Islamabad — Saudi Arabia has awarded its highest national honour to Pakistan’s powerful army chief, Asim Munir, in a move widely seen as underscoring the deepening strategic and defence ties between the two close allies. The recognition comes months after the two countries formalised a new defence cooperation pact, highlighting growing collaboration on security, counterterrorism and regional stability.
According to Pakistan’s military, Field Marshal Asim Munir was conferred the King Abdulaziz Medal of the Excellent Class during an official visit to Riyadh on Sunday. The award was presented as part of high-level engagements between Pakistani and Saudi leadership, reinforcing what both sides describe as a “historic and brotherly relationship.”
The honour follows the signing of a defence agreement earlier this year between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which reaffirmed the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations. The pact places renewed emphasis on defence collaboration, counterterrorism efforts, and institutional military coordination.
In September, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif added a new dimension to the partnership when he said Islamabad’s nuclear programme “will be made available” to Saudi Arabia if required under the framework of the defence agreement — a remark that drew regional and international attention.
Munir’s visit to Saudi Arabia is particularly significant as it marks his first tour of the Kingdom and other Islamic countries since his promotion to Pakistan’s newly created position of Chief of Defence Forces. The role was established to strengthen coordination among Pakistan’s army, navy and air force, reflecting an effort to modernise military command and enhance joint operational readiness.
In an official statement, Pakistan’s military said the conferring of the award “underscores the depth of Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations and the shared determination of both nations to further strengthen strategic cooperation in pursuit of regional and global peace.” The honour, it added, recognises Munir’s military service, leadership, and efforts to advance defence cooperation and institutional linkages between the two countries.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have maintained close economic, religious and security ties for decades. Islamabad has repeatedly stated its willingness to help protect Islam’s holiest sites in Mecca and Medina, while Riyadh has provided critical financial assistance to Pakistan during periods of economic stress, including helping the country avert defaults on foreign debt obligations.
During meetings with senior Saudi officials in Riyadh, discussions focused on regional security dynamics, defence and military cooperation, and evolving geopolitical challenges. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening what they described as “deep-rooted, historic and brotherly relations,” according to the military statement.
Saudi leaders praised Munir’s professionalism, strategic outlook and leadership, the statement said. In response, Munir expressed gratitude for the honour, describing it as a reflection of the enduring bond between the two nations. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security, stability and prosperity.
Munir’s rising profile has been shaped in part by recent regional developments. Earlier this year, Pakistan said it successfully repelled India during a four-day border confrontation between the nuclear-armed neighbours. The escalation followed an Indian military operation targeting militants inside Pakistan, which New Delhi accused of involvement in the killing of 26 tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The confrontation saw tit-for-tat strikes in May before tensions eased after Donald Trump announced that India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire, helping avert a wider conflict.
Analysts say the Saudi award reflects not only personal recognition of Munir’s leadership but also Riyadh’s intent to reinforce defence ties with Islamabad at a time of shifting regional alliances and security challenges. For Pakistan, the gesture strengthens its standing in the Islamic world and reinforces the strategic value of its long-standing partnership with the Kingdom.
As both countries navigate complex regional dynamics, the honour conferred on Pakistan’s army chief signals continuity — and possibly expansion — in one of South Asia and the Middle East’s most enduring defence relationships.
