Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Yamama Palace, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Sept 17, 2025. —Saudi Gazette/File

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and security as he congratulated the Kingdom on its National Day.

Saudi Arabia observes its National Day on September 23, commemorating the unification of the Kingdom under King Abdulaziz in 1932.

In a message posted on X, PM Shehbaz congratulated the Saudi leadership and people on the country’s progress and transformation. He also reiterated Pakistan’s condemnation of recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including an alleged attempted drone attack targeting Makkah.

The prime minister said any threat to the security of the Haramain Sharifain deeply affects Muslims around the world.

“Pakistan stands unwaveringly, shoulder to shoulder, with the Kingdom in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and the sanctity of Islam’s holiest sites,” he said.

PM Shehbaz also praised Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for what he described as the Kingdom’s progress in prosperity, modernisation and innovation.

He said relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were developing into a stronger strategic partnership based on shared commitments to peace, security and regional stability.

The prime minister highlighted the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, signed in September 2025, under which an attack on either country is to be treated as an act of aggression against both.

He also referred to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on August 7, 2026. The agreement provides for member states to treat an attack against one of them as an attack against all three.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office said last week that Islamabad remained committed to implementing both agreements.

PM Shehbaz concluded his message by expressing hope that the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would continue to strengthen.

President Zardari felicitates Saudi leadership

President Asif Ali Zardari also extended felicitations to the Saudi leadership and people on the Kingdom’s National Day.

According to the Presidency, President Zardari said the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement had further strengthened the strategic dimension of the longstanding Pakistan-Saudi partnership.

In letters addressed to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the president highlighted the two countries’ longstanding ties based on faith, shared history, friendship, mutual trust and solidarity.

He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain close cooperation and mutual support at bilateral, regional and international forums.

President Zardari expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to expand across areas of mutual interest for the benefit of both countries and their people.

The messages come amid heightened regional tensions involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement. Pakistan has recently reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia’s security while also calling for dialogue and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also signed an agreement on September 22 to waive visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official and special passports, a move aimed at facilitating high-level engagement and institutional exchanges.