ISLAMABAD: Former Saudi Ambassador Dr Ali Awadh Asseri has issued a powerful affirmation of the unbreakable defence bond between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
In a statement that has reverberated across regional media, Asseri declared that Pakistan would never abandon the Kingdom in its hour of need.
He revealed that if Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman were to call Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif requesting 100,000 Pakistani troops for the protection of the holy lands, the response would come without a moment’s delay beyond travel time.
This pledge comes amid heightened regional tensions and just weeks after Pakistan completed its largest-ever military deployment to Saudi Arabia.
Under the landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed on 17 September 2025 in Riyadh, any aggression against one nation is now treated as an attack on both.
Saudi defence ministry confirmed on 11 April 2026 that approximately 13,000 Pakistani soldiers along with 10 to 18 Pakistan Air Force fighter jets and support aircraft have arrived at King Abdulaziz Air Base in the Kingdom’s eastern province.
This deployment builds on decades of cooperation where Pakistan has consistently stood as a reliable partner for Saudi security.
Historical records show Pakistan deployed over 11,000 troops during the 1990-91 Gulf War to safeguard the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah.
Pakistani forces have trained between 8,000 and 10,000 Saudi military personnel over the years, enhancing operational readiness across ground and air domains.
More than 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates currently contribute to Saudi Arabia’s economy, strengthening people-to-people ties that underpin the strategic alliance.
Asseri, who served as Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan from 2001 to 2009 and now serves as deputy chairman of the International Institute for Iranian Studies in Riyadh, emphasised the depth of this partnership.
He noted that Pakistan’s military expertise combined with Saudi Arabia’s strategic location creates a formidable deterrent that no leadership change can weaken.
Regional analysts point out that the 2025 pact formalises what has long been an instinctive alliance rooted in shared faith and mutual respect.
Pakistan Armed Forces have repeatedly demonstrated their professionalism and rapid deployment capabilities in support of Saudi stability.
The recent arrival of Pakistani troops and jets underscores Islamabad’s commitment to collective defence under the new agreement.
This move also enhances joint operational coordination and bolsters security in a strategically vital corridor overlooking key maritime routes.
Defence experts highlight that such deployments reflect Pakistan’s growing role as a stabilising force in the broader Middle East.
The statement by Asseri arrives at a time when both nations are navigating complex regional dynamics with confidence in each other’s reliability.
Pakistan’s defence establishment continues to modernise its capabilities while extending proven expertise to longstanding allies like Saudi Arabia.
Economic linkages further reinforce this bond, with Saudi investments and deferred oil facilities providing critical support during Pakistan’s economic challenges.
The holy lands remain central to this relationship, with Pakistani forces viewing their protection as a sacred duty aligned with national values.
Asseri’s remarks serve as a timely reminder of the enduring trust that defines Pakistan-Saudi relations across military, diplomatic and cultural spheres.
As the deployment of 13,000 troops integrates fully into Saudi defence architecture, both countries signal readiness to face any future challenges together.
This alliance not only safeguards shared interests but also projects strength and unity across the Muslim world.
Pakistan Armed Forces stand prepared, as always, to honour commitments that have defined decades of fraternal partnership.
