Saudi Arabia Awards Pakistan’s Army Chief Top National Honor Following Defense Pact

According to Rokna, citing NBC, Saudi Arabia, which has maintained close economic, religious, and security relations with Pakistan for decades, has conferred its highest national award on Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during his visit to Riyadh, Pakistan’s military announced on Monday. The move highlights the deepening ties between the two nations, including their cooperation in counterterrorism.

Munir received the King Abdulaziz Medal of the Excellent Class on Sunday, several months after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a defense agreement with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emphasizing the longstanding strategic relationship between the countries.

In September, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif stated that the country’s nuclear program “would be made available” to Saudi Arabia if necessary under the terms of the new defense pact.

Munir’s visit to Saudi Arabia and other Islamic nations marks his first trip since his appointment to Pakistan’s newly established post of Chief of Defense Forces, a role designed to enhance coordination among the army, navy, and air force.

Earlier this year, Munir gained prominence after Pakistan successfully repelled India in a four-day border conflict. The nuclear-armed neighbors exchanged retaliatory strikes in May following an Indian operation targeting militants inside Pakistan, which New Delhi alleged were involved in the killing of 26 tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. The confrontation eased after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that both countries had agreed to an immediate and full ceasefire.

In a statement, Pakistan’s military said the award presented to Munir “reflects the depth of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations and the shared determination of both nations to further strengthen strategic cooperation for regional and global peace.” The statement added that the honor recognizes Munir’s military service, leadership, and efforts in promoting defense collaboration, strategic coordination, and institutional links between the two countries.

During meetings with Saudi officials on Sunday, discussions focused on regional security, defense and military cooperation, strategic collaboration, and evolving geopolitical challenges, the military reported. Both nations reaffirmed their “deep-rooted, historic, and brotherly relations.”

Saudi leaders praised Munir’s professionalism and strategic vision, while Munir expressed his gratitude for the honor, describing it as a reflection of the enduring ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the kingdom’s security, stability, and prosperity.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have maintained defense relations for decades, in part due to Islamabad’s expressed readiness to help safeguard the Islamic holy sites in Mecca and Medina. The Kingdom has also provided financial assistance to Pakistan to help it avoid defaults on foreign debt payments.