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My beloved brothers and sisters in Pakistan —

I write to you today not in any official capacity, but as one who spent nine years among you as the Kingdom’s envoy, and who carries enduring gratitude for the love and respect shown to me and my leadership.

The recent signing of the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement between the Kingdom of �������� and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan marks a turning point in our already extraordinary journey together. For me, this moment is more than a diplomatic milestone — it is a deeply personal affirmation of a bond that is unshakable, enduring, and sacred.

It has been almost a decade and a half since I left Islamabad, my second home, but my memories of Pakistan are as vivid as ever. I recall the warmth of your hospitality, the depth of your friendship, and the courage with which your nation faced adversity during some of its darkest hours. With the direction and guidance of my leadership, I was proud to stand with you in the aftermath of the 2005 earthquake, and I witnessed your resilience during the trials and of terrorism and war.

That resilience is what makes Pakistan eternal.

As I noted in my recent Arab News column, the pact is a natural progression of our long-standing cooperation. Here, I wish to speak more personally to the people of Pakistan about the depth of history and the human bonds behind it.

The new defense pact is not simply about armies, weapons, or deterrence. It is about reaffirming our shared destiny. It is the culmination of decades of solidarity, sacrifice, and shared vision between our nations. It states in the clearest terms that aggression against one will be considered aggression against both, and that together, we will preserve peace and stability in our region. For the people of Pakistan, this agreement is a reassurance that your brothers in �������� will never leave you alone. For the people of the Kingdom, it is a reminder that we have in Pakistan not only an ally but also a family.

This moment is more than a diplomatic milestone

Dr. Ali Awadh Asseri

This mutual affection between leaders and peoples has always been consistent. When Pakistan emerged as a sovereign state in 1947, King Abdulaziz sent his heartfelt congratulations to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, praying that Pakistan become a strong pillar of Muslim brotherhood. Jinnah’s reply, pledging unity on the solid rock of Islam, laid the cornerstone of our friendship. King Faisal then transformed these words into deeds, calling Pakistan our “second line of defense” and ensuring that �������� would stand by you in every trial. King Fahd, King Abdullah, and King Salman each, in their time, extended this unwavering support to Pakistan in moments of difficulty and triumph alike.

And then, in 2019, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, speaking in Islamabad, touched every Pakistani heart when he declared: “Consider me Pakistan’s ambassador in ��������.”

Few words have ever captured the soul of our relationship so perfectly.

Since the beginning, �������� has stood by Pakistan in every storm — whether in times of devastating floods and earthquake, or when you endured crippling sanctions after the nuclear tests. And in turn, Pakistan has always stood by the Kingdom, whether advancing our shared interests, standing ready to defend the Two Holy Mosques and cities of Makkah and Madinah, or sharing the burdens of war and peace. The new pact signed in Riyadh is not the start of something new; it is the culmination of more than half a century of such steadfast solidarity.

What makes our relationship exceptional is that it transcends politics. Governments change, leaders change, but the bond between the people of �������� and the people of Pakistan never wavers. Each year, millions of Pakistanis travel to Makkah and Madinah for Hajj and Umrah, fulfilling a sacred duty that links our souls across centuries. Millions more have lived and worked in the Kingdom over the decades, building our cities and contributing to our prosperity. Their hard work and loyalty form a bridge of trust between our nations that no challenge can break.

This agreement, therefore, is not only the work of our leaders — it is the voice of the people. In Riyadh, I have seen the joy of Saudi citizens waving Pakistani flags as the pact was signed, just as I have heard of the jubilation in Islamabad and Lahore. Social media lit up with prayers and messages of love and happiness from both sides. This public embrace is proof that the agreement reflects the true will of our peoples.

At this historic moment, it is fitting to salute the leadership of Pakistan, past and present, for safeguarding this partnership. Successive prime ministers, presidents, and army chiefs have nurtured it with care, and today Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Gen. Asim Munir have raised it to a new peak. Their pragmatic leadership has restored Pakistan’s rightful place in global and regional diplomacy, crowned by this landmark security agreement with ��������. I also welcome the support shown across party lines, including by Imran Khan, while paying special tribute to Nawaz Sharif, under whose tenure Pakistan became the first Islamic nuclear power. This spirit of unity is our greatest strength and must be preserved.

For ��������, the security and stability of Pakistan are not matters of policy alone — they are matters of faith. We know that when Pakistan is strong, the Muslim world is stronger. We also know that your economy, your stability, and your political unity are vital not only for you but for us all. The Qur’an reminds us: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” Pakistan’s destiny lies in its unity. Political stability, policy continuity, and economic progress are essential for Pakistan to realize its full potential, and it is my heartfelt prayer that your great nation continues to advance, contributing to the prosperity of both our countries and the wider region.

The pact is defensive in nature. It does not threaten anyone; rather, it guarantees peace. It builds upon decades of defense cooperation: from the 1960s, when Pakistani officers trained the Royal Saudi Air Force, to the 1980s, when thousands of Pakistani troops stood guard on Saudi soil, to the joint counterterrorism efforts of recent decades. It reflects not a sudden shift, but the natural progression of a trust forged over generations. Today, it takes this history to the next level, institutionalizing a security partnership that has grown steadily for more than half a century.

The conclusion of this agreement is a testament to the visionary leadership of the crown prince, whose foresight has transformed the Kingdom and elevated its partnership with Pakistan to new heights. It reflects his deep affection for Pakistan and his far-sighted vision of bringing our two nations closer than ever, establishing him as a messenger of peace, progress, and moderation for �������� and the wider region. This milestone embodies the unshakable trust, brotherhood, and shared destiny of our two nations, united in the service and well-being of our peoples and the greater Muslim Ummah.

Our bond is not written in treaties; it is engraved in hearts

Dr. Ali Awadh Asseri

But beyond defense, this pact creates a shield under which our nations can build prosperity. Vision 2030 is transforming the Kingdom, opening new horizons of opportunity in industry, technology, and culture. Pakistan, with its youthful population, talented professionals, and entrepreneurial spirit, is a natural partner in this transformation. Already, we see growing investment ties, cooperation in energy, and new prospects for skilled Pakistani workers in our mega-projects. Defense gives us security and peace, but economic partnership will give us strength and prosperity.

Our bond is not written in treaties; it is engraved in hearts.

Together, we can create a future where Riyadh and Islamabad are not only protectors of peace but also engines of growth.

Above all, let us remember where the essence of our relationship lies: in the hearts of our people. Ordinary Pakistanis carry �������� in their hearts as the land of Islam’s holiest sites. Ordinary Saudis feel pride and gratitude for Pakistan as the shield of the Muslim world. These sentiments are not orchestrated; they are genuine, passed down from generation to generation. They explain why, even when governments face challenges, the bond never weakens. They explain why this agreement was welcomed not with hesitation but with joy. These themes, which I explore in depth in my forthcoming book, are at the heart of why our relationship has endured across generations.

My beloved brothers and sisters, the signing of this pact is not the end of a journey — it is the beginning of a new chapter. It is a chapter in which �������� and Pakistan, bound by faith and fortified by strategy, stand together as a beacon of unity in the Muslim world and as a pillar of peace in our region.

I share these reflections as a retired diplomat and independent scholar, guided only by my deep affection for Pakistan and its people. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, the people of Pakistan, for your unwavering love, your loyalty, and your prayers. You have given me memories I will cherish forever, and a bond I will never relinquish. Our past binds us, our present unites us, and our future calls us to even greater triumphs — together.

• Dr. Ali Awadh Asseri has served as the ambassador of the Kingdom of �������� in Pakistan (2001-2009) and Lebanon (2009-2017). He is currently the Deputy Chair of the Board of Trustees at Rasanah, the International Institute for Iranian Studies, based in Riyadh. He received the highest state honors for his distinctive diplomatic service, including the Hilal-e-Pakistan, the State Order of Lebanon, and the Order of King Abdulaziz and the Order of King Faisal. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Beirut Arab University, and is the author of “Combating Terrorism: ��������’s Role in the War on Terror” (Oxford University Press, 2009).