ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) welcomed the signing of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 17 September 2025 in Riyadh.
The agreement was described by party officials as a reaffirmation of the longstanding friendship and strategic cooperation between the two brotherly nations.
PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram shared a statement via social media, retweeted by the party’s official account, emphasizing that the SMDA “strengthens the historic depth of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations, rooted in Islamic brotherhood, shared strategic interests, and long-standing mutual support.”
The statement added that enhancing defence and security collaboration carries potential to contribute positively to both bilateral and regional stability. PTI highlighted that its founding chairman, Imran Khan, had envisioned Pakistan as a nation that unites the Muslim world, builds cooperation among nations, and advances peace.
The party further noted that Pakistan’s partnership with Saudi Arabia is vital for safeguarding the sanctity of Harmain-ul-Sharifain, which it described as central to Pakistan’s belief system.
The PTI also urged authorities to share full details of the SMDA with the nation, ensuring transparency and public awareness.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to the strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia and praised the kingdom’s ongoing support for the people of Pakistan. “We believe that enhanced cooperation between the two brotherly countries will foster peace, stability, and prosperity not only for our two nations, but also for the wider region and the world,” the statement concluded.
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the defence agreement as a first step toward forming an Islamic bloc. Addressing a large public gathering at the conclusion of the Sindh Peace March, he emphasized Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s ability to lead the Muslim Ummah.
He reiterated Pakistan’s stance on Israel, calling it an illegitimate occupying force, and voiced support for the Sumud Flotilla heading towards Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid.
The SMDA strengthens Pakistan’s strategic position in the Gulf amid growing regional security concerns. Officials have indicated that the agreement will cover mutual defence, intelligence sharing, and joint training exercises, though detailed provisions have not been publicly released.
Analysts suggest that the pact signals Pakistan’s intent to reinforce regional security and highlight its role in uniting Muslim-majority nations around shared strategic and religious interests.
