Introduction
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share deep
historical, cultural, and religious ties that have always gone beyond ordinary
diplomacy. Their relationship is rooted in Islamic brotherhood, mutual trust,
and strategic interests. Among the most important aspects of this partnership
is their defense and security cooperation, often referred to as the Pakistan–Saudi
Arabia Defense Pact. Over the decades, this cooperation has brought several
achievements for Pakistan in terms of military strength, security, economic
opportunities, and international standing.
This article explains that the major achievements Pakistan has gained major achievements through its mutual
cooperation and defense pact with Saudi Arabia, while keeping in mind the
benefits, challenges, and the role this alliance plays in the global political
environment.
1.
Strengthening of Military Ties
One of the biggest achievements for
Pakistan has been the strengthening of its military-to-military relationship
with Saudi Arabia. Since the 1960s, Pakistan has provided military training,
defense equipment, and professional assistance to Saudi forces. This
cooperation helped Pakistan in several ways:
- Recognition of Pakistani Expertise: Pakistan’s army, air force, and navy gained
international recognition for their professionalism and discipline. Saudi
Arabia trusted Pakistani officers to train its troops, which enhanced
Pakistan’s reputation as a strong military power in the Muslim world.
- Joint Military Exercises: Pakistan regularly conducted joint drills and training
programs with Saudi forces. These exercises improved Pakistan’s
operational readiness and allowed it to learn modern defense strategies
while also exporting its military expertise.
- Deployment of Pakistani Troops in Saudi Arabia: At different times, Pakistan stationed thousands of
its troops in Saudi Arabia to provide defense and security. This not only
deepened trust but also gave Pakistan’s soldiers real-time experience in
desert warfare and modern defense practices.
2.
Economic Benefits through Defense Cooperation
Defense cooperation has also brought
economic advantages to Pakistan:
- Employment Opportunities: Thousands of Pakistani military trainers, engineers,
and skilled workers have been employed in Saudi Arabia under
defense-related projects. This provided jobs and a steady flow of
remittances back home.
- Defense Contracts:
Pakistan secured contracts for the maintenance and supply of defense
equipment to Saudi Arabia. This created business for Pakistan’s defense
industry, such as Heavy Industries Taxila and Pakistan Ordnance Factories.
- Financial Support in Difficult Times: Saudi Arabia has often supported Pakistan’s economy by
providing oil on deferred payments, direct financial aid, and investment.
Much of this trust is built on a strong defense relationship.
3.
Regional Security Cooperation
Through the pact, Pakistan and Saudi
Arabia have worked together to maintain peace and stability in the region:
- Protecting the Holy Mosques: Pakistan has always been ready to defend the Two Holy
Mosques in Makkah and Madinah. This religious responsibility increased
Pakistan’s respect in the Muslim world and strengthened its moral
position.
- Counter-Terrorism Efforts: Both countries cooperated in sharing intelligence and
combating extremist threats. Pakistan’s experience in counter-insurgency
operations was valuable for Saudi Arabia in improving its internal
security.
- Gulf Security:
Pakistan’s presence in Saudi Arabia during critical times (such as the
Iran-Iraq war and regional tensions in the Gulf) played a role in
stabilizing the security environment of the region.
4.
Technological and Defense Upgrades
Saudi Arabia’s defense cooperation
also gave Pakistan access to modern technology and funding:
- Air Force Development: Pakistan Air Force pilots trained in Saudi Arabia and
participated in joint missions, which improved their skills in handling
modern aircraft and advanced systems.
- Defense Industry Growth: Saudi investment and contracts provided opportunities
for Pakistan to develop its own defense production. This included small
arms, armored vehicles, and maintenance facilities.
- Research and Development: Defense cooperation created opportunities for
Pakistan to invest in research and expand its defense technology with
partial financial backing from Saudi Arabia.
5.
Political and Diplomatic Achievements
The defense pact has also given
Pakistan political advantages:
- Stronger Voice in the Muslim World: Pakistan’s role as a reliable defense partner of Saudi
Arabia made it a central figure in the politics of the Muslim world.
- Support in International Forums: Saudi Arabia has often supported Pakistan in the
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United Nations, and other
platforms, especially on the Kashmir issue.
- Balancing Relations with Other Powers: The alliance helped Pakistan balance its relations
with major powers like the United States and China, as Saudi Arabia itself
has close ties with these countries.
6.
Cultural and Religious Significance
Apart from defense and economics,
the pact strengthened cultural and religious bonds:
- Respect for Islamic Unity: By cooperating with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan positioned
itself as a defender of Islamic causes.
- Religious Diplomacy:
The commitment to protect the Two Holy Mosques increased Pakistan’s
respect among Muslim-majority nations.
- Humanitarian Support:
Saudi Arabia has extended help in natural disasters, such as earthquakes
and floods, in Pakistan. Much of this generosity is tied to the trusted
defense partnership.
7.
Pakistan’s Role in the Islamic Military Alliance
In 2015, Saudi Arabia announced the
formation of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), a
41-nation alliance to fight terrorism. Pakistan became an important member of
this alliance, and former Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif was appointed as its commander.
This was a major achievement for
Pakistan because:
- It placed Pakistan in a leadership role in the Muslim
world.
- It showcased Pakistan’s military credibility and
professionalism.
- It gave Pakistan influence in shaping strategies for
regional and global counter-terrorism efforts.
8.
Achievements in Energy and Strategic Cooperation
The defense pact also opened doors
for wider cooperation in energy and strategic projects:
- Oil Security:
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supply oil to Pakistan during economic crises
gave Pakistan energy security.
- Investments in Energy Projects: Saudi investment in refineries and energy plants in
Pakistan is linked to the trust built through defense relations.
- Strategic Partnership: This cooperation paved the way for broader agreements
in infrastructure, trade, and technology.
9.
Human Resource Development
Through this pact, many Pakistani
officers, engineers, and professionals gained international exposure:
- Training Abroad:
Pakistani military officials trained in Saudi academies and worked on
advanced defense systems.
- Professional Growth:
Civil engineers, doctors, and security experts sent under defense projects
gained global experience, which benefited Pakistan when they returned.
- Capacity Building:
Skills in modern warfare, intelligence gathering, and security management
were transferred to Pakistan.
10.
Strengthening Defense Diplomacy
Perhaps the most long-lasting
achievement is the improvement of Pakistan’s defense diplomacy:
- Pakistan proved itself as a reliable ally in the
Islamic world.
- The cooperation with Saudi Arabia helped Pakistan build
military links with other Gulf states like the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar.
- This enhanced Pakistan’s overall global defense
standing and created opportunities for defense exports.
Challenges
and Limitations
While the achievements are many, the
defense pact also brought challenges for Pakistan:
- Balancing Relations with Iran: Pakistan has to carefully manage its ties with Saudi
Arabia and its neighbor Iran to avoid regional tensions.
- Dependence on Saudi Aid: Some critics argue that Pakistan’s reliance on Saudi
financial aid weakens its economic independence.
- Pressure from Global Powers: At times, Pakistan faces diplomatic pressure because
of the Saudi connection, especially during Middle Eastern conflicts.
Conclusion
The Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Defense
Pact has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s defense and foreign policy for
decades. The achievements Pakistan gained from this cooperation are
vast, ranging from military strengthening, economic benefits, and regional
security roles to political support and cultural respect.
Pakistan’s soldiers, engineers, and
defense industries have benefited greatly from this relationship. At the same
time, Pakistan’s international standing in the Muslim world has been enhanced,
especially through its leadership in the Islamic Military Alliance.
Although there are challenges, the
partnership has proven to be one of Pakistan’s most successful defense
alliances in history. The future will depend on how both countries continue to
balance their security interests with regional peace and global cooperation.