Saudi Arabia and Pakistan’s new defence pact signals unity but reveals an asymmetric alliance. Analysts argue Pakistan, the junior partner, may shoulder heavier military commitments, including potential nuclear support, while Riyadh’s reciprocity remains largely limited to economic and political backing.
The recently signed defence pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan has drawn international attention, not only for its scope but also for its underlying asymmetries. While the agreement, inked in Riyadh on September 17, pledges mutual defence, experts argue that Pakistan — the “junior partner” in the arrangement — is expected to bear the heavier military and strategic burden.
The deal was formalized with strong words of solidarity: “Any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.” Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif went a step further, suggesting that Saudi Arabia could potentially gain access to Islamabad’s nuclear programme if circumstances demanded. The bold statement underscored the depth of the commitment Pakistan is willing to extend to its Gulf ally, but analysts remain skeptical about whether such reciprocity would be equally forthcoming from Riyadh.
Economic and Political Gains for Pakistan
For Pakistan, the agreement carries both economic and political significance. Saudi Arabia’s promised investments could help Islamabad address its chronic balance-of-payments crisis, offering much-needed relief to an economy weighed down by debt, inflation, and currency instability. Politically, the deal signals Riyadh’s continued support at a time when Pakistan is balancing its relations with the United States, China, and the wider Muslim world.
By cementing this pact, Pakistan gains a semblance of security and recognition, bolstered by Saudi Arabia’s regional clout and financial influence. However, as experts caution, this support may come at the cost of Pakistan assuming greater military responsibilities to safeguard Saudi interests.
The Military Dimension: A One-Sided Commitment?
The EurAsian Times opinion piece by Nitin J Ticku highlighted that Pakistan has historically come to Saudi Arabia’s aid in times of crisis. Pakistani troops were deployed during the 1979 Grand Mosque seizure in Mecca, as well as in Saudi military campaigns linked to Yemen. The report suggested that under the new agreement, Islamabad might once again send conventional forces to protect Saudi oil fields or holy sites.
In a worst-case scenario involving direct confrontation with Iran or even Israel, experts believe Pakistan could be pressured to extend its “nuclear umbrella” to Riyadh — a commitment far exceeding conventional military deployments. Such obligations place Pakistan in a precarious position, particularly when weighed against the limited assurances it may receive from Saudi Arabia in the event of its own existential threats.
Ticku notes that if Pakistan were to face a crisis, such as an escalation along the Line of Control with India, Saudi assistance would likely be restricted to diplomatic backing or financial aid. The kingdom’s reluctance to commit troops abroad highlights the imbalance in expectations between the two sides.
Parallel with Russia-North Korea Pact
The Saudi-Pakistan agreement has also been compared to another asymmetric alliance: the comprehensive strategic partnership signed in 2024 between Russia and North Korea. Both pacts share a similar pattern, where economically strained yet militarily capable nations — Pakistan and North Korea — offer substantial defence commitments to resource-rich powers — Saudi Arabia and Russia.
According to Ticku, Russia has been extracting munitions and military aid from North Korea to sustain its war machine, while Saudi Arabia secures a potential nuclear backstop from Pakistan against threats from Iran or Israel. In return, both junior partners primarily receive financial or political lifelines, but not equal military reciprocity.
This arrangement, the report argues, echoes the dynamics of Cold War-era security frameworks, though in an inverted form. Unlike alliances where the stronger partner provides extended protection, here the “senior” powers dictate terms from a position of advantage, leaving their junior partners shouldering the heavier risks.
Symbolism Over Substance
Ultimately, analysts suggest that the Saudi-Pakistan pact is more symbolic than substantive. It represents a political statement of defiance against the waning influence of the United States in the Middle East, rather than a carefully designed blueprint for mutual defence. The solidarity projected on paper may mask the reality of uneven burdens and expectations.
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For Pakistan, the arrangement may still offer temporary relief, both financially and diplomatically. Yet the prospect of being drawn into Saudi Arabia’s regional rivalries — whether with Iran or Israel — underscores the precarious nature of Islamabad’s position. As with Russia and North Korea, the dynamics of this asymmetric alliance may reveal less about mutual protection and more about strategic expediency.
