A Strategic Checkmate: The Defense Pact Reshaping the International Relations

The 2025 strategic defense pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia marks a major diplomatic milestone. Strengthening military and economic ties, it enhances Pakistan’s regional influence, bolsters Gulf security, and positions Islamabad as a key player between China, the US, and the Middle East. The agreement reflects a blend of constructivist and realist strategies, reinforcing Pakistan’s leadership role in the Muslim world.
Institutionalizing Collective Defense: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the Region’s Future

The Pakistan-Saudi Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement marks a historic shift from informal cooperation to a binding security alliance. Anchored in collective defense and deterrence, the pact reshapes Gulf security, challenges reliance on Western guarantees, and positions Islamabad as a formal net security provider in the region.
China, Saudi Arabia Sign MoU to Boost Nuclear Security Cooperation
![China and Saudi Arabia sign MoU to boost nuclear safety, deepen cooperation at first China-GCC nuclear technology forum. [Image via Global Times]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ea4bef6c-c261-4bf4-87a2-2351cb9cccee-1024x720.webp)
China and Saudi Arabia sign MoU to boost nuclear safety, deepen cooperation at first China-GCC nuclear technology forum.
Afghan Foreign Minister Calls for US Engagement with Current Government of Afghanistan
![Amir Khan Muttaqi urges US to engage with Afghanistan government, stressing stability and investment for progress. [Image via Tolo News]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/vlcsnap-2025-04-07-19h09m13s437.webp)
Amir Khan Muttaqi urges US to engage with Afghanistan government, stressing stability and investment for progress.
US Officials To Hold Separate Meetings With Russia, Ukraine in Saudi Arabia on Monday
![US, Ukrainian, and Russian officials resume talks in Saudi Arabia on a partial Ukraine-Russia ceasefire and Black Sea security. [Image via Reuters]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-03-20T123620Z_577754845_RC2ZGDAHV7KP_RTRMADP_3_UKRAINE-CRISIS-NORWAY-1742488717.webp)
US, Ukrainian, and Russian officials resume talks in Saudi Arabia on a partial Ukraine-Russia ceasefire and Black Sea security.
Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz to Begin 4-Day Official Visit to Saudi Arabia Today
![PM Shehbaz Sharif to visit Saudi Arabia to boost ties, discuss investment, and address key regional and global issues. [Image via The Express Tribune]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/mohaimin-shah-2025-03-18t140920-0591742288977-0.webp)
PM Shehbaz Sharif to visit Saudi Arabia to boost ties, discuss investment, and address key regional and global issues.
US-Ukraine Talks To Take Place In Saudi Arabia Next Week, Zelenskyy Says
![US and Ukraine to meet in Saudi Arabia next week for peace talks after Washington suspends military aid and intelligence sharing. [Image via Reuters]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-02-28T181054Z_188222762_RC2S3DAFME96_RTRMADP_3_UKRAINE-CRISIS-USA-1740829407.webp)
US and Ukraine to meet in Saudi Arabia next week for peace talks after Washington suspends military aid and intelligence sharing.
WHO: Saudi Arabia Confirms $500 Million Pledge to GPEI to End Polio in Afghanistan, Pakistan
![Saudi Arabia reaffirms its $500 Million pledge to GPEI, supporting polio eradication in Pakistan, Afghanistan amid funding shifts. [Image via Reuters/File]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HAWDGODLNBLOBCF7Y7VEGPJI2M.webp)
Saudi Arabia reaffirms its $500 Million pledge to GPEI, supporting polio eradication in Pakistan, Afghanistan amid funding shifts.
Saudi Official Mocks Trump’s Gaza Plan, Suggests Relocating Israelis To Alaska And Greenland
Saudi Shura Council member criticizes Trump’s Gaza plan, suggests relocating Israelis to Alaska, Greenland.
Syria’s Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa Visits Saudi Arabia
![Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa visits Saudi Arabia, seeking Gulf support for reconstruction and stability. [Image via Reuters]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-02-02T135341Z_998615876_RC2DMCAJQHY3_RTRMADP_3_SYRIA-POLITICS-SAUDI-1024x720.webp)
Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa visits Saudi Arabia, seeking Gulf support for reconstruction and stability.