Pakistani social media users have reacted positively after the only Muslim country that possesses nuclear weapons and the oil-rich Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on Wednesday signed a formal mutual defence pact in Riyadh.
The signing of the pact was announced in a statement issued from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) late Wednesday, stating that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an act of aggression against both”.
“This agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieve security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defence cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression,” the statement read.
The statement further said that the agreement was signed based on the “historic partnership extending for nearly eight decades … based on the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, … shared strategic interests and close defence cooperation”, between Islamabad and Riyadh.
The development came a week after illegal Israeli strikes on Qatar heightened security concerns in the Middle East and months after Pakistan shot down six Indian fighter jets, including three French made Gen 4.5 Rafales on the night of May 6 and 7 during the conflict with India.
Internet users were quick to react to the historic pact, with some highlighting Pakistan’s growing strategic importance in the region.
Veteran Journalist Matiullah Jan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “The defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia seems to be a game changer. The United States has apparently lost its credibility as a defense ally due to Israel’s attack on Qatar and [the] alleged complicity of US forces stationed there.”
He maintained that Pakistan’s recent triumph over Indian aggression has put the country in a leadership role in the Muslim world.
“As one who has been advocating ‘Grand Bargain’ between Pakistan & oil-rich Muslim countries, leveraging Pakistan military might with Muslim countries economic strength, Pakistan-Saudi Defence Pact is hugely welcome development for Muslim Ummah Solidarity, bidding goodbye to West dependency! 52 years ago, in October 1973 War, Pakistan protected Arab Security!” analyst Mushahid Hussain Sayed said.
One of the social media users expressed optimism about the future alliance. “Ladies and gentlemen, a new era has begun. More such defence agreements will follow. Pakistan will lead, In Sha Allah”
“Every Pakistani should feel proud of Pakistan today. This is how important our country is in the region, a new chapter of beautiful friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia,” opined one person.
Some netizens rebuked India’s apparent “strategy” to diplomatically isolate Pakistan on the international stage. “If the Indian strategy of the past 11 years was to diplomatically isolate Pakistan, it is not going too well in 2025. China, [the] United States, and now Saudi Arabia,” said a netizen, highlighting the thaw between Islamabad and Washington DC, as both signed a mineral pact recently.
Meanwhile, many celebrated the announcement by sharing memes across social media platforms. Here are some of them:
