding with U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks hosted in Islamabad.
In addition to the SMDA, Pakistan has joined a Saudi-led Red Sea coalition that includes 14 founding members. The coalition was launched in response to Houthi declarations of a maritime blockade and subsequent attacks on ships linked to Saudi Arabia. The initiative aims to ensure the safety and security of international shipping in the region, particularly in the Red Sea. Riyadh has been designated to host the coalition’s headquarters.
Analysts' Views on the SMDA
Muhammad Faisal, a doctoral candidate researching Pakistan's foreign policy at the University of Technology Sydney, provided insight into the SMDA's implications. He noted that the agreement has not fundamentally changed Pakistan's military posture in the Gulf. Instead, it functions as a mechanism for deterrence and crisis coordination. This means the pact is more about readiness and support in times of conflict rather than the deployment of new military forces.
Karim offered a more cautious perspective on the SMDA. He described the agreement as a "mix of signaling and deployments," suggesting that it serves both symbolic and practical purposes. He also emphasized that Pakistan has tried to avoid appearing directly aligned against Iran, even as it takes a more assertive stance against non-state actors such as the Houthis. This delicate balance is part of Pakistan's broader strategy to manage its complex regional relationships.