Published on, Sept. 19 -- September 19, 2025 8:24 PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent trip to Riyadh was, by no means, an ordinary affair. Escorted by Saudi Royal Air Force jets and greeted with a guard of honour from the Saudi Armed Forces, it was a spectacle destined for the history books. More than a ceremony, it carried a clear message from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman: respect, confirmation and intent. The welcome signalled that Pakistan's partnership is valued and its deterrence deemed essential.

That this display coincided with the signing of a defence pact-committing that an attack on one would be treated as an attack on both-lent it even greater weight. Pakistani troops have been stationed in the Kingdom since the lat...