Saudi National Day: Pak-Saudi Brotherhood and Strong Partnership

By M. Rashid Tabassum

Every year on September 23, the Saudi nation celebrates its National Day. On September 23, 1932, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud announced the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This year, Saudi Arabia is celebrating its 96th National Day. Pakistan’s relations with Saudi Arabia, established from the early days of Pakistan, are based on religious devotion, defence cooperation, economic interests and historic links. Saudi Arabia is an important spiritual centre of the Muslim world, while Pakistan is the only nuclear-armed country in the Muslim world. For Pakistanis, the relationship with Makkah and Madinah is not merely a matter of foreign policy; it is linked with faith and belief. This religious bond makes Pak-Saudi relations unique.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia established relations soon after Pakistan’s independence, and gradually developed into a strong partnership. Saudi Arabia was among the first countries to welcome the emergence of Pakistan as a new Muslim state. In 1951, the two countries signed their first treaty of friendship and cooperation. In 1954, King Saud visited Pakistan and described it as his second home. While looking at the Pakistani flag, he reportedly said, “This flag is mine. It is my country.” The era of King Faisal later became another chapter in bilateral relations, particularly in promoting bilateral ties and Muslim unity. Faisalabad and Shahrah-e-Faisal in Karachi carry his name, while Faisal Masjid in Islamabad remains a symbol of his support.

Writing more, the deep attachment to the Two Holy Mosques gives special importance to facilities provided to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Smart Hajj applications, electronic services, medical facilities and modern monitoring systems have further organized Hajj arrangements. Saudi Arabia has rendered a major service in the publication and distribution of the Holy Quran. The King Fahd Complex in Madinah has a production capacity exceeding 18 million copies of various publications, while translations of the meanings of the Quran have been published in more than 78 languages.

Saudi Arabia has stood with Pakistan during difficult times. During the wars of 1965 and 1971, it extended political, diplomatic and financial support to Pakistan. After Pakistan’s nuclear tests in 1998 and the resulting international sanctions, Saudi Arabia supplied oil to Pakistan on deferred payments. After the 2005 earthquake, floods and other disasters, Saudi assistance continued to reach Pakistan. Support for reconstruction and financial deposits also provided assistance to Pakistan’s economy during difficult periods.

Defence and security cooperation is another important pillar of Pak-Saudi relations. In 1967, a military agreement assigned the training of Saudi armed forces to Pakistan. This cooperation has continued for decades. More recently, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in Makkah on August 7, 2026. The agreement states that an armed attack against any one of the three countries shall be regarded as an attack against all, and emphasizes collective security, peace and regional stability. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has described the accord as defensive in nature and not directed against any country.

Concluding more, Pak-Saudi relations are now moving beyond religious and defence cooperation toward economic partnership. Through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), cooperation is expanding in agriculture, information technology, renewable energy, minerals and other sectors. Saudi interest in projects such as Reko Diq reflects this direction. Saudi Vision 2030 is also creating opportunities for Pakistani engineers, IT professionals, skilled workers and other professionals. Millions of Pakistanis live and work in Saudi Arabia and contribute to its development, while their remittances remain important for Pakistan’s economy.

On the diplomatic level, Saudi ambassadors in Pakistan have contributed to strengthening economic, cultural and educational links. The bond between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia continues to develop. On the 96th National Day of Saudi Arabia, the Pakistani nation extends heartfelt congratulates the people of Saudi Arabia and prays for the security, progress and prosperity of the Kingdom. May Allah Almighty further strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, cooperation and mutual trust between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Ameen.

Note: The writer is a freelance journalist, based in Lahore, can be reached at Rashid.vapk@gmail.com