NEWS DESK (MNN); Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, met Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud in Saudi Arabia on Saturday to review the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East, particularly in light of Iran’s recent missile and drone attacks on the Kingdom.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military chief visited Saudi Arabia and held detailed discussions with the Saudi defence minister regarding the escalating tensions and their implications for regional stability.
The statement said both sides expressed deep concern over the gravity of the situation created by Iranian drone and missile strikes targeting Saudi territory. They also discussed possible joint measures to counter such threats under the framework of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia last year.
Officials emphasized that unprovoked aggression threatens regional peace and undermines efforts aimed at maintaining stability in the Middle East. They noted that continued hostilities could further complicate diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes through peaceful dialogue.
During the meeting, both countries reiterated their commitment to regional security and expressed hope that Iran would act with prudence and avoid steps that could escalate tensions further.
“Both sides expressed hope and desire that the brotherly country Iran would demonstrate wisdom and sagacity to avoid any miscalculation and strengthen the efforts of friendly nations seeking a peaceful resolution to the crisis,” the ISPR statement said.
Earlier, Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman also confirmed the meeting through a post on social media platform X. He said discussions with Pakistan’s army chief focused on Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and measures required to halt them.
“We discussed Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and the measures needed to halt them,” the Saudi minister wrote. “Such actions undermine regional security and stability. We hope the Iranian side will exercise wisdom and avoid miscalculation.”
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share longstanding strategic relations built on military cooperation, economic ties, and deep cultural and religious bonds. Riyadh has historically been one of Islamabad’s key economic partners, providing financial assistance and energy supplies during difficult economic periods.
Earlier this week, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar revealed that Pakistan had played a diplomatic role in preventing more severe Iranian strikes on Saudi Arabia during the ongoing regional tensions. Iran has reportedly been launching missile and drone attacks targeting United States military bases and allied facilities across the Gulf.
Amid the growing crisis, Pakistan has also sought to secure alternative energy routes to ensure continuity of its oil supply. Following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after the US-Israeli attack on Iran, Islamabad formally requested Saudi Arabia to facilitate oil shipments through the Yanbu port on the Red Sea.
The security cooperation between the two countries was further strengthened last year when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in Riyadh. Under the agreement, any attack on one country would be treated as an act of aggression against both, reinforcing their commitment to collective defence.
