By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Saudi Arabia has reportedly requested Pakistani to send its troops to the Kingdom as part of a wider regional security strategy amid the Iran conflict. According to multiple media reports, Pakistan has already deployed 8000 troops, fighter jets and air defence systems in the kingdom under a confidential defence pact signed in 2025.
The immediate trigger appears to be fears in Riyadh over possible future Iranian attacks on Saudi oil facilities, military bases and cities. Iran-linked strikes earlier this year reportedly targeted Saudi infrastructure and raised concerns about the vulnerability of the kingdom’s eastern energy belt.
Saudi Arabia therefore wants additional military manpower and operational support from Pakistan for several reasons.
First, Pakistan possesses one of the largest and battle-tested armies in the Islamic world. Saudi Arabia has historically depended on Pakistani military expertise for training, air defence and protection of sensitive installations. Pakistani military personnel have served in Saudi Arabia for decades under earlier defence agreements.
Second, the kingdom wants to strengthen deterrence against Iran. The deployment of Pakistani JF-17 fighter jets, drone squadrons and Chinese-made HQ-9 air defence systems signals that Riyadh is preparing for possible escalation even after the current ceasefire efforts.
Third, Saudi Arabia may also be trying to reduce overdependence on direct military intervention by the US. Although the US remains Riyadh’s main security partner, recent regional conflicts exposed gaps in Gulf defence preparedness. Bringing Pakistani troops into the security framework provides Saudi Arabia with an additional Muslim ally capable of rapid deployment.
Economic considerations are equally important. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly supported Pakistan financially during periods of economic crisis through loans, oil facilities and investments. Analysts believe Islamabad’s military assistance partly reflects this long-standing strategic relationship.
At the same time, Pakistan is trying to maintain a delicate balance. Islamabad has publicly projected itself as a mediator between Iran and the US while simultaneously honouring its defence commitments to Saudi Arabia. Reports suggest Pakistan even helped facilitate indirect diplomatic communication between Tehran and Washington during the recent Iran conflict.
The troop deployment has therefore created questions about Pakistan’s neutrality in the region. Critics argue that while Islamabad speaks of mediation, its military support to Riyadh places it closer to the Saudi camp strategically.
For Saudi Arabia, however, the logic is straightforward: securing the kingdom’s borders, oil infrastructure and strategic assets against any future regional instability. Pakistan, with its experienced military and deep historic ties with Riyadh, remains one of the most reliable partners available to the Saud monarchy, analysts said.